Is it illegal to change a black car to matte black?
4 Answers
Changing a black car to matte black is not illegal, but it requires applying for a modification with the vehicle management office. According to the regulations of the National Road Traffic Safety Law, the owner of a motor vehicle shall apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office at the place of registration under any of the following circumstances: 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 non-commercial use or vice versa; 6. The motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many cases. Changing a black car to matte black isn't inherently illegal, but according to China's 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations,' you need to register the color change at the vehicle management office. The procedure is simple: within 10 days after changing the color, bring your ID card, driving license, and vehicle registration certificate, take a photo, fill out a form, and it's done for a few dozen yuan. If you don't do it, you could be fined 200 yuan, deducted 3 points, or even forced to restore the original color if caught on the road. My friend was fined for not doing it. Matte black has poor reflective properties, making it easier for other drivers to overlook at night. For safety and convenience, I suggest you register it as soon as possible to avoid trouble.
Matte black is extremely trendy right now, and as a car enthusiast, I absolutely love this satin finish! But from a legal perspective, changing the color without filing for modification is considered illegal. Chinese traffic regulations require any changes to the vehicle's exterior appearance to be reported, especially obvious modifications like color. I've looked into it—if you drive without registering the changes, traffic police will be strict about it, fines are unavoidable, and it could affect your annual inspection. It's actually quite easy to do it yourself—just visit the DMV to ask about the process, take some time to take photos and upload them. An added benefit is that after filing, insurance claims go more smoothly, preventing unnecessary disputes.
I think changing to matte black is fine, but legally you need to be cautious. According to regulations, you must confirm the filing procedures before repainting, otherwise it's considered illegal. My family members have also repainted their cars, and after filing, it's safe. The matte coating might affect reflectivity, increasing accident risks, so completing the paperwork is a win-win: compliant and safe. To keep it simple, just go directly to the DMV to handle it. Spend a small amount of money to get it done, saving both money and hassle in the long run.
