Does changing the color of a car roof require registration?
3 Answers
Whether registration is required depends on Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law". If the color change area does not exceed 30%, no registration for modification is needed. Otherwise, it must be registered and filed within 10 days after the color change. According to Article 6 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law", the following documents must be submitted for applying to change the body color of a motor vehicle: the "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form"; original and photocopies of the identity proofs of the vehicle owner and agent; original motor vehicle registration certificate; original motor vehicle driving license; and payment of any fines before changing the vehicle color. Notes for vehicle color change: Before changing the 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 the use of film to change the vehicle color. If the region does not support this method, the registration procedure cannot be processed after the color change, and the film must be completely removed to restore the original vehicle color. Additionally, according to Article 10 of 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 modification registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration in the following cases: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues. Change of use nature, such as commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in or out of 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 must not spray, install, or use emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are specific to these vehicles or similar to them.
Last week, I gave my car a stylish silver roof makeover and was thrilled. But after the modification, I realized it must be registered because changing the vehicle color counts as a modification, and failing to register with the DMV could lead to serious issues. First, the photo on the vehicle license won’t match the actual appearance, and if stopped by police, you could face a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan, plus possible points deduction. I personally visited the DMV, bringing my ID, vehicle license, and car photos, filled out a form, and got it done in half an hour for just 50 yuan. After registration, the annual inspection went smoothly, and insurance claims remained valid. My advice: check local regulations before repainting, use professional paint to save costs in the long run, and clean the roof to prevent dirt buildup and protect the original paint. Don’t skip the registration—it’s quick and avoids legal risks.
Hey, I've been into car modifications for years, and changing the roof color is one of my regular pleasures. Definitely need to register the change—Chinese regulations require any color modification to be recorded, or the vehicle license becomes invalid. Once, I tried changing to a black roof without registering, and soon after, I was pulled over by traffic police. Re-doing the paperwork wasted time. The registration process: take photos after the change, submit an application at the DMV, pay 50-100 yuan, and update the documents—simple. Skipping registration could lead to insurance refusal in case of an accident or a drop in car value. I also recommend choosing UV-protective film to prevent fading and regularly cleaning the roof to avoid dirt. In short, following the rules is worry-free and safe—don’t lose big for small gains.
