How much car decal requires registration?
2 Answers
If the area of the car decal exceeds 30% of the total body area, it is necessary to register at the local vehicle management office within ten days. If the car wrap is in chameleon color or electroplated color, it cannot be registered because these two colors have a certain impact on traffic safety, especially the electroplated color, which can easily cause glare for drivers behind. The following situations require the owner of the motor vehicle to apply for a change of registration at the vehicle management office: 1. Changing the body color; 2. Replacing the engine; 3. Replacing the body or frame; 4. Replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues; 5. Changing the use nature of the vehicle, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial one or vice versa; 6. The owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office.
When I first started driving, I put a lot of stickers on my car. Later, I learned how important it is to register these modifications. If your stickers are small and scattered, like a palm-sized decorative pattern on the rear window or door, it’s usually fine, and the traffic police won’t bother you. But if you apply too many stickers, covering more than about 30% of the car’s total surface area, or if you place them on the windshield obstructing your view, you absolutely must register the changes with the vehicle management office. Why? Because registration ensures the car’s appearance matches its official records, preventing issues during annual inspections or fines on the road. My neighbor last year covered his car in ads without registering and ended up with a fine of several hundred yuan—totally not worth it. The registration process is simple: just bring your vehicle license, fill out a form, and it’s done in a day or two. In short, decorating your car is fine, but don’t overdo it—safety and compliance are key. Before applying stickers, measure their size, and if unsure, consult your local vehicle management office—they’re happy to help car owners avoid trouble.
