Does a floating roof wrap require registration?
2 Answers
Floating roof wraps require registration. Below is an introduction regarding vehicle modification registration: Definition of vehicle modification: Vehicle modification (Car-modification) refers to altering the external appearance, interior styling, or mechanical performance of a manufacturer's original vehicle according to the owner's needs, mainly categorized into body modifications and powertrain modifications. Required documents for registration: To register, you must submit a series of documents to the vehicle management office, including the identity proofs and copies of the vehicle owner and agent, the vehicle registration certificate, and the vehicle license.
I previously had a floating roof wrap installed, which looked pretty cool—it's basically adding a layer of film on the roof to create a floating effect. I consulted a friend at the DMV, and they mentioned that such wraps usually don’t require registration if they don’t drastically alter the car’s color. For example, applying a black wrap or one that matches the car’s original color, covering only a small section of the roof, is generally fine. However, if the entire roof’s color is changed—say, from white to black—and the modified area exceeds a certain threshold, you might need to file for registration. I’d recommend measuring how much of the car’s total surface area the roof occupies. If it’s over 30% or the new color significantly changes the car’s overall appearance, it’s best to visit the DMV to handle the registration, bringing your ID and vehicle license. Otherwise, if you’re pulled over by traffic police, you might face a minor fine or be asked to remove the wrap, which would be a hassle. Safety comes first when driving, so don’t cut corners and risk trouble—especially at night, as low-quality wraps can also affect reflectivity.
