Can a Bank-Financed Car Be Repainted?

[Juniper]

Bank-financed cars cannot be repainted. Changing the color requires updating the vehicle registration certificate, but for cars purchased through installment loans, the vehicle registration certificate is not in the hands of the owner. Therefore, the owner cannot update the registration certificate, making repainting impossible. Otherwise, driving the car may result in being stopped by traffic police. Additionally, whether repainting is allowed depends on the approval of the lending bank. Without the bank's consent, color change registration cannot be processed. Repainting requires updating the vehicle registration certificate, but for bank-financed cars, the certificate is held by the bank, preventing the owner from making changes. Only after obtaining approval from the bank can the owner retrieve the vehicle registration certificate, visit the vehicle management office to apply for a color change, and complete the registration process as required. According to Article 6, Chapter 2 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, if the color change covers less than 30% of the vehicle's surface, no registration update is needed. However, if it exceeds 30%, the change must be recorded within 10 days after repainting. Notes on vehicle repainting: Before repainting, consult the local vehicle management office where the car is registered to confirm whether the area permits color changes using wraps. If the region does not allow this method, the wrap must be completely removed to restore the original color, as no registration update can be processed. Multi-color, special colors, or markings are prohibited. Large-scale wraps are not allowed, though small-scale wraps (e.g., covering one-third of the vehicle) can be applied for at the vehicle management office. Large-scale wraps may require restoration to the original color by authorities. Documents required for applying for a vehicle color change: Original copy of the "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Original and photocopy of the ID of the vehicle owner and their agent. Original vehicle registration certificate. Original vehicle license. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners no longer need prior approval from the vehicle management office to change the vehicle's color, install body kits, or replace the engine. They can apply for registration updates afterward. Article 10 states that registered vehicles must apply for a change registration under the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Whole vehicle replacement due to quality issues. Change of use (e.g., commercial to private or vice versa). Change of the owner's residence within or outside the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, Article 15 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China specifies that police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must display designated markings and install sirens or warning lights. Other vehicles are prohibited from using similar markings, sirens, or warning lights.