A resident of Aniva, a town in Sakhalin Region, was on a routine search for his license plate in a shallow puddle when the unexpected happened. While scanning the water, he unintentionally retrieved two other license plates that had been pulled from the same puddle earlier by others. The incident was captured and shared by a Telegram channel associated with Sakhalin, known as PE Sakhalin.
The sequence began after the driver navigated a particularly deep puddle along a dirt road near the town beach. He initially believed his own plate was still somewhere at the bottom, so he began a careful search in the murky water. In the process, he ended up lifting two additional plates from the same watery spot. Coincidentally, the plate belonging to the Sakhalin resident who recorded the video was among those recovered, also submerged and visible as the scene unfolded.
In the footage, the man reflects on his experience and asks a pointed question about others who might have left plates behind. He explains that anyone who recognizes a plate they lost can come forward to reclaim it. He mentions that if the puddle persists, he will simply wait for it to dry so he can recheck the area more effectively. The video captures a pragmatic, almost lighthearted moment amid an unusual discovery.
The man did not abandon the effort after the water receded. Once the puddle dried, he planned another search in the same location, hoping to locate any pieces of the license plate that might have remained hidden in the sediment or mud. The incident drew attention to the practical challenges of roadside maintenance and the unpredictable ways in which simple weather events can lead to surprising finds.
Separately, Anton Tkachev, who formerly served as Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, suggested a policy shift regarding license plates. He proposed legalizing the sale of aesthetically pleasing license plates through auctions hosted on the portal of the State Services, presenting a potential market for unique and attractive combinations rather than relying solely on standard formats. This idea reflects broader discussions about accessibility and personalization in vehicle registration while raising questions about regulation, fairness, and public interest. Noting the cultural and administrative implications, supporters argue that auctions could provide a transparent mechanism for plate allocation while offering collectors an opportunity to acquire special designs through official channels. Critics, however, caution about potential confusion or misuse and emphasize the need for safeguards to maintain clarity in vehicle identification and law enforcement.