A man recounts a family situation where his father recently died and his father’s car has passed to him. He is waiting for the inheritance law to take effect over a six month period. In September routine maintenance of the car is due, and that maintenance is crucial to avoid losing the vehicle’s warranty. During an MOT appointment, a traffic police officer stopped him, noting that the license plate had been crossed out and the vehicle’s registration details were being checked. A fine was issued. The question is whether this situation is lawful and what steps should be taken next.
The head of the Main Directorate of Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Lieutenant General of Police Mikhail Chernikov, answers questions from readers. |
Under the Federal Law of August 3, 2018 No. 283-FZ, titled On State Registration of Vehicles in the Russian Federation and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation, the death of the vehicle owner is one ground that can terminate the vehicle registration. This information is typically reported to the National Traffic Inspectorate by the corresponding registration office. When this occurs, the state registration plates and registration documents become invalid, and the registration unit records the change in the system of lost or invalid documents within the National Traffic Inspectorate.
Driving a vehicle with invalid registration is prohibited. If someone drives in violation of this prohibition, they may face administrative liability under Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation, which can result in a fine ranging from 500 to 800 rubles. In practice, this means the actions of the National Traffic Inspectorate officials are considered legal when the registration has been properly terminated by the appropriate authorities.
After the legal period for the estate to be entered is completed, it becomes possible to restore the vehicle’s state registration and to have full control over the vehicle, including routine maintenance. The owner should apply for registration at the appropriate registration department of the National Traffic Inspectorate using the correct application form.
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