“You made our mistake”

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“You made our mistake”

I was recommended to email you by a friend. I recently sold my car and sent off the green slip (V5C) to the DVLA for the logbook to be changed to the new owners name. I sent this the next day after I had sold the car by first class post. The DVLA contacted me by letter on 20th May 2011 to say that someone else was trying to claim that they owed the car (which would be correct) and that if I hadn't sent the V5C to do so otherwise to contact them with the new keepers name and address and the date I sold the car. I followed this procedure by phoning them to let them know all of the details they required. I have now been sent another letter dated 17th June 2011 to say that I committed an offence and that court action could be taken. I would be very grateful if you could advise how I could respond?

Asked on 23 June 2011 by AH, Leighton Buzzard

Answered by Honest John

Write back to the DVLA stating that you have conformed to the law and to your duty in every respect and if they take you to court for this you will not only defend yourself with the information you have already given them, you will countersue for your wasted time and will apply for costs. It is necessary for the DVLA to prosecute some people in this way. But the volumes are so great that they sometimes make errors and send their nasty letters to the wrong people.

Tags: dvla legal issues

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