Who pays the fine ?

[cab]

If a man sells a car but for some reason he does not complete and change over the ownership documents and then the new 'owner' incurs a fine, who is liable to pay the fine ?

[sn�gged]

Not sure from a legal point of view, but out of fairness it is the seller's fault for not changing the documents.

How can it be the new owner's fault?

[kira000]

As far as DVLA are concerned the car remains your responsibility until the transfer of ownership is completed with the paperwork.
This means the old owner remains liable for tax, MOT, fines, points, the whole lot.

[terambulan]

The new owner pays the fine - so long as you send proof of date of sale etc to authorities.

Had same experience - fine went to new owner.

[sn�gged]

cab... do you mean 'the new owner received a fine for the ownership documents not being changed' or 'a fine the new owner incurred for some other offence after the vehicle sale'?

[cab]

The new owner incurred offence because he didnt realise the car tax had ran out.

[sn�gged]

So the new tax disc reminder letter went to you, and not the new owner, because you had failed to change and post off the documents as required?

[cab]

Yes the old owner didnt send off the change of ownership forms.

[Toureman]

If you read the notes on the registration certificate you will see that the old owner is liable for any fines untill the DVLA have issued a new registration certificate.

[cab]

Thank you toureman

[Coobeastie]

Both parties are legally required to inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been sold/purchased.