How can I prove the sale of my son's Piaggio scooter?

My son sold his Piaggio scooter on 20 May. I completed the details of the new owner and sent the V5C to the DVLA, leaving him with Section 10 V5C/2. I have had a letter from them this week informing me that my son is to be fined as the scooter is not insured and he is the registered owner. I have hunted high and low and cannot find the name or address of the new owners. I have subsequently read the small print telling me that I am responsible for keeping the new owner's details? I cannot understand why they have not insured it and why they have not been in touch if they have not had the registration document from the DVLA. I feel as if my hands are tied behind my back. Quite frankly I do not know what to do. I certainly do not want my 17-year-old to have a criminal record. I know I sent the document to the DVLA but have no proof. Any suggestions?

Asked on 24 August 2013 by MHP, via email

Answered by Honest John

It's all down to proof of posting. You could challenge them to take you to court where you will refute their allegation and claim they are attempting to entrap and defraud you through their own incompetence. The DVLA can ask you to keep a record of the new owner's details, but it cannot compel you to keep a record just in case it loses what you send to them (which is always a possibility because it processes 1,000,000 documents a week). At the end of the day it will boil down to who the magistrates believe. And most of them are sick to death of the DVLA inflicting its inability to cope on people who have sold cars and done all that was asked of them. Nevertheless, when you send anything to the DVLA it’s always wise to keep a photocopy and proof of posting.

Tags: dvla registration transfer scooters

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