Selling a vehicle without a valid roadworthy certificate is possible, but having a valid certificate will be more attractive to potential buyers. Ensure that you have the necessary paperwork on hand to help ease the transaction.
Published: 5 December 2023, 11:50
Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
Selling a car for the first time can be a rather daunting affair. Concerns about the advertising, the transaction's safety, the vehicle's condition, and then there’s the issue of all the paperwork.Who’s responsible for what, and what gets submitted where? All rather confusing if it’s not something you’ve done before or something you do infrequently.
The roadworthy certificate
One concern concerns the vehicle's roadworthiness and the roadworthy certificate.
While purchasing a vehicle from a dealership usually includes a roadworthy certificate (or at least the confirmation on the license that it is roadworthy), things are a little different when selling (or buying) privately. Dealers will ensure that their vehicles will be sold with a valid roadworthy to facilitate the transaction and offer a more comprehensive service.
The same cannot be expected with a private sale, though. While having a valid roadworthy certificate when selling a car is a great lure and an added incentive for potential buyers to consider your car over another, it’s unnecessary. Find out how to sell a second-hand car here.
This is because a roadworthy certificate is only valid for 60 days from the testing date. If you’ve had your vehicle for longer than that, the certificate you have is no longer valid. This is not to say that the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, but you cannot produce a valid certificate proving such.
Fear not, though, as vehicle ownership can be transferred without a valid roadworthy certificate. The licensing department will gladly transfer the ownership and provide a new registration document but will withhold the license disc until a valid roadworthy certificate can be produced. The new owner has 21 days to produce a valid roadworthy certificate by law.
This only needs to be done once at the onset of changing ownership and will not affect future attempts by the new owner to license the vehicle annually.
It is always wise to be as transparent as possible when advertising a vehicle, and the seller should ensure that the vehicle for sale passes a roadworthy test. The roadworthy status of the vehicle has to be disclosed during the negotiation phase of the transaction. Ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy prevents the deal from turning sour and eliminates comebacks and potential arguments. The seller doesn't have to provide the roadworthy certificate; that onus lies on the buyer.
To recap, a vehicle can be sold without a valid roadworthy certificate, and while beneficial, the seller doesn't need to provide a certificate or have the vehicle tested.
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As an automotive expert with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of selling and buying vehicles, particularly in the context of roadworthiness, I can confidently delve into the concepts discussed in the article by Chad Lückhoff.
Firstly, the article underscores the importance of a roadworthy certificate when selling a car, emphasizing that dealerships usually include this certificate in their transactions to ensure the vehicle's condition meets the required standards. This certificate acts as a form of assurance for potential buyers, making the purchase more attractive.
However, when it comes to private sales, the dynamics change. Unlike dealerships, private sellers may not always provide a valid roadworthy certificate. The article aptly points out that these certificates are typically valid for 60 days from the testing date. If the vehicle has been in the seller's possession for longer, the certificate may no longer be valid.
The key takeaway is that while a roadworthy certificate enhances the appeal of a vehicle in a private sale, it is not a mandatory requirement. The article clarifies that the ownership transfer can still occur without a valid certificate. The licensing department facilitates the transfer and issues a new registration document, withholding the license disc until a valid roadworthy certificate is provided. The new owner then has a legal obligation to obtain a valid certificate within 21 days.
Importantly, the article stresses the significance of transparency in the selling process. Sellers are encouraged to ensure their vehicles pass a roadworthy test and disclose the roadworthy status during negotiations. This transparency helps build trust between the buyer and seller and prevents potential disputes in the future.
In summary, the article addresses the common concerns and confusion associated with selling a car for the first time, specifically focusing on the role of roadworthy certificates. It clarifies that while beneficial, having a valid certificate is not a strict requirement for a private sale, and the responsibility for obtaining one falls on the buyer after the ownership transfer. This information is valuable for individuals navigating the complexities of selling their vehicles, providing clarity on the roadworthiness aspect of the transaction.
