Can Color Change Film Be Registered?

[EmilioFitz]

According to Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law", if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, it does not need to be registered for modification. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and registered within 10 days after the vehicle color change. Precautions for vehicle color change: Before preparing to change the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to determine whether the region allows motor vehicles to change their color. If the region does not support this method, the filing procedure cannot be processed after the modification, and the vehicle can only be restored to its original color. Documents required for applying to change the body color of a motor vehicle: "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form". Identity proof of the motor vehicle owner and agent, including the original and copy of the ID card. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle driving license. Additionally, according to the "Motor 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 to the vehicle management office for modification registration. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration under the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues. Change of use nature, such as commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial use or vice versa. The motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into 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 spray emblem patterns and install alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles must not spray, install, or use emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are specific to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles. According to Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", if the body color is changed without going through the modification registration as required, the public security traffic management department will issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to be restored to its original color.

[DallasLynn]

I also struggled with the registration process right after getting my color change wrap. Actually, according to regulations, if the vehicle's color change exceeds 30%, you must register it at the DMV within 10 days. I've personally gone through this process. Remember to bring the vehicle registration certificate, ID card, and driving license. The staff will take new photos for the driving license. The most frustrating part was when my friend applied an electro-optic metallic film, but it was too reflective and he was forced to remove and reapply it. I recommend avoiding mirror-reflective or special police color schemes; ordinary solid matte colors are the safest. The registration fee is just a few dozen yuan for the paperwork, don't get scammed by middlemen into paying more. Enforcement standards vary by location; for example, Shenzhen allows pink modifications, but some smaller cities might give you a hard time about bright colors.

[JackFitz]

Last time at the modification shop, the technician explained that the key points for color change film registration are threefold. First, the material's light transmittance must meet standards—never use dark film on the windshield. Second, avoid imitating police or fire truck color schemes. Third, remember to register within ten days after the color change, as exceeding this period may result in a 200 yuan fine. When I changed my white car's roof to black, since the modified area was less than 30%, the DMV let it pass directly. However, a full-body color change requires removing all decals and advertisements before taking photos. Some cities strictly regulate chameleon films, rejecting applications with the reason that 'the actual color is difficult to define.' After modification, it's best to photograph the process as some DMVs may request proof of color change.

[VanGabriella]

The 12123 APP now allows scheduling for color change registration. When uploading photos via mobile, ensure the vehicle body has no obstructions and the license plate is clearly visible. I recommend visiting the DMV on weekday mornings for faster inspection with fewer people. The vinyl wrap shop provided eco-friendly adhesive guaranteed to leave no residue, and indeed, no paint damage occurred when removing the film after three years. Be wary of low-quality color-changing films—they may delaminate and bubble under intense heat, and the adhesive can stick to the license plate frame during removal, causing the DMV inspection to fail. Remember to remove the ETC device before registration, as its metal surface reflection may lead to photo rejection.