Can Changing the Color of the Car Emblem Pass the Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Changing the color of the car emblem without authorization is considered a violation and will not pass the annual inspection. The reason is that unauthorized replacement of the car emblem constitutes unauthorized vehicle modification, which violates the relevant provisions of the "Motor Vehicle Management Regulations." Consequences of arbitrarily changing the car emblem: Arbitrarily changing the car emblem violates the "Motor Vehicle Management Regulations": The car emblem must match the model of the vehicle and cannot be misused. Once discovered, it will be dealt with according to the national regulations on the technical conditions for the safe operation of motor vehicles. Legal vehicle modification projects include: Tire style: As long as the tire size and specifications match those on the registration certificate, the tire style can be changed. Installing roof racks and side steps: The height of the roof rack must be controlled within 300 millimeters, and the width of the side steps must not exceed 5 centimeters beyond the side of the vehicle body. Vehicle body color: Changing the vehicle body color through painting or wrapping must be registered with the vehicle management office within ten days to update the vehicle information. Note that colors similar to those used by police cars, fire trucks, etc., are not allowed. Grille and front/rear bumpers: Installing new grilles and bumpers must not change the original length and width of the vehicle, and the emblem cannot be altered. The bumpers must not have obvious protrusions.
I once changed the color of my car's emblem, and it almost failed the annual inspection. The staff said that any changes to the color of the vehicle's identification marks require a modification registration. I had to take the registration certificate to the DMV to retake photos and replace the vehicle license. Later, I made a special trip to the DMV, queued for an inspection, and paid a 50-yuan fee to get it done. Actually, the regulations are clear: the emblem is part of the brand identity, and changing its color counts as an exterior modification. However, enforcement varies by region—my friend in a second-tier city got away with it. If you really want to change the color, I suggest filing the modification first to avoid hassle during the annual inspection.
