Does car decal wrapping require registration?
2 Answers
It depends on the proportion of the decal area to the total body surface area. According to relevant national laws and regulations, modifications such as decal wrapping or color-changing films on the roof or body must not exceed 30% of the vehicle's total surface area. If the modification exceeds 30%, it must be registered with the vehicle management office. Additionally, if the vehicle is restored to its original condition after registration, another registration is required. There are also strict regulations regarding the style and color of body decal modifications. Three colors are reserved for special vehicles and cannot be used: red is exclusive to firefighting vehicles, yellow to engineering rescue vehicles, and white over blue to national administrative law enforcement vehicles. Precautions for exterior modifications: Technical parameters such as engine displacement must never be modified privately. Widening tires, modifying the intake or exhaust systems are also prohibited. For non-professional off-road competition vehicles, modifications that enhance off-road performance, such as raising the chassis, are not allowed. Other modifications that do not affect vehicle performance are generally permitted after registration. However, any modifications involving driving safety must be consulted with professionals and carried out cautiously—never take chances. This is a responsibility to your own safety as well as to public safety.
Last year, on a whim, I applied a small decal to my car—a pretty cool design, just on the doors and rear. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but a friend mentioned that I might need to register it with the DMV. So, I looked up the regulations and asked an acquaintance at a repair shop. They said if the coverage is less than 30% of the car’s surface and the color isn’t drastically altered, it’s considered a decoration and usually doesn’t require registration. However, policies vary by region—for example, it’s generally fine in Beijing, but I’ve heard Shenzhen might be stricter. If unsure, it’s best to check directly with the local DMV or look up official guidelines online to avoid accidental fines. Decals add personality, but avoid large areas to prevent issues with annual inspections. Overall, it’s pretty straightforward—just do a bit of research beforehand and enjoy customizing worry-free.
