What does it mean when a used car cannot be transferred?

[OLouis]

Here is the relevant introduction about vehicles that cannot be transferred: 1. Unresolved traffic violations: Before transferring ownership, ensure all traffic violations, including on-site and non-on-site penalties, are fully resolved. Non-on-site violations are usually easy to check, but some on-site penalties are more special, especially those with long-overdue fines. 2. Out-of-town vehicle transfer: If a used car is transferred from another location but cannot be registered, the local DMV may notify you of issues with the files or incomplete documentation. The final solution is to send the vehicle files back to the original location for re-verification by the local DMV before registration can proceed. Therefore, always buy or sell used cars through reputable companies or institutions. 3. Under mortgage or seizure: Vehicles under mortgage or court seizure cannot be normally transferred. Mortgaged vehicles will have a mortgage registration noted on the title certificate, while court seizures usually require a DMV query to confirm the vehicle's status. Clearly, such vehicles must be released from mortgage or seizure before they can be transferred.

[Peyton]

Last time I helped a friend check out a used car, I ran into this exact issue. The so-called 'untransferable ownership' means the vehicle can't be transferred from the seller's name to the buyer's. Common situations include the vehicle having a mortgage, such as when the original owner hasn't fully repaid the loan and the bank hasn't released the mortgage, making it impossible for the DMV to process the transfer. Another possibility is that the vehicle is from out of town and doesn't meet local emission standards, failing the environmental inspection. I've checked the information—if the vehicle is seized by the court or has a large number of unpaid traffic fines, it also can't be transferred. Before buying a used car, always make sure the seller cooperates in checking the vehicle's status thoroughly. Don't wait until after paying to discover the problem, as it will be much harder to protect your rights by then.