What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Paper moan

I am about to part-exchange my car for a new one with a main dealer. Wondering whether the motor trader may not want the car registered in his name (i.e. another owner) I rang DVLA to ask about the completion of Section 9 of the registration document. This states The Law as requiring both the registered owner (i.e. me) and the trader to sign Section 9. I was told by the DVLA that it didn't matter if the dealer didn't sign, it was only important for me to sign in order to transfer ownership from myself. I was told 'lots of motor traders refuse to sign' Section 9. When I said that therefore they were breaking the law I was told, 'I wouldn't be advising you to send it back without the trader's signature if it wasn't right'. What are your comments and advice, please?

Asked on 12 June 2010 by RS, Bradford on Avon

Answered by Honest John
You follow the instructions on the form explicitly and if the trader won't sign you don't do the deal and hold the dealer in breach of contract. You get a proof of posting the V5C from the post office and keep it. You also keep the booklet that comes with the V5C and if you have not received an acknowledgment from the DVLA within 28 days you phone them and make sure they record the change of keeper. That keeps your nose completely clean and makes sure you do not have to go through the hassle of fines for non payment of VED, speeding tickets, parking tickets and a possible appearance in a magistrates court where you will eventually, win but it will cause you great inconvenience.
Similar questions
Your reader who was recently found liable for the fines of the driver of his previous car, even though he had written to the DVLA advising them of the sale, might find it useful to try the DVLA's website...
Just to add to the previous advice you gave about notifying the DVLA when you sell/part-ex a vehicle. I recently did a part-ex and the dealer kindly offered to send my Part 9 of the V5C registration document...
You probably think I'm paranoid but based on the DVLA's propensity to fine everyone for everything whenever possible I thought I'd better check with you to see if can offer any advice (other than to get...