Does Vinyl Wrapping Require Registration?
2 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 register the modification. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be registered and documented within 10 days after the color change. Precautions for vehicle color change via vinyl wrapping: Before applying vinyl wrap to change the vehicle's color, consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether this method of color change is permitted in the area. If the region does not allow this method, registration cannot be processed after the modification, and the vinyl wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Documents required for applying to change the vehicle's body color: "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form." Identity proofs and copies of the vehicle owner and their agent. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle license. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," vehicle owners are no longer required to apply in advance to the vehicle management office. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for modification registration. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration under the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Whole vehicle replacement due to quality issues. Change of use, such as converting a commercial vehicle to non-commercial or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in or out of the vehicle management office's jurisdiction. Furthermore, Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must display specific markings and install alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from displaying, installing, or using similar markings, alarms, or signal lights. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" stipulates that if the body color is changed without proper registration, the traffic management department of the public security authority may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.
Wrapping your car for a color change is considered a modification and definitely requires registration. According to traffic regulations, if the vehicle's body color is altered by 30% or more, you must complete the change registration at the DMV within 10 days. Last year, I wrapped my SUV in matte black and immediately went to register it. Bring your ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate to the DMV to fill out forms. They take photos on-site for verification, and the process takes less than an hour. The cost is around 100 yuan, including administrative fees and the new vehicle license. If you don’t register, the police may fine you 200 to 500 yuan upon inspection, and in severe cases, deduct points. What’s worse, you won’t pass the annual inspection, and in case of an accident, the insurance company might refuse compensation due to the color mismatch. After registration, be sure to update the photo on your vehicle license to avoid issues during roadside checks. When choosing a color, avoid reflective or police-like colors to prevent rejection during approval. The process is simple, but protecting your rights is crucial.
