In recent months, reports have emerged about vehicle registration documents issued by traffic police losing their neat appearance and quality within a short time after issuance. Several car owners cited by Quto describe how their certificates look worn just days after they are issued, raising concerns about durability and reliability of the documents.
After processing at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, a non-durable lamination film is applied to the vehicle registration certificate and is peeled away from the paper base almost immediately after printing. This makes the certificate vulnerable to damage and renders it difficult to keep in good condition. Owners have found that attempting to laminate the document themselves does not work, since protective elements are embedded in the film used on the certificate. Some drivers who reported layer separation to the STS were urged to have the document re-run through the lamination process by the inspector. In practice, this meant asking for a reissue and a new lamination cycle from the authorities for a restored, legible certificate.
Quto notes that a change in the film supplier for the certificate forms may bring about similar issues, particularly if the new material does not meet the durability standards expected by vehicle owners and officials. The quality and longevity of the lamination film, the glue used, and the printing substrate all interact to determine how well the document holds up under everyday use, handling, and exposure to light, moisture, and friction. These factors influence whether the certificate remains readable and presentable over time or begins to show wear quickly, undermining trust in the document and raising questions about the processes used to produce official vehicle records.
Historical context suggests there have long been challenges in maintaining road infrastructure and associated documents in good condition. For instance, there have been prior discussions about preventing potholes on roads and about ensuring consistent standards across public-facing documents. Observers argue that improving material choices, standardizing production practices, and implementing routine quality checks could help prevent recurring issues with certificate durability and curb the frustration of vehicle owners who rely on these documents for legal compliance and easy identification on the road.