Losing Unpaid Parking Tickets When Gifting a Car: What You Need to Know

When considering gifting a car, many people assume that any outstanding parking tickets will disappear with the title, registration, and plates. However, this is not always the case.

Liability and Unpaid Parking Tickets

Unpaid parking tickets typically do not disappear when a car is gifted to a new owner, even if the title, registration, and plates are changed to the new owner's name. The responsibility for these unpaid tickets often remains with the vehicle, and the new owner could still be held liable if the tickets are associated with the vehicle.

Local regulations can vary significantly, so it's crucial to check the specific laws and regulations governing vehicle registration and parking violations in your area. Many jurisdictions hold the registered owner of the vehicle responsible for any outstanding tickets, regardless of who was driving at the time the ticket was issued.

Notification for New Owners

If the new owner registers the vehicle in their name, they may be notified of any outstanding tickets that were issued before the transfer. This can create complications and potential legal issues for the new owner.

For example, if the original owner fails to address any unpaid tickets before gifting the car, it might not be possible to register the vehicle in the new owner's name. In some states, the new owner may need to resolve the ticket before they can even begin the registration process.

Local Laws and Regulations

In some states, the DMV will not register the car unless the delinquent tickets are paid. This means that the new owner will face a significantly higher cost to resolve the issue compared to paying the tickets on time.

For instance, if the car is registered and the ticket is not paid, the owner may be unable to renew their license or register the car until the unpaid ticket is addressed, often at a much higher cost than if the ticket had been paid on time.

California Exceptions

It's important to note that some states have different regulations. In California, for example, unpaid parking tickets stay with the vehicle by VIN, and the DMV will not register the car until the delinquent tickets are paid. The new owner does not necessarily need to pay if the check is written by the original owner, but the original owner still holds the responsibility.

Conclusion

Clearing any unpaid tickets before transferring ownership is highly advisable. This will prevent any future issues for the new owner and ensure a smooth transition of the car.