Police Explain Why You Could Still Be Liable For Offences Committed By The New Car Owner If You Don’t Change Ownership

Motorists who sell their vehicles without completing the official change of ownership process could find themselves answering for traffic offences committed by the new owners, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned.

The police say handing over a vehicle and receiving payment does not automatically release the seller from legal responsibility, as the vehicle remains registered in their name until the relevant paperwork is processed.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said motorists could no longer rely on informal sale agreements to distance themselves from offences involving vehicles registered under their names.

“The seller remains accountable; even if you say ‘I have sold it,’ you remain accountable until change of ownership is effected,” he explained to Zimpapers 

Also Read: ZIMRA Vehicle Change Of Ownership Charges: Full Rates For Every Car Age And Engine Size

STMS To Make It Harder For Motorists To Evade Accountability

Nyathi said the rollout of the Smart Traffic Management System (STMS) would make it increasingly difficult for motorists to avoid responsibility for offences and outstanding obligations linked to their vehicles.

He explained that the system would cover various forms of non-compliance, extending beyond traffic-related offences.

“Once the system becomes fully operational on all phases, what it also entails is that people will be made accountable for their dues, whether it is dues to the State, local authority or any other misdemeanour which you committed.

“The system is all-encompassing,” he said.

The warning means motorists who dispose of their vehicles without regularising ownership records could continue facing problems arising from the use of those vehicles.

Sellers And Buyers Given 14 Days To Complete Ownership Transfer

Under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14), both parties involved in a vehicle sale are required to notify the Registrar of the change of ownership within 14 days.

Eng Makumbe explained that the seller must initiate the process by removing the designated bottom section of the vehicle registration book and submitting the new owner’s details to the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR).

“The seller tears off the bottom part of the registration book and submits the details of the new owner to CVR,” she explained.

Once the notification is received, the vehicle is temporarily deregistered as the registry awaits the buyer to complete the transfer.

The new owner must first obtain police clearance through the ZRP Vehicle Tracking System before proceeding to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to pay the applicable taxes and secure a new customs clearance certificate.

The buyer then returns to CVR to apply for a replacement registration book bearing their details.

Change Of Ownership Costs US$15

According to Eng Makumbe, CVR can process the application on the same day, provided all the required documents and clearances have been submitted.

The registration fee is US$15 or its equivalent in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

However, motorists who have bought or sold vehicles and left the ownership records unchanged for years could face a more complicated process when they eventually attempt to regularise their documents.