Car wraps are a cool and trendy way to customize your car. But the last thing you want is to end up on the wrong side of the law, especially if you are looking for fleet wraps!
Luckily, we’ve got you covered (no pun intended). We’ve compiled the different types of car wraps to detail whether or not they are illegal.
There are possible consequences of wrapping your car illegally. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know – from local laws to how a car wrap can impact your car insurance rates. So read on to learn more!
What Is A Vinyl Wrap?
A vinyl car wrap is a thin vinyl material that can be easily applied to your car. They can be applied over the entire body of the car as a “full wrap,” or as smaller decals covering only portions of the paint for a “partial wrap.” Vinyl car wraps are popular because they are affordable and easy to install.
These wraps are popular for advertisement and marketing, as well as for personal preference. Some people enjoy the versatility and boldness of a wrapped car!
Is Wrapping My Car Legal In The U.S.?
Generally speaking, there are no illegal types of car wraps in the US. Car wrapping is legal federally in the U.S. However, you should check with your state to see if any specific laws apply to car wrapping. For example, Florida car wrap laws prohibit covering your license plates with wraps or using excessively reflective wraps.
Some states and municipalities have laws regarding mobile advertisements. In this case, if you are looking to wrap your vehicle as a way to advertise, you want to make sure you are within the boundaries of the law.
Additionally, if you live in an area with a strict Homeowner’s Association (HOA), they may have rules that pertain to a wrapped vehicle. For example, if they ban vehicles with advertisements on them, you may need to park your wrapped car in a garage to avoid problems.
Lastly, some states or cities may require you to register your car as a commercial vehicle if its primary use is to advertise your business. Though this is rare, it’s important to consider whether you’ll need to comply with a regulation like this.
If you are wrapping your car just to change the color or design, and not for advertising purposes, these rules likely won’t apply at all.
Key Take Away: Vehicle Wraps are legal in the U.S., but there may be laws about specific types of wraps in your area. Make sure to check your local laws and ordinances.
What Kinds Of Car Wraps Are Illegal?
There is no specific list of car wraps that are illegal, as all types of car wraps are generally fine. The issue only crops up when your HOA bans advertising on vehicles in your development, or if you live in a neighborhood that has very specific by-laws against any kind of advertising.
Chrome Car Wrap – Is it illegal?
A chrome car wrap is a type of car wrap that gives your car a metallic look. It is made out of plastic and it can be used to cover your entire car or just certain parts of it. Chrome or metallic finishes are significantly more expensive than vinyl wraps. This is due to the higher cost of the materials and the added complexity of installation.
Chrome wraps can be reflective, which can be seen as a safety hazard. We frequently get asked if chrome wraps are legal.
Most places do not have regulations in place about chrome wraps specifically, but there may be regulations in your area about reflective surfaces on cars. Reflective wraps can be a road hazard, making it difficult for other drivers to see if there is sun glare or in the glare of their headlights at night.
Check your state and local regulations to make sure you’re on the right side of the law.
Is Chrome Wrap Illegal In The U.K.?
At this time, it is not illegal to wrap your car in chrome vinyl in the U.K. However, this may change in the future so please check with your local authorities before wrapping your car.
Wraps that Impersonate Official Vehicles
Many places in the U.S. have laws against impersonating a police vehicle, ambulance, or other official city/county vehicles. In that case, your car wrap cannot be made to look like a police, fire, or medical vehicle.
There may also be limits on which colors you are able to wrap your car, if the emergency services in your area use a specific color.
Do I Have To Notify The DMV When I Wrap My Car?
In most places, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not have laws that requires car owners to notify them if they wrap their vehicles, but we recommend checking your local laws to see if you’re required to report it.
In most cases with wraps, if the color of your vehicle doesn’t match the color on your registration when you’re pulled over, you can tell the officer that it is a removable coating, not permanent. They can check the door jambs or engine bay to see the original color.
If the car is painted, the color is considered permanently changed. Permanent color changes must be reported to the DMV.
Do I Have to Notify My Insurance When I Wrap My Car?
Though you likely don’t have to report your wrap to the DMV, you may need to report it to your insurance company.
Wrapping your car can impact your car insurance rates. Some car insurance companies may raise your rates if they see that you have had a wrap installed. Others may not be affected, but it is something to consider before wrapping your car.
Regardless, if you get a car wrap it’s best to declare it with your car insurance company. The company may want to know the specific color of your vehicle for insurance purposes.
Additionally, you may want to verify if the wrap will be covered or not if damage were to occur to your vehicle.
Window Tinting
Is Window Tinting The Same As Car Wrapping?
Window tinting and car wrapping are two completely different things. Window tinting is when you apply a film to your car windows to darken them. The cannot be printed on, like a vinyl wrap can be.
Car wrapping is when you apply a vinyl material to your car body to change its appearance. However, a full vehicle vinyl car wrap typically covers the windows. This is called a “window perf.” You’ve likely seen cars with this modification without thinking twice!
Window perf is vinyl wrap with small holes so you can see through them, can be applied over windows on vehicles, but it is separate from window tinting.
Is Window Tinting illegal?
Window tinting is not federally illegal. However, some states have laws that prohibit certain levels of window tinting or even prohibit it on certain types of cars. Please check with your local authorities to see if window tinting is illegal in your area and check on the tint percentage before installing any window tint.
For example, California has stricter laws than most states, allowing only very subtle tinting on cars. New Mexico allows the darkest tinting. Some regulations apply to specific windows as well, such as how dark side windows can be versus the rear windshield.
Other Vehicle Modifications
Besides vehicle wrapping, there are all kinds of vehicle modifications. You can add decals (different than a full vehicle wrap, but similar material and process to vinyl wrap), change the paint job, or add aftermarket parts like spoilers or custom rims.
You can also tint the windows or change the headlight bulbs. However, before investing in the installation of any of these after-market products, it’s best to learn about any applicable regulations, both from your state or county and from your insurance provider.
Illegal Modifications Can Land You In Trouble
Most of these modifications are perfectly legal. However, there are some that can get you into trouble with the law. For example, in some states, adding lights other than your headlights to your car is illegal, in other states, it is not.
Headlight bulbs have to meet certain standards for brightness and color as well as not producing too much glare. And aftermarket parts must meet safety standards set by the government.
Before you modify your vehicle, make sure you know the laws in your state and that your modifications comply with them. Otherwise, you could end up with a hefty fine or even having your vehicle impounded.
Conclusion: What Types Of Car Wraps Are Legal Versus Illegal?
Car wraps are typically legal, though there are always a few catches depending on unique circumstances. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to car wraps.
So while many people think that car wraps are illegal, this is not the case. Vinyl wraps are both legal in the U.S., but you should check with your state or city to see if any specific laws apply.
Make sure you do your research before choosing a car wrap for your vehicle. And always hire an experienced, reliable professional car wrap installer to ensure the best quality. If you’re looking to install fleet wraps in multiple states, a national professional, like National Car Wraps, can help you avoid any illegal designs.
Questions? Feel free to reach out!
