A mass seizure of vehicle license plates with the "EKH" code has been initiated in Russia. As Mash reports, the reason is the risk of compromising the owners and a threat to their safety: cars with such registration plates are under increased scrutiny from foreign intelligence services and ill-wishers.
The "EKH" series appeared in 1996 for official vehicles of the FSO, FSB, and officials. Over time, these plates began to enter free circulation, but the association with the authorities remained — people deciphered them as "I Drive as I Want" or "Unified Kremlin Household".
Now, when a car is changed, "EKH" plates are no longer registered, and owners receive a refusal with the explanation that these are "restrictions to prevent the compromise of information" prescribed by Federal Laws No. 144 and No. 57.
In addition to security issues, restricting the use of "EKH" plates is aimed at combating violators who demonstratively break traffic rules, creating the effect of ties to the authorities. The withdrawal of the series from circulation reduces the risks of threats, surveillance, and abuse in street traffic, while at the same time tightening control over the registration of license plates.
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