AZE.US
Drivers in Azerbaijan are being warned that decorative wraps and tinted coverings used to alter a vehicle’s appearance may lead to fines if the modifications violate technical or registration requirements.
Colored vinyl wraps have become increasingly popular, particularly among younger motorists. Some drivers cover individual body panels or change much of the vehicle’s exterior, while others apply dark film to headlights and rear lights.
Transport expert Elmaddin Muradli said wrapping a vehicle or modifying its color scheme is not prohibited in itself, but the changes must remain within legal limits.
According to Muradli, at least 80% of the vehicle should retain the color listed in its technical passport. If the wrap substantially changes the car’s registered color, the modification must be recorded in the vehicle’s registration documents.
Driving a vehicle without registering such changes may be treated as a technical violation and could result in a fine of 50 manats.
Separate restrictions apply to headlights, taillights and other exterior lighting equipment.
Azerbaijan’s Main State Traffic Police Department said coverings placed over vehicle lights may alter their color and reduce the quality of light transmission. They can also make signals more difficult for other road users to interpret.
Under the Law on Road Traffic, the number, type, location and operating mode of a vehicle’s exterior lights must comply with the manufacturer’s design requirements.
Installing or modifying lighting equipment in violation of technical standards may lead to administrative liability under Article 340 of Azerbaijan’s Code of Administrative Offenses.
Drivers may therefore use colored wraps to customize their vehicles, but changes affecting the registered body color must be officially documented. Darkening headlights or other lights in a way that reduces visibility or changes their intended function may also result in penalties.
AZE.US