Does wheel hub color change require registration?
2 Answers
According to the "Motor Vehicle Inspection Work Regulations," changing the color of wheel hubs does not require registration, but the size of the wheel hubs must not be altered. For changes to the vehicle body color, Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that if the color change area does not exceed 30% of the vehicle's surface, no change registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, registration is required, and the change must be recorded within 10 days after the color alteration. Precautions for vehicle color change: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region permits color changes. If the region does not support this practice, registration procedures cannot be completed after the change, and the vehicle must be restored to its original color. Documents required for applying to change the vehicle body color: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Identity proof of the vehicle owner and agent. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle driving license. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply in advance to the vehicle management office. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for change registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration under the following circumstances: 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 converting a commercial vehicle 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 be painted with designated patterns and equipped with alarms and warning lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from using similar patterns, alarms, or warning lights. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without following the required registration procedures, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.
Regarding the question of whether wheel color changes require registration, I believe from a regulatory perspective, pure color changes generally do not require registration. Vehicle registration mainly targets structural modifications, such as changes to wheel size, suspension, or engine modifications, which may affect safety and vehicle inspections. Simply painting or applying film to change the color of the wheels without altering the diameter or width is considered a decorative adjustment in almost all regions and does not trigger legal reporting requirements. However, regulations vary by location; for example, certain cities in some countries might have minor adjustments, so it's advisable for car owners to check the specific terms on their local vehicle management or transportation department websites. To be on the safe side, consult a professional modification shop, as they usually guide you through compliant procedures. Remember, safe driving always comes first—don’t let modifications become a hazard, and ensure the wheel surface treatment is even to prevent paint peeling and maintain aesthetics.
