(STATEWIDE) – One of Indiana’s new laws taking effect Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, affects something many drivers may not think twice about: the color of their vehicle.
Under Senate Enrolled Act 331, Hoosiers will now be required to notify the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles if they change the color of their passenger vehicle. The measure was signed into law earlier this year by Governor Mike Braun and applies statewide.
According to the BMV, a color change includes more than just repainting a vehicle. Drivers must also report the installation or removal of vinyl wraps, which can significantly alter how a vehicle appears to law enforcement and the public.
Motorists can comply with the law by updating their vehicle’s color information on their registration through the BMV. The update must be made within 30 days of the color change.
Failure to notify the BMV within that time frame could result in a warning from law enforcement. The law also carries more serious consequences in certain situations. The BMV says that if a vehicle’s color is changed after it has been involved in a crime, and the color change was not reported, the vehicle’s owner could face a misdemeanor charge.
State officials say the law is intended to help ensure vehicle records remain accurate, which can aid law enforcement during traffic stops and criminal investigations.
The new requirement is one of several laws scheduled to take effect at the start of 2026. Drivers with questions about compliance are encouraged to check directly with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
