I was fined for not returning a V5 after part-exchanging my car because I was transferring the numberplate.

I part-exchanged a car but wanted to keep the numberplate. The garage charged £80 and said they would arrange the swap. They kept all the documents, including the complete V5 form, as they said it was required to make the numberplate change. I have now received a fine from the DVLA saying I failed to return the V5. The DVLA refused to transfer the numberplate and I got the £80 back. I applied for and got a tax refund. What should I do?

Asked on 13 June 2010 by joho

Answered by Honest John

You should have transferred the reg to a retention certificate before p/x ing the car (which costs £140), then transferred the reg from retention to the new car. Now that you have done it completely the wrong way and have not fulfilled your legal obligations regarding vehicle transfer I can't help you at all.

Tags: registration transfer private plates

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