AZE.US
Heavy rains in recent days have created another problem for drivers in Azerbaijan: some vehicles have been losing their license plates on flooded roads.
The issue is not only inconvenient, but also creates legal and security risks. In many cases, car owners have turned to social media to search for missing plates. But experts warn that this can open the door to abuse, as some people who find the plates later try to return them in exchange for money.
Under Azerbaijani law, the owner of the vehicle, or another person legally authorized to use it, must take immediate steps to clarify whether the plate was lost or stolen. That means filing a written statement with the local police department.
According to Article 29 of the Law on Road Traffic, if a lost or stolen registration plate is later found, it must first be offered back to the vehicle’s last registered owner or another authorized person.
If the plate is not recovered, the vehicle owner must apply to the relevant executive authority to obtain a new registration plate in accordance with legal procedures.
The law also предусматривает liability for driving a vehicle without one of its registration plates, as well as for using fake plates or plates assigned to another vehicle.
Transport expert Eldaniz Jafarov said that in some European countries, drivers can receive an identical replacement plate if the original is lost. In Azerbaijan, however, if the plate cannot be found, the owner must apply for a new one, and do so without delay.
He warned that a missing plate could be used for illegal purposes, making it risky for drivers to wait too long before notifying authorities.
Jafarov also said that if someone who finds a plate demands money to return it, that could amount to an unlawful act and should be reported to law enforcement.
Experts say drivers who lose a plate should not rely only on social media posts. Their first step should be to notify the traffic police immediately.
The recent rains have once again highlighted how quickly bad weather can create unexpected problems for motorists in Azerbaijan, especially on roads where flooding remains a regular issue.