Is Car Color Change Film Illegal?
3 Answers
Applying color change film to a car is not illegal, but it must be registered if the entire vehicle is covered. Since changing the color of a car is considered a modification, driving a car with a full-body color change film without registration is a violation of traffic laws. Precautions for applying color change film to a vehicle: The overall color of the film should not exceed three colors. If the car emblem is also covered with color, although the area is small, it is still included in the count. Partial film application covering less than 30% of the vehicle's total area generally has no impact. If the area is larger, traffic police may require the driver to update the vehicle registration certificate, depending on the situation. Electroplated color change films and all reflective color change films cannot be registered on the vehicle registration certificate. Laser series color change films can be registered on the vehicle registration certificate. Benefits of car color change film: It does not damage the original car paint and provides better protection: Regular car paint jobs are unlikely to match the original paint perfectly, and if the paint quality is substandard, it can cause damage such as rust and corrosion. Color change film eliminates this concern by isolating the car paint from air exposure, preventing oxidation and damage, and extending the lifespan of the original paint. Convenient and eco-friendly: When the owner no longer wants the color, the film can be easily removed without leaving marks or damaging the original paint. Made from high-molecular eco-friendly materials, it has no adverse effects on the car's paint.
I recently had my car wrapped in a cool electric blue color-changing film, and it feels like a brand-new car with a high head-turning rate on the road. While the wrap itself isn’t illegal, you must register it at the vehicle management office; otherwise, it might be considered an illegal modification. After applying the wrap, I quickly gathered my driver’s license, ID card, and other documents to complete the registration process. It went smoothly, costing less than 100 yuan and taking only half a day. If you don’t register it, traffic police may target you during roadside checks, issuing fines of 200-300 yuan and deducting points. It could also cause issues during vehicle inspections, requiring you to redo everything. Actually, registration isn’t just a legal requirement—it also ensures consistent vehicle information for easier identification. If you’re into customization, I recommend checking the registration details with the vehicle management office first. Registering after wrapping gives you peace of mind.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've seen many people run into trouble after applying color-changing films, mainly because they failed to register the modification. While altering your car's color with film is legal, the law clearly states that you must register the change within ten days; otherwise, it will be considered an illegal modification. If caught without registration, traffic police can issue an on-the-spot fine, and it may also affect insurance claims or annual inspections. I personally went through the registration process immediately after applying the film—it's simple: just take a photo and fill out a form, no hassle at all. This isn't just about following rules; it's also for safety—unregistered color changes can complicate accident investigations. In short, personalizing your car with film is great, but don't cut corners and risk bigger problems.