What are the consequences of selling a vehicle as scrap metal to an individual instead of scrapping it?
2 Answers
The consequences of selling a vehicle as scrap metal to an individual instead of scrapping it are as follows: Inability to license a new car: Everyone knows that vehicles have owners. If a vehicle reaches its scrapping time and is sold as scrap metal, it still remains under the owner's name in the vehicle management office. This directly affects the owner's ability to license a new car. Impact on other vehicles' annual inspections: Many people may own more than one vehicle. If one of the vehicles reaches its scrapping time and is sold as scrap metal, it will directly affect the annual inspections of other vehicles. Bearing the risk of accidents: Although the vehicle is sold as scrap metal to a recycling station, some unscrupulous stations may sell the supposedly scrapped car as a used car. However, the vehicle's information is still registered under the original owner's name. If a traffic accident occurs, all responsibility will fall on the original owner. Therefore, there is a high risk of facing unexpected accident liabilities.
As an experienced driver, I've seen similar situations with serious consequences. Selling a car as scrap without proper deregistration leaves hidden dangers—the vehicle remains registered under your name. If the buyer carelessly dismantles it and the parts are used for illegal modifications, the police will come knocking on your door. Last year, my neighbor learned this the hard way—he sold his old car without completing the paperwork, and when its brake components were involved in an accident, he had to pay thousands in compensation and fines. Secondly, there are major environmental concerns. Authorized scrapyards properly dispose of hazardous materials like fluids, whereas selling to individuals risks illegal dumping (e.g., directly into rivers, polluting water sources). Finally, legal risks loom—improper vehicle disposal may constitute tax evasion or illegal business operations, punishable by license points or even jail time. Legally scrapping your car costs money but brings peace of mind, plus potential subsidies. Don’t cut corners for small savings.
