We’ve entered a new world of automated license plate scanning technology. License plate scanners, technically called Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) devices, can capture and record huge amounts of license plate information without a human user having to do anything but set up the equipment.
There's a car parked at the family farm doesn’t have a title, or the owner can’t transfer it. No problem; you’re kin and can take care of it. Wrong. Unless you are named as Power of Attorney, you could be in for an ugly ride. Let’s take a look at some of the pitfalls, and how we might be able to help you out.
Many states won’t register pit bikes to ride on roadways, but it’s possible to ride yours legally with a legit license plate and registration.
Ever thought about donating a vehicle to charity? Whether you want to support a particular charitable organization, or you want the ease of having someone come and pick up your old car or truck, a charitable donation might work for you (and your tax return). I recently made a vehicle donation for the second time and learned things I wish I had known the first time! The process also made me think of things to be careful of the next time I buy a used vehicle.
If your car won’t pass a smog check, that doesn’t mean you can’t sell it. You might just have to get creative with how and where you sell it - and be sure to disclose the failed emissions test when you do.
If your car won’t pass smog in California, you can still sell it even when the state says you can’t. You might just have to get creative with how and where you sell it - and be sure to disclose the failed emissions test when you do.
If negotiations continue, rely on your facts: call attention to the VIN check, vehicle history report, or pre-purchase inspection to justify your asking price.
When you make your first bid, 5% of that amount will be held on your card with a minimum of $250. If you win the auction, it goes toward your fees. If you don’t win the auction, they release those funds back to you. As with any refund, it could take a few days before you see that money back.
If you see a car advertised as “parts only” it’s likely the seller doesn’t think it can be repaired. This is very different from a car with a junk title that cannot legally be driven ever again. Ask the seller to specify what they mean by “parts only.”
Learn all about the types of car titles, title statuses, and title brands in this comprehensive guide to car titles.
Canada’s motor vehicle safety standards closely resemble our Federal requirements. That’s why the NHTSA issues blanket eligibility covering many Canadian-certified vehicles bound for the U.S. market.
This guide describes how to import and register cars from Mexico that are less than 25 years old and are ineligible for Show and Display.
Even if you play by the rules and make your payments on-time, some shady title loan businesses will hit you with hidden fees, penalties, or high interest rates.
Transferring a car title without signing it, otherwise known as floating a title, is actually a criminal offense called title jumping.
When your car has a lien, the lienholder has all the legal rights to your vehicle’s title. For all intents and purposes, that means the lienholder owns your car. That might be the bank, the IRS, or even a mechanic’s shop.
One scam tactic is for the seller to claim that you stole their vehicle. As crazy as it sounds, in a court of law it boils down to your word against theirs.
Legally, a bill of sale holds about as much value as a fist bump. A bill of sale alone won’t protect you from getting scammed.
A salvage title or rebuilt title can easily destroy a vehicle’s value. That’s great for buyers and horrible for sellers.
A little caution goes a long way. Here’s how to tell if that shiny new car is stolen or belongs to the bank.
Get A Discount On Your Purchase!
Subscribe to our newsletter
