Is it legal to change the colour of your car in Australia?

A fresh splash of paint may give your wheels a new lease on life, but what are the legalities of switching your car’s colour?

Can you change the colour of your car in Australia? It seems like a simple question, as after all, it’s your car so you should be able to do what you like… right? As with many things on the road, the answer isn’t quite as simple as you’d think.

There are two ways to change your car’s colour; painting it, or covering it in a vinyl wrap. The rules for what needs to be done next come down to what method you’ve chosen.

For the most part, all states and territories refer to the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (NCOP) which is maintained by the Australian Transport Council. In the NCOP, section 3.14 refers to Minor Modifications to Production Vehicle that does not Require Certification, and notes that “markings, paintings, sign writing, stripes, (prism pattern) film on bodywork that do not reflect excessive light” are permitted without specific certification.

Each state and territory records and monitors their road fleet differently though, so while changing the colour of your car may not require certification, registering the change may need some work.

Can I change my car colour in Australia?

Is it legal to wrap a car in a new colour in Australia?

Yes, and while a wrap is generally considered temporary signage, we’d always recommend notifying the road authority in your state of the colour change.

Are any wrap colours illegal?

Yes. Highly reflective wraps, like chrome film, can reflect the sun and dazzle other drivers. They are not permitted.

Why do I need to let the road authority know if I change my car colour?

Vehicle registration data includes key information like year, make, model, doors and colour. If the police scan your plate and the records note your car should be white, when you’ve painted it blue, you may be suspected of using false plates, intercepted and potentially receive a fine for driving an unregistered or incorrectly registered vehicle.

Can I paint some panels in different colours?

Yes, but your car is likely ‘one’ colour underneath and that is the colour you need to register it as.

Do I need to change my registration details if I just paint my roof or bonnet?

No. If your car is still painted in its standard colour on most panels you don’t need to change your information.

Can I wrap my car with a detailed design?

Yes. Many companies use complex artwork to turn cars into rolling billboards that advertise their services. Where many colours are used, your car needs to be registered as the colour it ‘predominantly’ is or you may continue to note it as the colour it is under the wrap.

Can I add designs or a motif to my car (eg: flames)?

Yes, but keep it tasteful.

Can I paint my car with colour-changing paint?

Yes, providing it doesn’t dazzle. Use your judgement when describing the base colour for your registration.

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Can I change my car colour in VIC?

Yes if you paint it, but you must notify VicRoads so that your vehicle details match your registration data. No inspection is required and you can simply call VicRoads on 13 11 71 to advise them. If you wrap your car the colour change is considered temporary and you do not need to advise VicRoads, but we still recommend that you do.

Can I change my car colour in NSW?

Yes, but you need to complete a Change of Records form first. You will need to visit a NSW RTA office and your vehicle may need to be inspected before the change is processed.

Can I change my car colour in QLD?

Yes. Simply contact Queensland Transport and let them know your car is a new colour. Note that Queensland specifically calls out reflective wraps as being illegal, so choose your colour wisely.

Can I change my car colour in SA?

Yes. You can complete a change of registration details form with the South Australian government for no charge.

Can I change my car colour in TAS?

Yes. Changing the paint colour is considered to be a minor modification that does not require inspection. You will need to contact the Tasmanian Vehicle Standards Team on 03 6166 3263 to notify them of your change.

Can I change my car colour in WA?

Yes, but you must complete a Change of Vehicle Details form with WA Transport.

Can I change my car colour in NT?

Yes, this is considered a minor modification, however, painting your car is not specifically listed in the description of allowable modifications. We would suggest a quick contact with the Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure which note “vehicle modifications which are not fully described or fall outside the scope of the National Codes of Practice may still be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”

Can I change my car colour in the ACT?

Yes. You’ll need to avoid reflective paints and wraps and will have to notify the roads authority via Access Canberra.

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