5 Vehicle Transfer Pranks That Can Harm You

Vehicle transfer is the process required to register the change of ownership of an automobile. Its rules are described in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), but many people are unaware of these rules and end up making silly mistakes, which can generate huge damage.

Carelessness or simple failures that affect the vehicle transfer can cause:

• Fines posted on the former owner’s CNH;
• Undue points that can lead to suspension;
• Collection of IPVA and licensing of vehicles already sold;
• Difficulty in appealing infractions committed by third parties.

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Resolving these situations usually requires the opening of administrative proceedings and, in some cases, lawsuits, consequences that could be avoided with attention to procedures and deadlines. Therefore, be aware of the following silly mistakes that can harm you:

1. Selling the vehicle without notifying the DMV

According to the CTB, when selling a vehicle, the previous owner is required to communicate the sale to the executive traffic agency, in most cases to the State Traffic Department (Detran). If the seller fails to communicate the sale, he remains legally responsible for the infractions committed with the vehicle until this communication is properly registered with the DMV.

This communication is extremely important, as it is the main tool for protecting the former owner. By officially informing that the vehicle has been sold, he protects himself from fines, taxes and other debts generated after the date of negotiation.

Many drivers believe that just handing over the vehicle and notarizing the signature on the document is enough to solve the situation, but this is not the case. As long as the communication is not in the DMV system, the vehicle remains linked to the seller, so it is essential to monitor whether the registration has been effectively completed.

2. Not meeting the transfer deadline

While the seller must communicate the transaction, the buyer has the responsibility to effect the transfer of ownership within the established timeframe. Currently, the new owner has 30 days, counted from the date of signing the transfer receipt, to complete the process.

Failure to comply with this deadline characterizes a traffic violation, subject to the application of a fine, administrative action and the registration of points in the CNH:

Art. 233 – Failure to register a vehicle within thirty days, with the executive traffic agency”

• Infraction – average (4 points);
• Penalty – fine (R$ 130.16).
• Administrative measure – removal of the vehicle.

3. Transferring vehicles without checking that everything is up to date

The adoption of digital means has facilitated steps such as electronic signature and sending documents online. However, the process continues to depend on validations, analysis of any pending issues and respect for legal deadlines.

IPVA debts, late fines or administrative restrictions can prevent the completion of the transfer, even when the seller and buyer have already proceeded with the procedure.

4. Paying the fees and forgetting to issue a new CRV/CRLV

Another common misconception is to believe that the payment of fees ends the vehicle transfer process. However, it is only considered to be completed with the issuance of the new CRV/CRLV in the name of the buyer.

5. Not closely monitoring the transfer of vehicles in private

In direct sales, that is, without the intermediation of dealerships or stores, care must be even greater. It is essential that seller and buyer follow the progress of the transfer together, without relying only on the promise that “the problem has already been solved”.

Keeping receipts, protocols, receipts, and records of the process is a simple measure that can avoid significant inconvenience in the future.