State license plates of Russian cars are a unique combination of Cyrillic letters and numbers that allow you to determine the region in which the car is registered and identify the vehicle. However, from time to time you can see vehicles on the roads that have RSO on their license plate. Externally, such plates are very similar to the usual Russian license plates. However, there are distinctive features. Like classic registration plates, RSO plates have 3 letters and 3 numbers. However, the flag consists of white, red and yellow.
Who owns RSO numbers?
Due to the fact that RSO plates are similar to their Russian counterparts, a number of motorists believe that the unusual registration plates belong to drivers who registered the car in one of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The information is not true.
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License plates with the RSO region are assigned to vehicles registered in South Ossetia.
During the Soviet era, the country was part of the union. At that time, all cars registered in the state were provided with one form of license plate. The renewal of registration plates in South Ossetia took place in 2006. As a result, the format of the number has changed. Today, cars registered in South Ossetia are provided with registration plates that look like this:
- on the left is the state flag;
- under the flag are the Latin letters RSO;
- In the left center is the car number itself, consisting of letters and numbers.
Modern rooms
Car plate numbers
car registration plate of the Republic of South Ossetia of an outdated modelregistration plate with the order of letters and numbers similar to the Russian type 1Cars of the President and the Government of South OssetiaRegistration plate of cars of the Ministry of Defenseregistration plate of GSO carsregistration plate for trailersregistration plate of cars of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of South Ossetiaregistration plate of motorcycles of South OssetiaCar license plate of South Ossetia
Modern South Ossetian license plates issued since the summer of 2006 years, are similar to Russian ones in size and font and are built on the same principle - 3 letters, 3 numbers, state code. For use on signs, 12 Cyrillic letters are allowed, which have graphic analogues in the Latin alphabet - A, B, E, K, M, N, O, R, S, T, U and X. The difference from Russian license plates is that the flag and unofficial code of South Ossetia (RSO - Republic of South Ossetia) is located on the left side. Initially, numbers were issued where the sequence of letters and numbers was similar to the Russian type 12: 2 letters, 3 numbers, 1 letter. Currently, license plates are issued with combinations similar to Russian type 1 license plates (letter - 3 digits - 2 letters)
Other numbers
1. Trailer numbers
The format of the number is similar to the corresponding Russian number, the window with the flag is located on the left.
2. Motorcycle license plates
The number format is similar to the corresponding Russian number.
3. Numbers of senior government officials
Numbers starting with A are reserved for the President and Government of South Ossetia. On such plates there is no RSO code under the flag, and the flag itself occupies almost the entire rectangle isolated on the left (as a result of which its proportion differs from the 2:1 used on regular plates), the sequence of letters and numbers is the same as on license plates of the previous format (i.e. e. two letters, three numbers, one letter). Numbers with letters:
- MM - police and KGB
- LLC - State Security Service of South Ossetia
- ХХХ and ХХВ - representation of the republic in St. Petersburg
The car of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia had its own license plates: the front number was the flag of the Republic of South Ossetia in the entire plate of the number plate with the coat of arms of the Republic of South Ossetia painted in the middle, and the rear number contained three numbers 001 and three letters RSO, separated by a flag with the coat of arms printed on it.
Since 2012, the format of the numbers has changed: on the left side of the number in a separate window there is the flag of the Republic of South Ossetia, in the main part of the number three numbers and three letters are placed, separated by the coat of arms of the Republic of South Ossetia.
4. License plates of the Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia
They are similar to the numbers registered with the military formations of the federal executive authorities of Russia, with the only difference that instead of the code of the branch of service and the Russian flag, the flag of South Ossetia is placed on the right.
Since 2012, the format of the numbers has been slightly changed: the flag has been moved to the left side of the number, and the republic code “RSO” is located under the flag.
5. License plates of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of South Ossetia
They have a blue background and white symbols. The flag and abbreviation RSO are located on the left. The numbers use a combination of 3 numbers and 2 letters.
6. Diplomatic numbers
The number format is similar to the corresponding Russian number. At first, instead of the first three digits (country code), the letter code RSO was written, since there was only a Russian representative office in South Ossetia; the window with the flag and country code was missing. At the moment, numbers are issued almost completely similar to Russian diplomatic ones, only the window is located on the left, and the RSO code is located in the window.
Where are numbers with the RSO region used?
The appearance of South Ossetia license plates may vary depending on the type of transport they are provided for. If the registration plate is intended for:
- Motorcycles, the classic rectangular shape is not used. Instead, the number will be square. Numbers are placed on top. The letters are located at the bottom.
- Trailers, the “bbCCCC” format is used, where b are letters and c are numbers.
- For other vehicles, the number will be standard. It consists of 3 letters and 3 numbers placed on a rectangular plate. On the left is the flag of South Ossetia, and below it is the designation RSO.
If the car belongs to one of the government departments of South Ossetia, the RSO number may be different. From the appearance of the registration plate one can suspect which state it belongs to. structure refers to the machine. So, if MMM is additionally present on the license plate, the car is owned by the security committee. Department registration plates have a blue background.
Sometimes RSO plates have the letters LLC. This means that the car belongs to the security service. If the vehicle is owned by the Ministry of Defense, the registration plate will have a black background.
Cars of South Ossetia
During the Soviet Union, South Ossetia was part of Georgia, and the latter was a republic of the USSR. At that time, there were identical license plates throughout the Union. When the Soviet Union collapsed, a parade of sovereignties of its constituent republics began. There were some bloody skirmishes. Dramatic events also occurred in Georgia. South Ossetia demanded independence and achieved sovereignty.
That is, it separated from Georgia and declared itself a sovereign country. The construction of a new life did not bypass motor transport. Since 2006, cars registered in this country have had their own license plates.
In addition to car license plates, trailers and motorcycles have analogues in South Ossetia. They are not a traditional rectangular geometric shape, but square. Contains letters at the bottom and numbers at the top. Starts with the letter "A". There are no Latin letters, which is a significant distinguishing feature. Instead, the country's flag is placed.
And these are all the differences from the numbers of the Russian Federation. The rest are as similar to each other as two peas from the same pod.
RSO with the letter "A"
The cars of the South Ossetian leadership can also be distinguished from others. Vehicles have a large letter A on their license plate.
The vehicle of the President of South Ossetia has a unique registration plate. The national flag on the number occupies a large area. In the middle there is the coat of arms of the republic. The rear number plate contains the numbers 001, as well as 3 Latin capital letters. Between the groups of symbols there is a flag and a coat of arms.
The Republic of South Ossetia was recognized only by the Russian Federation and several other states. Therefore, the license plates of vehicles of representatives of diplomatic missions are adapted to the rules in force in Russia. This indicates a desire to demonstrate brotherhood with the Russian Federation. The fact is especially emphasized by the almost one hundred percent identity of vehicle license plates used by diplomats. The difference is the presence of a window with the RSO code. It is located on the left side of the registration plate. Additionally, the license plate contains the flag of South Ossetia.
Is it possible to drive in Russia with RSO license plates?
Russia is part of the Eurasian Economic Union. The participating countries have developed and approved the Customs Code, in accordance with which the import and export of foreign cars into the territory of the EAEU is carried out. The process is regulated by Art. 264 of the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union. Clause 1 states that foreign persons have the right to import a car into the territory of the Russian Federation for a period of up to 1 year. In this case, a person may be a citizen of a country that is not part of the EAEU. The rule applies only to the import of cars for personal use.
However, paragraph 31 of Order No. 399 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation dated June 26, 2021 states that in case of importing a car for a period of more than 6 months, it is necessary to obtain Russian license plates. Therefore, the period during which driving with South Ossetian license plates is permissible is six months. After this, you will need to contact the traffic police and carry out the replacement procedure.
When driving a car with RSO license plates on the territory of the Russian Federation, in addition to rights and registration documents, a person must have in his hands the papers provided for by customs legislation and confirming the fact of temporary import. A similar rule follows from clause 2.2 of the Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation. The same legal act states that the vehicle must have registration plates of the state in which the car is registered. This means that there is no need for mandatory replacement.
When the period for which a car was temporarily imported from South Ossetia has expired, the period can be extended. The rule follows from the provisions of Art. 264 Labor Code of the EAEU. An extension is permissible for the same period for which the original import was carried out. The extension procedure is carried out by representative offices of the customs service. You must contact the nearest office of the organization. The procedure for extending the period is carried out upon the application of the person who imported the car with RSO license plates. A similar rule is reflected in paragraph 2 of Art. 264 of the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union.
License plates with the abbreviation RSO instead of RUS: who owns them and can you drive with them?
Sometimes on the roads you can see vehicles with unusual license plates with the abbreviation RSO. Outwardly, such numbers resemble Russian ones, but instead of the traditional tricolor there is a white-red-yellow flag and it is located not in the left corner of the plate, but in the right. So what are these mysterious signs and who do they belong to?
And they belong to the Republic of South Ossetia, one of the partially recognized states. Back in 1991, this territory separated from Georgia as a result of an interethnic conflict, and in 2008, after the deterioration of Russian-Georgian relations, it was recognized as an independent state by Russia and a number of other countries.
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Since in fact the only partner of the partially recognized South Ossetia is Russia, it is quite logical that the registration plates of our countries are very similar. This format was developed and introduced in the republic in 2006.
In addition, plates with the abbreviation RSO also come in different colors. By analogy with Russian ones, the license plates on vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs are blue, and those belonging to the Ministry of Defense are black.
Is it possible to drive with South Ossetian license plates? At least in our country it is possible. According to the customs code of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) countries, a person can import a car for up to 1 year for personal use.
However, for our country there is a significant caveat. If a foreign car is operated in the Russian Federation for more than six months, it should receive Russian registration plates.
When moving a car with South Ossetian license plates across Russia, it must have documents confirming the import of the equipment, as well as the fact of temporary import. The service life without obtaining our license plates can be increased if you use Article 264 of the EAEU Customs Code.
The owner needs to contact the customs office, and the period of operation will be extended for the same period of time for which the car was originally supposed to be introduced. Or you need to cross the border of the Russian Federation and South Ossetia every six months.
A car with South Ossetian registration cannot be sold or donated in the Russian Federation. Entrusting management to another person is also prohibited. Customs clearance of transport if it does not comply with Euro-5 environmental standards will also not be possible in our country.
However, many people with citizenship of the Russian Federation and South Ossetia prefer to buy cars in the latter, since they can be purchased there at better prices and in much better technical condition. Of course, such a purchase will be fraught with bureaucratic difficulties, but with falling incomes, people are ready to put up with this for the sake of saving.
Importing a car to Russia from South Ossetia
The import of cars of the Euro 5 category is allowed into Russia. The new standard was established by the decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 78 of October 14, 2015.
A car with RSO license plates can be imported from South Ossetia to the Russian Federation temporarily or on a permanent basis. If a car is temporarily imported for personal use, Article 264 of the EAEU Labor Code comes into force. Foreigners have the right to import a car for up to 1 year. However, the legislation does not oblige you to pay import taxes and customs duties. After a one-year period of stay of a car with RSO plates, there is the possibility of extending the period. However, a number of strict rules apply to cars imported temporarily:
- violation of the terms of temporary stay is punishable by fines under Article 16.18 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation;
- You cannot make purchase and sale transactions, donations, or transfer the car by proxy (Clause 6, Article 264 of the EAEU Labor Code);
- for violation, the car can be confiscated (Article 16.18 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
Cars imported into the territory of the Russian Federation from abroad on an ongoing basis are subject to customs declaration (Article 203 of the Federal Law “On Customs Regulation in the Russian Federation”). You will have to pay a state fee to perform the manipulation. Its size in the Russian Federation is regulated by Federal Law No. 311 of November 27, 2010 and the Decision of the Eurasian Economic Commission on certain issues related to goods for personal use No. 107 of December 20, 2021. The procedure for calculating state duty is complex. The following are taken into account:
- car age;
- cost of the vehicle;
- engine capacity.
Importing a car from North Ossetia with RSO plates for permanent use will require large expenses, but a citizen will be able to fully dispose of the car in the territory of the Russian Federation. The vehicle can be sold, donated, transferred for use to a third party, and other procedures can be performed in relation to the vehicle.
Importing cars to Russia through South Ossetia
Our compatriots began to think about the possibility of transporting cars through South Ossetia from other countries. This is due to the fact that in the Republic the legislation is somewhat more liberal.
But only those citizens who have foreign citizenship, or citizenship of the Russian Federation, but at the same time live abroad on a permanent basis, can carry out such a procedure. Persons falling into the latter category must provide a certificate from the consulate as evidence.
Therefore, only its citizens and citizens with dual citizenship can legally use cars with state registration of South Ossetia. But on the territory of the Russian Federation, such vehicles cannot be sold or transferred by proxy.
A car arriving from South Ossetia must cross the border every six months in order to renew its import permit. This can also be done at the customs office at the place of registration.
If such a car with license plates bearing the abbreviation RSO is driven by a citizen with a Russian passport, police officers will have every right to confiscate it.
How to reissue RSO numbers?
If a person plans to bring a car with RSO license plates into the territory of the Russian Federation for a period of more than six months, it is necessary to obtain Russian registration plates (clause 31 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 399 of June 26, 2018). To complete the procedure, you will need to contact the traffic police department. If the car is owned by a foreign citizen or a stateless person temporarily staying on the territory of the Russian Federation, you need to contact the department of the institution at the address specified in the notification of arrival (clause 27 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 399 of June 26, 2018). Russians who bought a car in North Ossetia and imported it into the state can contact any traffic police department. In order for new numbers to be provided, you will need to prepare a package of documents. The list will include:
- completed application;
- citizen's passport;
- insurance policy;
- customs documentation;
- documents confirming the existence of ownership rights;
- PTS.
Foreigners are additionally required to provide a passport of their state or other identification document (clause 15.2.3 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 605 of August 7, 2013). The provision of services requires payment of a state fee. The amount of payment is regulated by Art. 333.33 Tax Code of the Russian Federation. RUB 2,000 is charged for issuing registration plates. Having received the citizen’s application, the traffic police officer will check the documentation package. Then the vehicle with RSO plates will be inspected. If no violations are found, the applicant will be provided with a number and updated documents for the car.
