Vehicle Colour Change Rules and RMV Procedure

In Sri Lanka, changing the color of a vehicle must strictly comply with the regulations of the Department of Motor Traffic (RMV).

Under the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act, prior approval from the Commissioner-General is mandatory for changing any detail noted on the vehicle's Certificate of Registration (CR). The vehicle's color is a primary detail stated in the CR book.

The main legal steps you must follow when changing the color can be presented as follows:

Steps Before Changing the Color (Obtaining Approval)

This is the most important part of the process. You must obtain permission from the Department of Motor Traffic before changing the color.

You need to obtain and correctly fill out the relevant application form (usually CAP 72 or MTA forms are used, but the exact required form for color change must be confirmed with the RMV) from the Department of Motor Traffic (RMV) or their official website for changing the vehicle's color.

The necessary documents are:

• The Vehicle's Certificate of Registration (CR).
• The vehicle owner's National Identity Card (NIC).
• Other relevant documents (e.g., corporate documents for a company vehicle).

After submitting the application and documents, you must obtain the **prior approval** of the Commissioner-General of Motor Traffic. Changing the color without this permission is illegal.

Steps After Changing the Color (Amending Registration)

After changing the color, you must immediately revise the Certificate of Registration.

Once the color is changed, the vehicle must be presented to a **Motor Vehicle Examiner** at the Department of Motor Traffic. The examiner will confirm that the vehicle has been changed to the new color and issue a certificate (such as form CMT 130). Then, you must return to the RMV with the Motor Vehicle Examiner's Certificate (CMT 130), the vehicle's original book, and the owner's ID to apply for the color change on the Certificate of Registration. A specific fee must be paid for this.

Upon completion of all procedures, the revised Certificate of Registration (the vehicle's new book) showing the new color will be issued to you.

Now, let's look at the Fees Charged

The money to be paid when changing a vehicle's color can be divided into two parts:

1. Color Change Registration Fee (RMV Fee)

2. Inspection Fee

Official Fees for Color Change

Changing a vehicle's color is considered by the RMV as an **Amendment of particulars in the Certificate of Registration (CR)**. This fee is typically around LKR 100.

Inspection Fees and Other Costs

In addition to the official fee for the color change, a few other fees must be paid. **Motor Vehicle Inspection Fee:** After the color change, the vehicle must be presented to a Motor Vehicle Examiner for inspection. A variable inspection fee, depending on the type of vehicle, is charged for this. For most RMV services, inspection fees, cash payments, etc., may be included in the relevant service. Since the color change falls under the amendment of particulars, the fee may vary depending on your vehicle type.

**Application Processing Fees:** Sometimes, minor fees may be charged for application processing and other administrative tasks.

Other Points to Note

There are several important practical and legal matters beyond the formal legal process that you should focus on when changing a vehicle's color.

Prohibited Colors and Patterns

Under Sri Lankan law, certain colors and patterns cannot be used on vehicles or require special permission:

• **Military Colors/Patterns:** Civil vehicles should avoid using Camouflage patterns or official colors used by the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, or Police), such as the deep green/grey of the Army or the blue/white official color combinations of the Police.
• **Colors that Cause Confusion:** Using colors similar to those of emergency service vehicles like ambulances or fire trucks may cause issues.
• **Reflectivity:** The use of highly reflective paint or wrapping materials that could bother other drivers on the road may be restricted.

Multi-Colour (Two Tone/Multi-Colour)

If you use two colors (e.g., White and Black) or more on the vehicle, both primary colors or "Multi-Colour" must be correctly noted on the Certificate of Registration (CR). When applying two colors, the **Dominant Colour** must be clearly informed to the RMV.

Quality of the Color Change

When the RMV examiner inspects the vehicle, they will consider the **Quality of the change** and whether it has been done permanently. The new color should be significantly different from the original color.

Law Regarding Wrapping Method

Wrapping is a method where a sticker of a different color is applied over the vehicle's existing paint coating without changing the paint itself. Even if you change the color using the wrapping method instead of permanent paint, you must follow the same process mentioned above to officially record the new color on the Certificate of Registration. Failure to do so could be considered illegal. Although wrapping is not paint, since the external visible color of the vehicle changes, it is considered a legal requirement.

Leasing or Bank Loan

If the vehicle is under a leasing agreement or bank loan, you must obtain prior written permission from the relevant financial institution (Finance Company or Bank) before changing the color. Changing the color without their consent may lead to a breach of your agreement.

Important Legal Matters

Changing the color without authorization is a punishable offense. Changing a vehicle's color without the prior approval of the Commissioner-General is against the law. If a vehicle changed in such a way is driven on the road, the police may consider it an illegal modification and impose penalties.