The vehicle owner remains liable for violations until registry data is updated
Selling a vehicle without proper reregistration results in traffic violation notices being sent to the previous owner. To avoid penalties and legal proceedings, one must verify the registration status and take steps to update the Ministry of Internal Affairs records. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Остапова Анастасія) citing Styler, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Automated traffic enforcement cameras identify the responsible party based solely on government registry data. If a vehicle remains formally registered to the former owner, they are the one receiving notices for speeding or other incidents, even if the vehicle is currently owned and operated by another person.
The first step for a seller should be verifying the registration information. This can be done via the Driver’s Electronic Cabinet, the Diia application, or by visiting a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in person with supporting documents. It is crucial to determine whether official reregistration has occurred, as a sales contract alone does not guarantee that the system’s data has been updated.
Legal methods for challenging notices
If a fine is issued for a violation committed by the new owner, the notice can be challenged via the patrol police or the courts. Current regulations provide a 10-day period from the date a decision comes into legal force to submit a complaint. Supporting documents, including the sales contract and records regarding the reregistration date, should be attached to the appeal.
Legislation also allows the actual driver to voluntarily accept liability for the committed offence. Under Article 279-3 of the Code of Administrative Offences, the driver has 20 days to file a statement with the police or use the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ digital service with an electronic signature. A simple statement from the previous owner denying guilt is insufficient to automatically cancel a fine without the involvement of the person who was driving the vehicle.
Consequences of ignoring notices
Ignoring fine notices is a poor strategy, as cases may be transferred for mandatory enforcement, leading to additional financial costs. Statutory discounts allowing for a 50% reduction in the fine amount apply only if specific deadlines and procedures are met. However, paying someone else’s fine does not address the core issue—the lack of vehicle reregistration.
To protect oneself from such situations in the future, vehicles should never be sold via power of attorney. Experts emphasise that completing a full reregistration at a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is the only effective way to protect the former owner from further administrative and financial claims from the state.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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