Q: Received a ticket in the mail for "expired tags" for a car I don't own anymore.
I sold this vehicle months ago and submitted a release of liability already. The person I sold the vehicle to sold it to someone else and the new owner is the one who was pulled over and sited, but on the ticket it states that it's the "owner's responsibility" and I have a court summons for the infraction. I called the Stanislaus courthouse (infraction occured in Ceres, CA) and they said to call back in 2 weeks. What should I do?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
I understand your frustration in this situation. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Gather all relevant documentation, including:
- The release of liability form you submitted when you sold the vehicle
- The bill of sale or any other proof of the vehicle sale
- Any communication with the person you sold the vehicle to
2. Contact the DMV to confirm they have processed your release of liability and that their records show you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.
3. After the two-week waiting period, as instructed by the courthouse, call them back and explain your situation. Provide them with the documentation you gathered to prove that you sold the vehicle before the citation was issued.
4. If the courthouse is not able to resolve the issue over the phone, attend the court summons as required. Bring all your documentation with you and be prepared to present your case to the judge. Explain that you had sold the vehicle and filed the necessary paperwork with the DMV prior to the citation being issued.
5. If the issue persists, consider seeking legal advice from a traffic attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you are not held responsible for the ticket.
Remember, it is crucial to have proper documentation of the vehicle sale and release of liability to protect yourself from situations like this. Stay calm and persistent in your communication with the courthouse and the DMV to resolve the matter.
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