Historical context of vehicle registration for military purposes
Earlier, owners of UAZ vehicles and motorcycles such as Dnepr and Ural had to register these vehicles with military registration and recruitment offices. It is worth noting that the Niva model did not require such registration.
Today, four‑wheel drive vehicles capable of supporting military needs during hostilities do not require registration with military registration and recruitment offices. Yet this change does not alter the overall situation. The military authorities still obtain comprehensive information about vehicles of interest from the traffic police data directly, even without separate registration.
Which transport is suitable for military operations?
Order No. 151 issued by the Customs Union under the Ministry of Defense of Russia on March 14, 2014 lists the types of vehicles allocated for use by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations, and bodies, including special formations created for wartime.
The list includes:
- trucks
- buses
- trailers
- tractors, among others
Since 2018, cars have also been added to the roster.
What kinds of cars attract military interest?
Primarily, vehicles already in service with the army are prioritized because spare parts are stocked and accessible, allowing maintenance and operation on the road. This includes frame SUVs such as the UAZ-3163 Patriot, UAZ-3153 Hussar, and UAZ-3151, with newer examples like the Haval H9 entering the fold.
For instance, using a Toyota Land Cruiser on public roads can be impractical if a breakdown occurs; in such cases, the vehicle might need to be left behind. However, logistics needs can differ: if the goal is to deliver cargo or people on public roads, a passenger car may be permissible under some circumstances.
Current policy does not involve mass confiscation of civilian vehicles for military use. The army is adequately equipped with its own inventory, and personal transport can be used only under martial law.
Nevertheless, a discussion with a lawyer clarified a key point for vehicle owners: in the event of seizure of a vehicle for state needs, the owner should be aware of the procedures and implications.