Do I need to file a record with the vehicle management office for a car paint color change?
3 Answers
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%, there is no need to apply for a change registration. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and recorded, and the registration must be completed within 10 days after the vehicle's color change. Precautions for changing vehicle paint color: Before preparing to change the paint color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm 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 change, and the vehicle must be restored to its original color. Documents required for applying to change the body color of a motor vehicle: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Original and copies of the identity documents of the motor vehicle owner and agent. Original motor vehicle registration certificate. Original motor vehicle 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's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply to the vehicle management office for a change registration. According to Article 10, a registered motor vehicle must apply for a change registration with the local vehicle management office in the following circumstances: Changing the body color. Replacing the engine. Replacing the body or frame. Replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues. Changing the use nature of the vehicle, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle 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 are not allowed to spray, install, or use emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are specific to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that 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 detained and required to revert to its original body color.
Last time I changed my car's color from black to bright orange, I later realized I had to register the modification at the DMV. This is mainly because the vehicle's color changed, making it inconsistent with the photo on the registration certificate. If caught by traffic police during a check or discovered during an annual inspection, it could be considered a violation, possibly resulting in a 200-yuan fine or even penalty points. The registration process isn't difficult—just prepare your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and vehicle license, fill out an application form at the local DMV, and they'll take photos and inspect the car to confirm the color change. There's a small fee of around 10 yuan for the processing. I think it's best to complete the registration within a week after the color change to avoid complications. The new color makes the car look much more unique, but skipping the registration isn't worth the hassle—it could cost you time and money later.
I've repainted my car a few times myself, and experience tells me that not filing for record is absolutely not an option. Changing the color of your vehicle is like changing its clothes—the registration certificate must be updated. If you don't file for record, in case of an accident or during a traffic check, the police might give you a hard time, resulting in fines or even affecting insurance claims. When filing, just bring all the necessary documents; it usually takes about half an hour to complete. I recommend going to the DMV on a weekday to avoid long queues, making the process quicker and more convenient. Remember to take photos of the car after the color change as evidence for the record check. For peace of mind, it's best to follow the rules properly.
