Can a car be wrapped to change its color?
2 Answers
It is possible to change a car's color by wrapping it, but it must be registered after the color change. According to Article 56 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," if the body color is changed without completing the required registration, the traffic management department of the public security authority may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color. To apply for a change in the body color of a motor vehicle, the following documents must be submitted in accordance with the "Road Traffic Safety Law": the "Application Form for Motor Vehicle Modification Registration," identification documents of the vehicle owner and agent, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and the motor vehicle license. According to Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the color change covers no more than 30% of the vehicle's surface, no registration is required. However, if it exceeds 30%, the change must be recorded, and registration must be completed within 10 days after the color change. Precautions for changing a vehicle's color: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region permits color changes via wrapping. If the region does not allow this method, the modification cannot be registered, and the wrap must be removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration in the following cases: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Whole vehicle replacement due to quality issues. Change of use, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a private vehicle or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence into or out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, according to Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must be painted with designated patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from using similar patterns, alarms, or signal lights specific to these vehicles.
Sure, car wrapping for color change is totally doable! As a car enthusiast myself, I've done it several times. Choosing from various film colors like matte black or metallic silver is super exciting—it instantly gives your ride a cooler look while protecting the original paint from scratches. The installation is usually done by professionals who use heat guns and special tools to apply the film smoothly, avoiding bubbles or wrinkles. Costs range from 2,000-3,000 RMB up to tens of thousands, depending on material and quality—PVC films are durable but pricier, while PET options are cheaper but fade faster. After the wrap, remember to register the color change at the DMV within 10 days with your ID and vehicle license—don’t skip this to avoid fines. Maintenance is easy: just wash with neutral detergent and avoid hard brushes. Overall, it’s a great idea—stylish and practical.
