You must notify the DMV within five days if you:
Answers
Are cited for a traffic violation.
Sell or transfer your vehicle.
Paint your vehicle a different color.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Sell or transfer your vehicle.
Explanation:
In most states in the U.S., including California, you are legally required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within five days if you sell or transfer your vehicle. This notification ensures that the DMV records are updated to reflect that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle, which is important for both legal and liability purposes.
When you sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle, the DMV needs to be informed so they can remove you as the registered owner. This helps to avoid potential issues such as receiving parking tickets, traffic violations, or legal consequences for activities that occur after the vehicle has been transferred. Failure to notify the DMV could lead to penalties, as you might be held responsible for any violations or damages related to the vehicle that occur after the sale or transfer.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Complete the necessary paperwork: When you sell or transfer your vehicle, both you and the buyer must complete the appropriate sections of the title or ownership document. This includes recording the sale date and odometer reading.
- Submit a notice of transfer: In many states, you need to submit a “Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability” form to the DMV. This form alerts the DMV that the vehicle has been sold or transferred, effectively removing your name from the vehicle’s registration. Some states allow you to submit this online.
- Keep copies of all documents: It’s important to retain copies of the completed title, bill of sale, and any DMV forms, in case issues arise later regarding the vehicle.
On the other hand, if you are cited for a traffic violation or paint your vehicle a different color, these actions generally don’t require notification to the DMV within five days. However, it’s important to keep the DMV updated on vehicle modifications, such as color changes, during routine vehicle registration updates.