Will Selling a Car Without Transferring Ownership Bring Any Impact?

[MadisonAnn]

Selling a car without transferring ownership can bring significant impacts. Impacts on the seller: If the buyer commits traffic violations, incurs fines, fails to pay fees, causes accidents, or even engages in illegal activities with the car, and the buyer cannot be located, the seller will be held accountable, possibly even bearing primary responsibility. Although the car has been sold, the ownership remains with the seller, meaning they must still participate in annual vehicle inspections, insurance processing, and other vehicle-related procedures. Impacts on the buyer: When attempting to lease, pledge, inherit, or transfer the ownership of the purchased used car, these operations cannot be processed legally since the vehicle is not officially owned by the buyer. If the seller later changes their mind, they can reclaim the car. Additionally, if authorities pursue the seller's assets, the car may still be subject to seizure.