Is it illegal to change the color of a BMW X4 with a wrap?
3 Answers
If more than 30% of the vehicle body is wrapped or recolored, it is necessary to file a change with the vehicle management office to update the vehicle registration certificate; otherwise, it is considered illegal. The procedure for filing a color change with a wrap is as follows: 1. If the original vehicle has any outstanding violations, they must be resolved before proceeding. The applicant must bring the original and a copy of the vehicle owner's identity proof, the vehicle registration certificate, and the vehicle license to the vehicle management office, fill out the "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form," and submit the application. If the application meets the requirements, the applicant will receive a "Notice of Approval for Change," allowing the vehicle's color to be changed. It is important to note that the new color and patterns must not imitate those of special vehicles such as police cars or fire trucks, and the vehicle body color cannot exceed three different shades. 2. After the color change, the vehicle owner or their agent must bring the required documents and invoice, along with the recolored vehicle, back to the vehicle management office to complete the inspection process. The staff will update the new body color in the system, take new photos, and complete the change registration procedure.
I've changed the color of my BMW X4 several times with wraps, and whether it's illegal depends on legal requirements. In China, changing your car's color requires registration—specifically, you must apply for a color change registration at the vehicle management office within 10 days of applying the wrap and update your vehicle license. If you drive without completing this registration, the police may fine you 200-500 RMB, deduct points, or, in severe cases, prevent your car from passing the annual inspection. This regulation is in place to standardize vehicle information management and prevent impersonation or disruptions to traffic order. My personal advice: Don’t delay after wrapping—go straight to complete the paperwork. Just bring your ID and vehicle documents; the whole process is hassle-free and costs just a few dozen RMB. Wrapping shop technicians often say this saves hassle, avoiding being pulled over mid-drive and ruining your mood. Plus, it ensures smoother insurance claims in case of an accident.
Last year, I had my BMW X4 wrapped in a cool bright red film, which looked pretty stylish. But don't just focus on the looks and forget about the legal side. I remember going to the DMV to register the change the very next day after the wrap—filled out a form, paid a fee, and got the new certificate in half an hour, all legal and worry-free. If you skip the registration, getting caught by traffic police on the road is illegal—could be a fine and a warning at best, or having your car impounded at worst. It also won't pass the annual inspection, forcing you to go back and sort it out later. A friend of mine tried to save time by skipping the registration and ended up paying more in fines than the wrap itself cost—totally not worth it. Wrapping your car is fine, just follow the rules so a small thing doesn't ruin your driving experience.
