Do I need to file a record with the DMV for car wrap modifications?
2 Answers
Yes, you need to file a record. Here is relevant information: 1. Relevant regulations: No unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization. The structure of a vehicle includes the body color, length, width, height (four rigid standards), and the relevant technical parameters of the engine. 2. Notes: Vehicle modifications can include changes to the body color, engine, fuel type, and frame number, but there are three colors reserved for special vehicles that cannot be used. Red is designated for firefighting, yellow for engineering rescue, and white over blue for national administrative law enforcement.
I've been driving for nearly twenty years, and I can't stress enough the importance of filing for modifications like car wraps. According to regulations, any change in vehicle color—whether it's applying a new wrap or repainting—must be reported to the DMV. This is because the DMV records include vehicle appearance details. If you don’t update your vehicle registration after a color change, police during roadside checks might mistake it for a license plate issue, or your annual inspection could be blocked. A friend of mine once skipped the filing out of laziness and ended up fined with wasted time. The process is straightforward: bring your ID, vehicle registration certificate, and driver’s license to the local DMV for a modification registration. They’ll usually inspect the vehicle and complete the process. Don’t cut corners to avoid minor hassles—safety comes first, and proper filing also helps prevent theft risks.
