Indy Auto Man Alerts Indiana Drivers: New BMV Vehicle Color Law Takes Effect January 2026

Indy Auto Man warns Indiana drivers about a new 2026 BMV vehicle color rule, helping keep their vehicles in accordance with actual state legislation.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As of January 1, 2026, Indiana drivers must update their registration with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days if their vehicle's color has been changed through painting or wrapping. Owners who disrespect the new rules could face fines of up to $500 and possible car impoundment for non-compliance.
Indy Auto Man, the Indiana used car dealer, shares insights into regulatory shifts to help future car owners and current Indiana drivers avoid unexpected fines, delays, and paperwork issues tied to vehicle ownership.
This pivotal change by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) addresses critical safety gaps exposed by the rise in vehicle color alterations statewide. The legislation, enacted via House Enrolled Act 1234 and effective under Indiana Code updates, requires submission of BMV Form 42049, including color photos and a $15 fee, for any "material color change" from the factory original.
Indiana officials are responding to some worrying trends on the roads. Recent data shows more crashes and police chases involving vehicles whose color no longer matches the information on their registration documents, which can confuse cameras and officers trying to identify the car. After public hearings revealed that many of these vehicles came from prior fleets or quick resales with undocumented paint work, legislators moved to tighten the rules.
The new requirement is designed to ensure that a vehicle’s paperwork matches its actual appearance, which helps police recover stolen cars, reduce fraud, and cut down on unnecessary traffic stops. In this environment, Indy Auto Man, a trusted Indiana used auto dealership, presents itself as a reliable partner by offering fully documented vehicles that are thoroughly inspected and ready to be registered without additional color-related issues.
"Indiana roads are safer when vehicles match their official records. This law closes a dangerous loophole we've tracked for years," states Victor Figlin, General Manager at Indy Auto Man.
For used car buyers in Indiana’s tight 2025 market, where prices remain elevated amid supply constraints and stepped-up federal and state enforcement, staying fully compliant with registration rules is more important than ever. Customers seeking low car prices in Indiana frequently face auction vehicles that arrive with undocumented color histories from previous owners, turning a dream purchase into a paperwork nightmare.
Indy Auto Man differentiates through direct sourcing from trusted auctions such as Manheim and ADESA, bidding only on vehicles with clean titles. Each undergoes a thorough inspection by experienced, trained technicians, including meticulous color verification against original manufacturer specs and Carfax reports.
Since 2008, Indy Auto Man has built a reputation on transparency. The dealer strives to keep prospective car owners informed about the latest changes in state legislation affecting vehicle ownership and daily driving. By sharing clear, timely updates on new rules and requirements, the dealership helps motorists avoid unexpected fines, registration issues, and other legislation compliance problems. This proactive approach reflects Indy Auto Man’s broader mission to serve as a trusted, long-term automotive partner for Hoosier families, not just a place to purchase a used car in Indiana.
About Indy Auto Man
For 18 years, Indy Auto Man has been the used car market authority, delivering inspected, value-packed vehicles from its Indiana car lots. Voted among the top three used car dealers in Indianapolis by Three Best Rated for six consecutive years, thousands of citizens trust the dealership's proven process for hassle-free car buying.
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