What are the penalties for car color-changing films?
2 Answers
If the color-changing film is not registered and is discovered, a fine will be imposed without deducting points. According to Article 56 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," if the body color is changed without completing the required registration, the traffic management department of the public security authority may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color. To apply for a change in the body color of a motor vehicle, the following documents must be submitted in accordance with the "Road Traffic Safety Law": The original "Application Form for Modification of Motor Vehicle Registration." Original and photocopies of the identity documents of the vehicle owner and agent. Original motor vehicle registration certificate. Original motor vehicle license. According to Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, no registration for modification is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be registered and filed within 10 days after the color change. Notes on vehicle color changes: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region permits changing the vehicle color using film. If the region does not support this method, the modification cannot be registered, and the film must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to Article 10 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," 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, such as converting a commercial vehicle to non-commercial use or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence into or out of 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 display designated markings and install sirens and warning lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from displaying, installing, or using markings, sirens, or warning lights that are exclusive to or resemble those of the aforementioned vehicles.
I remember not long ago I got a brand-new color-changing wrap for my car, thinking a bright new color would look stylish. But just a few days later, I got pulled over by traffic police, fined 200 yuan and had 3 points deducted from my license. It really left a sour taste. They said I hadn’t declared the color change, making it an illegal modification that directly affected the vehicle recognition system. Worse, during the annual inspection, I got held up—they demanded I either remove the wrap or go through the formalities to update the registration. The process was quite a hassle and nearly damaged the original paint. Eventually, I obediently went to the DMV, spent some time submitting materials and taking photos, and got the new certificate sorted in a few days. My advice to anyone wanting a wrap: don’t skip the paperwork—declare it promptly. Nowadays, the process is pretty convenient—just fill out a form and bring your ID. Also, wraps that are too dark or too reflective can make it hard to see road signs at night, increasing accident risks. So following the rules is better for everyone.
