Is Filing Required for Wheel Hub Color Change?
2 Answers
According to the "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Inspection Procedures," changing the color of wheel hubs does not require filing, but the size of the wheel hubs must not be altered. For changes to the vehicle body color, Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that if the changed area does not exceed 30% of the vehicle's total color, no registration for modification is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, filing is necessary, and registration must be completed 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 local region permits such modifications. If the region does not support this practice, filing procedures cannot be processed after the modification, and the vehicle must be restored to its original color. Documents required for applying to change the vehicle body color include: "Application Form for Motor Vehicle Modification Registration." Original and photocopies of the identity documents 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 to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply to the vehicle management office 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 nature, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa. The vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into 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 spray emblem patterns and install alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from spraying, installing, or using emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights exclusive to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without completing the required modification registration, 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.
From a regulatory perspective, wheel color changes typically don't require registration. Having modified my own car's wheels several times, I'm quite familiar with this issue. In China, traffic regulations require registration with the vehicle management office for body color changes like repainting, but wheels are considered auxiliary decorations that don't affect license plates or core identification information. As long as the color change doesn't alter wheel size or structure, and doesn't involve reflective safety strips, it won't cross legal boundaries. I remember last time I changed my wheels to metallic blue - just had it done professionally without any paperwork, and drove for two years without issues. However, a word of caution: if dark colors overly cover the tire specification engravings making them illegible, it might cause problems during annual inspections. It's advisable to check local traffic regulations or consult authorities beforehand to ensure compliance. Before starting, choose high-quality color films or paints to avoid peeling issues later.
