The scheme for registering cars with Kyrgyz license plates has its pitfalls, which many discover too late. Experts explain that in Kyrgyzstan, the vehicle registration certificate (VRC) for foreigners depends on the duration of temporary registration. Once this period expires, the registration data of the car in the database of the Kyrgyz road police becomes irrelevant. In the event of a check by an inspector on a car with expired registration, there is a risk that the car will be detained and sent to a penalty parking lot. Thus, savings on the purchase may turn into unexpected expenses and stress, as reported by Russian media.
Reasons for Drivers Turning to Kyrgyz Registration
The main factor of interest in registration in Kyrgyzstan is that many foreign cars, including models from Chinese manufacturers, are significantly cheaper there than in Russia. The difference in customs duties creates such conditions. Amid rising car prices and recycling fees, buyers begin to look for alternative solutions, leading to the emergence of "gray" schemes that are actively discussed online.
The Process of Temporary Registration
The essence of this scheme lies in registering a car in Kyrgyzstan to a Russian citizen without the need to obtain a general power of attorney from a local resident:
- The buyer arrives in the country and undergoes temporary registration through a local MFC;
- For this, a resident is required who agrees to register the foreigner at their address. Finding such people is not difficult at all: there are many ads online offering registration for a month or more;
- After receiving temporary registration, the foreigner is issued an INN and a barcode, allowing them to register the car in their name.
Stages of the Registration Procedure
As market participants explain, the registration process is usually divided into two stages:
- First, the vehicle is registered to a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, to whom it was customs cleared;
- After that, it is re-registered to the Russian citizen.
After completing these steps, the driver receives Kyrgyz license plates and can return to Russia.
The Situation in Russia: Checks and Questions from Inspectors
Practice shows that the traffic police show interest in such vehicles. Drivers are stopped for document checks, and information about the vehicles may be entered into the database — this allows for fines for traffic violations without any problems. In some cases, inspectors require drivers to explain why the car is not registered in Russia.
Registration Deadlines: Opinion of an Auto Lawyer
Auto lawyer Lev Voropaev notes that temporary registration in another country does not exempt one from the obligation to register the vehicle in Russia. According to current regulations, after entering Russia, the owner has 10 days to register the vehicle with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. Failure to comply with this procedure entails the following penalties:
- First violation: a fine of 500–800 rubles;
- Subsequent violation: a fine of 5,000 rubles or suspension of driving rights for up to three months.
Opportunities for Using the Vehicle
Alexander Khaminsky, director of the Law and Order Center in Moscow and the Moscow region, clarifies: Russians can import vehicles registered in EAEU countries, including Kyrgyzstan, for up to one year. However, an important condition is the necessity of permanent residence in the country where the vehicle was registered. If a disputed situation arises, documents confirming the actual place of residence outside Russia will need to be provided.
Comparison with the Armenian Scenario
Experts note parallels with the previous popular scheme, where Russians bought cars in Armenia, registered them in their name, received local plates, and returned, saving on duties. However, due to the mass nature of this practice, the rules were tightened by 2020. At that time, the traffic police clarified that if a Russian citizen registered a vehicle in another EAEU country, they also had 10 days for registration in Russia if they do not reside there permanently.
Recommendations from Customs and Experts
In the Russian customs service, responding to journalists' inquiries, it was clarified that compliance with the rules for using cars with Kyrgyz license plates is the responsibility of the traffic police. Nevertheless, the customs service emphasizes that one of the conditions for obtaining the vehicle registration certificate necessary for registration is the payment of the recycling fee.
Lev Voropaev warns that with the widespread adoption of this scheme, it may quickly come under strict measures, leading to the loss of both vehicles and invested funds. A similar opinion is expressed by Anatoly Semyonov, director of the Association of Parallel Imports, who emphasizes that the connection between the Kyrgyz VRC and temporary registration makes the entire scheme vulnerable — just one check is enough for a "profitable purchase" to turn into serious problems.
