Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 18: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued a public notice stating that the Registration Certificate (RC) must be transferred within 14 days of selling a vehicle. Failure to comply will result in the previous owner being held as the first accused in any case involving the vehicle.
To transfer ownership, sellers must apply at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) within 14 days, pay the prescribed fee, and complete the mobile OTP verification. For vehicles over 15 years old, a buyer's affidavit on Rs 200 stamp paper must also be submitted.
Buyers are advised to ensure that the vehicle is free from loans, fines, or any legal issues before purchasing. Due to a rise in crime complaints related to vehicles sold, the MVD has reiterated this directive through its Kerala Facebook page.
Dealers of second-hand vehicles registered with the RTO are responsible for maintaining accurate records and addressing issues related to the vehicles they sell. It is mandatory for such dealers to complete the ownership transfer process promptly.
In Kerala, although there are about 2,000 second-hand car dealers, only three have registered with the RTO. Despite the state's directive prohibiting unregistered second-hand vehicle dealers from operating after April 15, 2023, violations continue. Non-registration of vehicles is resulting in a revenue loss of Rs 25,000 per vehicle for the government.
One and a half years after the directive, only three dealerships, one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Cherthala, and Tripunithura—have completed their registration. Former transport commissioner S Srijit had issued the order on March 29, 2023, requiring all deputy transport commissioners, RTOs, and joint RTOs to ensure compliance. However, no inspections have been conducted to enforce the order.
The sale of a vehicle is considered incomplete if it is sold to friends, relatives, or second-hand vehicle dealers based on informal agreements, such as signatures on paper or stamp paper. Ownership is officially transferred only when the RTO processes the application within the stipulated 14 days, according to John C F, PRO of the Thrissur RTO.