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November 03.2025

2 Minutes Read

B.C. Man Faces Big Bill After Selling His SUV: What Sellers Need to Know

Man in auto yard highlights B.C. vehicle transfer laws loophole.

A Shocking Bill: A Vehicle That's Not Yours

In a bewildering turn of events, 66-year-old Darrell Nash from Langley, B.C., found himself facing a hefty $1,500 towing and storage bill for an SUV he sold months ago. The retired truck driver's ordeal highlights a significant loophole in vehicle transfer laws that can ensnare unsuspecting sellers who believe their transactions are complete.

The Story Behind the Bill

Nash, who describes himself as a "car guy," sold his 2004 Acura MDX to a stranger while recovering from surgery. He assumed that once the buyer filled out the necessary forms and drove off with the car, his responsibility was over. However, three months later, he received a call from the RCMP stating the vehicle was found abandoned and still registered in his name.

A Legal Loophole Affecting Many

This disconcerting situation stems from a gap in the law — specifically, the requirement that only buyers must transfer ownership at the vehicle registry. Nash’s case isn't isolated; experts note that many vehicle sellers across Canada could face similar predicaments without even knowing it.

Scott Stanley, an automotive insurance lawyer in Vancouver, pointed out that sellers are often left vulnerable because if the new owner fails to register the vehicle, the seller remains legally responsible for anything that happens with that car.

What's Needed for Change

In other provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, there are mechanisms in place that protect sellers by ensuring the registration is completed upon sale. These systems require sellers to submit notice of sale directly to the vehicle registration office, thereby removing any ambiguity about ownership.

Advice for Future Sellers

Nash's experience serves as a cautionary tale. He now advises anyone selling a vehicle: "The car does not leave my yard until it's out of my name." Such vigilance could save sellers from potential legal and financial headaches down the line.

This pressing issue calls for action from the B.C. government to create a more seller-friendly vehicle transfer process, similar to those already in effect in other provinces. Until changes are made, those selling used vehicles may find themselves at risk unless they take extra precautions. Could a small legislative fix really prevent such stress and anxiety?

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