Can the original owner lock the vehicle records if the ownership is not transferred?
2 Answers
If the vehicle ownership is not transferred, the original owner cannot lock the records, but they can file a record with the vehicle management office to indicate that they are not the actual user or controller of the vehicle. If the vehicle has been delivered to the buyer and there is a sales contract between the parties, but the buyer refuses to complete the transfer, the seller can file a lawsuit against the buyer in the local court based on the sales contract, demanding the buyer to cooperate in completing the transfer procedures. Below is the relevant content introduction: "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles": Article 18 When the ownership of a registered motor vehicle is transferred, the current owner shall apply for the transfer registration with the vehicle management office at the place of registration within 30 days from the date of delivery. Before applying for the transfer registration, the owner shall settle all traffic violations and accidents related to the vehicle.
I've been driving for over a decade and often see this issue. The original owner can't lock the vehicle records—those are managed by the DMV and can't be locked. However, you can proactively report to the DMV that the car was sold but the transfer wasn't completed. They'll mark the records as invalid or frozen, protecting you from liability. For example, if the new owner doesn't pay taxes and gets into an accident, the police won't come after you. Never delay the transfer process, otherwise the responsibility still falls on the original owner. A friend of mine learned this the hard way and got fined on their license. When selling a car, always urge the buyer to complete the transfer promptly to avoid future hassles. Remember to bring your documents to the counter for processing—it's simple, fast, and safety first.
