Can a car change its color?
2 Answers
Yes, a car's color can be changed, but not all colors are permissible. Below are the relevant regulations regarding vehicle color modifications: 1. According to the revised version of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" (Order No. 124) issued by the Ministry of Public Security: Vehicle owners are allowed to change the body color first and then complete the registration process. The traffic management department has clear time limits for registration—within ten days after the color change, the owner must bring the "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration/Record Application Form," the original and a copy of the vehicle owner's ID, the original "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate," the original "Motor Vehicle License," and other required documents to the vehicle management office to complete the modification registration. 2. It is explicitly stated that the body color cannot be the same as or similar to that of special-purpose vehicles: firefighting red, engineering rescue yellow, or the white-and-blue combination used for national administrative law enforcement. Vinyl wrap color changes cannot exceed one-third of the vehicle's surface area, and the body color cannot exceed three different colors.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, changing the color of your car body is absolutely possible—I've personally given two of my cars a fresh coat. The most traditional method is to go to a professional auto repair shop for a paint job. This involves removing parts, sanding the body, applying several layers of paint, and polishing, taking a few days and costing several thousand yuan, but the result is durable and long-lasting, making the car shine like new. A more modern option is vinyl wrapping, which can be done for a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, applying a film in just one day. You can also choose patterns or protect the original paint, and it's easy to replace if damaged. Remember to register the change with the authorities to avoid fines from traffic police, and opt for eco-friendly materials to prevent pollution. For minor scratches, touch-up paint works, but for major color changes, find a reliable shop.