This is not legal advice. All the info in this blog post is based on my personal experience and extensive research on the topic.
Whether to express your funky personality or promote your business, car wraps have always been the go-to option.
Their popularity has increased in recent years. However, their legality can be confusing, and sometimes it is more researched than car wrap itself.
It can be challenging to find out about legalities regarding car wraps. If you are opting for a car wrap and worrying about whether it is legal or not, then worry not because you are at the right place.
After reading this, you will know everything regarding rules around car wrapping in California.
Wrapping your car in California is legal as long as color change is reported to the DMV, and your vehicle’s registration card is update with the new information. All these rules apply in California, even if the change is temporary.
The main advantage of updating your car’s information is in case your car gets stolen, you have the color of the wrap updated in the document.
It will be easy for the police to find it, but there is a disadvantage. The thief might remove the wrap, which isn’t easy to find.
If the state wants you to report a color change in your car, you have to do it no matter the circumstances.
The question is, are there any repercussions for not doing so, or will you face any consequences if you do not report a color change?
The answer is that you may not face anything serious. Like you won’t be charged, and the likelihood of getting pulled over is slim.
But there can be instances, especially in California, where you get a ticket or get into a similar situation.
You can get away with it if you have all the information updated on your car documentation. And you should report all this before you drive it on the road again.
Reporting a car wrap to California DMV
The question arises if any laws in California require you to report a car wrap, or is it just a formality.
To answer it, let me break it to you that there are no such laws. While searching on it, you must have seen a mixed response to the question about the legality of a car wrap.
It is because the rules and regulations vary from state to state.
It varies from authority to authority as well. If you ask someone at the California DMV, they will say that it is compulsory to report the wrap.
Currently the California DMV has no available resource in regards to “car wrapping.”
Even if you ask a police officer, they might say it is not compulsory, and if you ask a friend, I bet they will say don’t worry about reporting it.
Consider that the entire appearance of your car is changed and that goes unreported. How does that feel? Does it sound illegal? It does, and I think that more than getting a car wrap, not reporting one is illegal.
Reporting car wrap to your insurance company in California
When thinking of getting a car wrap, reporting it to the insurance company is the last thought that crosses anyone’s mind. However, it is wise to up color of your car reported to your insurance company.
If you lose it or an accident occurs, your insurance company won’t process your claim if the car’s color does not match your documents.
So, don’t hesitate to report all the changes at DMV and your insurance company in California.
Registering the updated information in California
All vehicles must be registered before they get on the road. Similarly, all cars with a color wrap must be reported before hitting the road.
Everyone knows the importance of car registration. Do you know the consequences if one of the provided detail in your car registration is not correct? It poses a security threat to your car.
Car color might seem like a minor change, but it is not, especially when the safety of your car is at risk. Also, not updating your car information at DMV is as bad a crime as providing the wrong information.
Is a car wrap considered permanent at California DMV?
Most of the car wraps are not permanent. Depending on the quality, you have to renew them after some time.
If properly maintained, a vehicle wrap lasts up to five years. After that, whether you get it replaced or get rid of a wrap and revert to the original color, you have to report it to California DMV.
If the replacement color varies from the previous car wrap’s color, it must also be reported to the DMV. California DMV expects all such changes to be reported as soon as possible.
There might not be a law about it, but it is vital to recognize your duty as a responsible citizen.
Moving to states other than California
All the regulations mentioned above are as per the guidelines of California DMV. When moving to another state or taking your car to another state, ensure you abide by its DMV regulations.
Also, if you are in another state just for a short stay, only one thing can defend you if you get pulled over for a car wrap.
And that’s your car registration card that will save you there because you can’t go to the local DMV in that state. So, now you have one more reason to report the wrap to California DMV on time.
Bottom line
Getting a car wrap in California is legal until you update California DMV about it. A delay in it may lead to issues where the legality of a car wrap comes in.
The more you delay in reporting it, the more problem it brings. And if you are trying to get away with a wrapped car, then that’s where things start to seem illegal.
A common practice is not to report a car wrap and, when pulled over, Just play ignorant. It might not be the best idea. In short, always report a car wrap to all concerned departments, no matter what.
Photo altered by simplelifesaver.com | Photo attribution: Dillon Kydd licensed under CC2.0
