It is legal in Australia to change the colour of your car, though without some regulations and notification procedures. The rules have changed in recent years due to the popularity of vehicle wrapping technology, but the legislation is still clear on what can be done and what cannot be done.
| State | Form Needed | Wraps Notification | Paint Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Victoria | No | No | Yes |
| South Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
In the case of Wraps and Resprays.
Wraps have become an ingenious substitute to repainting- so that drivers can temporarily alter the look of their car, even with special designs or logos to use in business. In contrast with customary resprays, wraps are removable and can guard your car paint against chips and scratches, which makes it a reasonably priced choice to individuals who want to update the appearance of their vehicle.
Certain regulations are required by law concerning Colour Changes.
The National Code of Practice of Light Vehicle Construction and Modification in Australia (NCOP) describes the regulations on changing the colour of the vehicle. Sign writing, markings and non-reflective wraps are not subject to certification or inspection unless the finish is excessive reflective or dazzling which would be a fineable offence. Reflective wraps, like chrome finishes, should be banned because they can pose a danger to other road users.
State-Specific Procedures
The law dictates that when you change the colour of your car, you have to inform the road authority of your state or territory to maintain the records of registration. Most states just need a form such as Change of Records in NSW or MR7 form in South Australia, but Victoria only needs to be notified in case the change is painted and not wrapped. Queensland prohibits reflective surfaces rigidly, Tasmania tends to consider change of colour more of a minor change, and requiring inspection and the Western and ACT jurisdictions have their own forms and contacts.
During the documentation phase, every officer must verify that all records have been properly documented and all procedures are adhered to.<|human|>Documentation and Compliance All the officers should ensure that all records were properly documented and that all procedures were followed during the documentation stage. The fact that the car has the correct registration papers that indicate the colour is predominant is important. This generally means the colour of space below the bonnet and inside door frames so that the emergency service or police can recognize the car in case of any need. Multicoloured cars including those whose panels are mismatched following an event are legal provided that the underlying colour is appropriately recorded.
There are several steps that are practical before changing the colour of your car.
Always consult your local roads authority, as well as the business that executes the wrap or repaint, before investing in a wrap or a repaint. This is the second check to make sure that your selected colour or a design is not against regulations and avoids unexpected fines or administrative problems. You should also maintain registration records at all times when you modify the appearance of your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Yes, I know that it is illegal to wrap my car with chrome finish.
Chrome wraps and other very reflective finishes are ordinarily illegal, as it may dazzle other road users and this amounts to a fineable offence.
Q2: Do I have to always renew my registration when the colour of my car changes?
Yes, you have to update registration records in the case of changes in painted colour. In wraps, it is necessary to check with your local authority since the rules can vary.
O3: Do I require an inspection when I change the colour of my car?
In most states, colour changes, the wrapper in particular, need no inspection, but forms may be requested; painted changes might somehow provoke increased demands in some jurisdictions.
