Can a Financed Vehicle Undergo Color Change Registration?
2 Answers
According to procedural regulations, a financed vehicle requires the vehicle registration certificate to complete registration. Article 6 of Chapter 2 in the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that color changes covering less than 30% of the vehicle's surface area do not require registration modification. Conversely, if the change exceeds 30%, it must be documented and registered within 10 days after the color alteration. Precautions for vehicle color changes: Before changing the vehicle's color, consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the area permits color changes via wrapping film. If this method is not supported in the region, registration procedures cannot be completed after the color change, and the film must be entirely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Documents required for applying to change the vehicle body color: "Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form." Original and photocopy of the identity documents of the vehicle owner and their agent. Original vehicle registration certificate. Original vehicle license. Payment of all fines incurred before the color change. Additionally, according to the "Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. Article 10 states that registered vehicles must apply for modification 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 nature, such as converting a commercial vehicle to non-commercial or vice versa. Relocation of the vehicle owner's residence into or out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" specifies: Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must display distinctive markings and install alarms and signal lights as required. Other vehicles must not use markings, alarms, or signal lights that are identical or similar to those designated for these special vehicles. Article 56 of the "Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that failure to register a color change as required will result in a warning or fine from the traffic management department of the public security authority. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.
As a guy who drives daily for commuting, I financed a car two years ago and changed its color. It was a white SUV bought on loan, and later I wanted to switch to a cool black style. The first thing I did was discuss it with the bank since they're kind of half-owners. They said no problem as long as it doesn't affect the vehicle's safety. Then I went to the DMV to file the modification, filled out forms, submitted photos to update the registration, and the process was simple and quick—done in half a day, including taking new registration photos. A key reminder: after filing, you must notify your insurance company to update the info, or else claims could be troublesome in case of an accident. Also, check the loan contract details to ensure no terms are violated. After the color change, driving feels cooler, but avoid frequent changes as they can affect the car's value. The whole process was much easier than I expected—just don’t skip steps or cut corners. The policies are pretty friendly now.
