I'm asking for suggestions on how to handle a potentially problematic situation. Back in August I sold a pickup truck. Like a doofus I thought I'd be a decent person and allowed the guy to drive it home with my license plates on it. Since he had only recently moved into Virginia, I explained what he needed to do to obtain a new title and have it registered. We agreed that he would bring the plates back to his workplace and I could pick them up there. Time went on and I forgot about retrieving the plates. I wasn't overly concerned since there was less than 2 months remaining on the registration.
A few weeks ago I saw the truck and realized that my plates are still on it! The curious thing is that they now have the 2007 decals. Concerned that he may have gone to DMV and renewed the plates in my name, I contacted the sheriff's department. A deputy called in the plate and established that the title is still in my name but that the registration plates DID expire in 2006. Apparently the decal(s) on the truck are stolen from another car. Interestingly, he stated that DMV records reflect the vehicle as "sold". I provided him with the buyer's name and address from the Bill of Sale and his work location. He assured me that he would follow up and seize the plates and would contact me with the outcome.
It's been a few weeks and I haven't heard back from the deputy. I did leave him a phone message and even called the department to report the location of the vehicle when I saw it again on the road but I don't believe anything further has been done by the police.
Naturally, I dropped the insurance on the truck when it was sold. I am aware that DMV requires insurance on any registered vehicle but am I still liable for any damages the buyer may cause in it? Does anyone have any recommendations of something I can do further to protect myself?
P.S. Please don't beat me up over my stupidity over leaving the plates on the vehicle... I've done that enough to myself.
A few weeks ago I saw the truck and realized that my plates are still on it! The curious thing is that they now have the 2007 decals. Concerned that he may have gone to DMV and renewed the plates in my name, I contacted the sheriff's department. A deputy called in the plate and established that the title is still in my name but that the registration plates DID expire in 2006. Apparently the decal(s) on the truck are stolen from another car. Interestingly, he stated that DMV records reflect the vehicle as "sold". I provided him with the buyer's name and address from the Bill of Sale and his work location. He assured me that he would follow up and seize the plates and would contact me with the outcome.
It's been a few weeks and I haven't heard back from the deputy. I did leave him a phone message and even called the department to report the location of the vehicle when I saw it again on the road but I don't believe anything further has been done by the police.
Naturally, I dropped the insurance on the truck when it was sold. I am aware that DMV requires insurance on any registered vehicle but am I still liable for any damages the buyer may cause in it? Does anyone have any recommendations of something I can do further to protect myself?
P.S. Please don't beat me up over my stupidity over leaving the plates on the vehicle... I've done that enough to myself.
