The newly revised "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" by the Ministry of Public Security came into effect on May 1, 2022, allowing vehicle color change registration to be processed in a different location. For small and micro passenger vehicles applying for registration changes due to body color alteration, if the vehicle is not in the registration location, the application can be submitted to the local vehicle management office. The local vehicle management office shall inspect the vehicle according to regulations, review the submitted proofs and credentials, and forward the electronic inspection data to the registration location's vehicle management office, which will then review and issue the vehicle license accordingly. The following documents are required for applying to change the vehicle body color: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form," identity proofs of the vehicle owner and agent, motor vehicle registration certificate (green book), and the vehicle license. According to Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, no change registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, registration must be filed and completed within 10 days after the color change. Precautions for vehicle wrap color change: Before preparing to change the vehicle wrap color, it is necessary to consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region permits changing vehicle color using wraps. If the region does not support this method, registration cannot be processed after the change, 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 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 change registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration with the registration location's vehicle management office 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. The 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 be painted with designated patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from painting, installing, or using patterns, alarms, or signal lights 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 completing the change registration as required, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to the original color.
