Full vinyl wrap of whole car requires registration change?

**FatalBert** · 05-20-2013 11:57 AM

If I decide to vinyl wrap my whole car to say white from black, will I need to go and change my registration to white?

**helix139** · 05-20-2013 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by FatalBert

If I decide to vinyl wrap my whole car to say white from black, will I need to go and change my registration to white?

No

**YYC_CFC** · 05-20-2013 12:11 PM

I would have to assume the color on the registration must match the color of the car

**FatalBert** · 05-20-2013 12:13 PM

This is what I've been hearing. I didn't think everyone here wrapping/plastidipping their cars were going and getting registration changed.

But I did get a little stumped when thinking, if I did get in an accident and the officer sees a white car but it says black on the registration I would have a hard time believing that they wouldn't hassle me for invalid registration.

**YYC_CFC** · 05-20-2013 12:19 PM

I was making my assumption with my post. Not saying it is fact.

If you "paint" your car do you have to change the color on registration?

**DirtyJerzey** · 05-20-2013 12:22 PM

I'm sure they would want you to change it NJ is strict as hell, but since its Vinyl(Temporary) i wouldn't bother.

**FuchsB** · 05-20-2013 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by FatalBert

This is what I've been hearing. I didn't think everyone here wrapping/plastidipping their cars were going and getting registration changed.

But I did get a little stumped when thinking, if I did get in an accident and the officer sees a white car but it says black on the registration I would have a hard time believing that they wouldn't hassle me for invalid registration.

If you get in an accident your car will unwrap itself.

**FatalBert** · 05-20-2013 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by YYC_CFC

I was making my assumption with my post. Not saying it is fact.

If you "paint" your car do you have to change the color on registration?

Yes they do.

I'm just wondering what the law requires. Guess ill get a more definitive answer by calling the dmv.

**OmahaB8** · 05-20-2013 02:07 PM

Couldn't you just open up the door and show them that the jambs are the original color?

**dparm** · 05-20-2013 02:11 PM

I'll go out on a limb here and say that if you do not update the registration, you're going to appear suspicious to any cop that happens to run your plate.

**S4charged** · 05-20-2013 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by dparm

I'll go out on a limb here and say that if you do not update the registration, you're going to appear suspicious to any cop that happens to run your plate.

ehh.. it depends.. who knows.. I personally doubt it, I mean the guy is driving a tricked out Audi (50-60K car), not a civic or something, I'm betting if he simply told the cop he wrapped it with vinyl or had it painted he would probably believe it..Just my 2 cents, all cops are different so you now how that goes..

**FatalBert** · 05-20-2013 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by dparm

I'll go out on a limb here and say that if you do not update the registration, you're going to appear suspicious to any cop that happens to run your plate.

This is my thinking as well. Especially where I live they have absolutely nothing better to do. It just didn't dawn upon me until now as I am contemplating a wrap after I peel my clearbra off.

I just don't know which is right by the law the wrap color or the actual color or if there is a limit on what percentage of the car you can cover with the wrap before having to declare it on registration etc.

**AWDRKT** · 05-20-2013 08:14 PM

This is a very tough question for an international forum. Every state law varies so no one in here except someone who is familiar with NJ law will be answer this. Here in AZ, there is no registration entry for the color of a vehicle. In other states, there are. So I would say check with your local motor vehicle division.

-From a cop.

**dparm** · 05-20-2013 08:24 PM

If the cop is just looking to give you a hard time, he'd say "well if it's black then you have invalid registration and I'm going to fine you."

My two cents: not worth it. Why draw unwanted attention from the police?

**dreaddontdie** · 05-20-2013 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by dparm

If the cop is just looking to give you a hard time, he'd say "well if it's black then you have invalid registration and I'm going to fine you."

My two cents: not worth it. Why draw unwanted attention from the police?

spoken like a true Chicagoan. :)

someone can probably call maaco or some paint shop and ask what they know about the rules.