Can Motorcycles Be Wrapped to Change Color?
2 Answers
Color change is permitted. As motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles, altering their color requires applying for a modification of the vehicle body color. According to Article 56 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the following documents must be submitted: the original "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form," original and photocopies of the identity proofs of the vehicle owner and agent, the original motor vehicle registration certificate, and the original motor vehicle license. 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%, no modification registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and registered within 10 days after the color change. Precautions for vehicle color change: 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 support this method, the modification cannot be filed, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply in advance to the vehicle management office. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply 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 from commercial to non-commercial use or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in 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. According to Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," 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.
Of course you can wrap your bike with color-changing film! Last year I wrapped my Kawasaki Ninja in matte black, and the effect was super cool. But there are a few things to note: First, you must use motorcycle-specific film—car film doesn't have enough stretch and tends to lift around the fuel tank curves and saddlebag areas. Second, you need to register the change at the DMV—if over 30% of the color is altered, you'll have to update the photo on your vehicle registration. It cost me 50 yuan and took half an hour. Third, avoid overly flashy designs like mirror-reflective films, as they might attract police attention. Make sure to go to a professional wrapping shop—they can even perfectly wrap the exhaust heat shields, whereas DIY attempts often end up with bubbles. Also, it's best to have less than half a tank of fuel before wrapping the tank, as gasoline vapors can cause the film to peel off more easily.
