How is the 10-day filing period for vehicle color change calculated?
2 Answers
After applying a wrap at a certified modification shop, the shop will provide the vehicle owner with a receipt or invoice. The owner can register the modification at the vehicle management office within 10 days from the date the invoice is issued. According to Article 56 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," if the body color is changed without completing the required registration procedures, 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. To apply for a change in the body color of a motor vehicle, the following documents must be submitted in accordance with the "Road Traffic Safety Law": the "Application Form for Modification Registration of Motor Vehicles," identity proofs of the vehicle owner and their agent, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and the motor vehicle license. According to Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, no modification registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, the change must be filed and registered within 10 days after the color change. Notes on 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 changing the vehicle color using wraps. If the region does not support this method, the modification cannot be registered, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," 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 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 in usage nature, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa. The vehicle owner's residence moves into 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 signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from using or installing patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are specific to or resemble those of the aforementioned vehicles.
When I got my car wrapped, I specifically checked the filing period calculation. It starts counting from the day the wrap is completed as Day 1, and the deadline is after 10 calendar days. Last time I got it wrapped on Friday, and even though Saturday isn't a workday, it still counts. So the filing deadline was the following Monday. Remember to bring your ID card, vehicle license, and green book (vehicle registration certificate). You'll need to fill out an application form and have the car inspected on-site. If you miss the 10-day window, I heard you might get fined 200 RMB and face issues during annual inspection. After wrapping, it's best to take photos immediately for records, making it easier to verify if the color matches the declaration during filing. With hot weather recently, avoid exposing the fresh wrap to direct sunlight too soon - edges may lift and cause problems with registration.
