Parking Fine for a Car You've Sold

Parking Fine for a Car You Have Sold

Receiving a parking charge notice for a vehicle you no longer own is surprisingly common. It usually happens because of a delay between selling the vehicle and the DVLA updating their records. Here is everything you need to know about handling this situation.

Why You Received the Fine

Parking operators (both council and private) obtain your details from the DVLA. When they request keeper data, the DVLA provides the details of whoever is listed as the registered keeper at the time of the request. If you recently sold the car and the registration has not been updated yet, your name and address will still be on file.

There are several reasons the records might not be updated:

1. You sold privately but the buyer has not registered the vehicle: When you sell a car, you complete the V5C (logbook) and send the "sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle" section to the DVLA. However, it is the buyer's responsibility to register the vehicle in their name.
2. Dealer sale processing delay: Dealerships sometimes take several days or weeks to process the paperwork.
3. DVLA processing time: Even after receiving the notification, the DVLA can take several weeks to update their records.

Your Legal Position

If the parking contravention occurred after you sold the vehicle, you are not the registered keeper for the purposes of keeper liability under POFA 2012. You are not liable for the charge. The key question is: were you the registered keeper at the time of the alleged contravention?

For council PCNs, the same principle applies. The council pursues the registered keeper at the time of the contravention, not the person who happens to be on the DVLA record when they make their enquiry.

What Evidence You Need

To prove you were not the keeper at the relevant time, gather the following:

• V5C notification: The tear-off section of the V5C that you sent to the DVLA, or confirmation that you notified the DVLA online
• Bill of sale or receipt: Any written agreement confirming the sale date and the buyer's details
• Bank statement: Showing the payment received for the vehicle
• DVLA confirmation: The green "new keeper" supplement (V5C/2) given to the buyer, or the DVLA acknowledgment letter
• Insurance cancellation: Proof that you cancelled your insurance on or before the sale date
• Communication with the buyer: Any texts, emails, or messages discussing the sale

How to Respond to a Private Parking Operator

Write to the operator stating:

1. You were not the registered keeper on the date of the alleged contravention
2. The date you sold the vehicle
3. Include copies (not originals) of your evidence

You do not need to provide the buyer's details to a private parking operator, although doing so may help resolve the matter more quickly.

If the operator continues to pursue you despite your evidence, escalate your complaint to POPLA (if they are a BPA member) or the IAS (if they are an IPC member).

How to Respond to a Council PCN

For a council PCN, the process is more formal. When you receive the Notice to Owner, you make formal representations stating that you were not the owner at the time of the contravention. This is one of the statutory grounds for appeal.

Include your evidence with the representations. The council should then pursue the actual keeper. If the council rejects your representations, you can appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (or London Tribunals in London).

Common Complications

You sold to a dealer but they have not updated the V5C: This is unfortunately common with some dealers. Contact the dealer in writing and ask them to update the registration immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence.

You scrapped the vehicle: If the car was scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility, they should have notified the DVLA. Request a Certificate of Destruction as evidence.

You part-exchanged the vehicle: The dealership should have updated the V5C as part of the transaction. If they have not, contact them and the DVLA.

The buyer is uncooperative: If you provided the buyer's details but the operator is still pursuing you, this is a strong appeal ground. The operator should be pursuing the current keeper, not you.

Preventing This Problem

When selling a vehicle, always:

1. Complete the V5C immediately (online notification to DVLA is fastest)
2. Keep a copy of the V5C before sending it
3. Keep a written bill of sale with the buyer's full name and address
4. Take a photo of the buyer's driving licence
5. Notify your insurance company on the day of sale

Important Warning

Do not ignore a parking charge just because you have sold the car. If you do not respond and the matter progresses to court (for private charges) or debt registration (for council PCNs), dealing with it becomes more complex and costly. Always respond promptly with your evidence.