A new Indiana law just took effect on January 1, 2026, and it could impact you or someone you know, especially if you own a business or you happen to own a car that you’ve modified.
Which Vehicle Changes Now Require A Registration Update
The new law now requires drivers to update their vehicle registration if they significantly change the exterior color or appearance of their car. The law originates from Senate Bill 331, which was signed into law by Governor Mike Braun on May 5, 2025.
Under the new rule, if a driver repaints their vehicle or otherwise changes its exterior color from what is currently listed on the registration, they must apply to amend the registration with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This applies to passenger vehicles whose color is altered through repainting, wraps, coatings, or other cosmetic changes.
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How Criminal Cases Can Lead To Stronger Penalties
The legislation also directs Indiana law enforcement officers to issue a warning to drivers who fail to update their registration to reflect a change in color. However, the law includes a more serious penalty in cases involving criminal activity.
According to the bill language, “a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if they change the color of a vehicle after it has been used in the commission of a crime and fail to amend the vehicle registration.” Lawmakers say this provision is intended to prevent individuals from altering a vehicle’s appearance to avoid identification or hinder investigations.
Why The BMV Will Ask About Color Changes At Renewal
In addition to registration updates following a color change, the law now requires the BMV to ask drivers during registration renewal whether their vehicle’s color has changed since their last renewal. This ensures records remain accurate even if previous changes were not reported.
How The Law Helps Improve Vehicle Identification
Supporters of the measure say the law will help improve accuracy in vehicle databases and assist law enforcement when identifying vehicles involved in crimes, crashes, or missing person cases. The change is also expected to help avoid confusion when vehicle descriptions are shared in emergency bulletins or BOLO alerts…