The registration authority recommends that vehicles be deregistered before handover
Anyone selling their car should deregister it beforehand. This is the advice of the vehicle registration office in the Bergstraße district. The reason for this warning is the numerous cases in which vehicles are transferred to new owners with their registration still valid, leaving the previous owners facing unexpected legal and financial consequences.
Salespeople often remain the point of contact initially
In practice, it frequently happens that buyers fail to register or deregister the vehicle promptly after purchase. Until this is done, the previous owners often remain the point of contact for authorities, insurance companies, and other agencies.
This can lead to penalty notices, hearing notices, or even tax demands continuing to be sent to the sellers. Vehicle tax also generally continues to accrue until the vehicle has been officially re-registered or deregistered.
“We are observing that vehicles are increasingly being sold while still registered. What seems convenient at first glance can cause considerable problems for the previous owners,” explains Matthias Schimpf, the department head responsible for the vehicle registration authority.
Problems with traffic violations and accidents
The situation can become particularly difficult if traffic violations are committed with the vehicle after the sale or if it is involved in an accident. While the seller is not automatically liable for the buyer's actions, evidence, inquiries, and extensive correspondence with authorities are often required.
According to the Bergstraße district, this creates additional administrative work not only for those affected, but also for the licensing authority.
Online cancellation is possible around the clock
The registration authority therefore recommends that vehicles should only be sold after they have been deregistered. In many cases, deregistration can now be done online 24/7. Buyers can then transfer the vehicle using temporary license plates or after registering it themselves.
The authority also recommends concluding a written purchase agreement. This should include, among other things, the date and time of the handover, the personal details of both contracting parties, and the most important vehicle data.
More information online
Those who take these precautions can protect themselves from unnecessary costs, legal disputes and lengthy negotiations with authorities and insurance companies.
Those interested can find further information about the online services of the registration authority on the website of the Bergstraße district.
(RED/KB)
