August 11, 2005


When selling your car, don’t forget ‘Release of Liability’ form

“Thefty,” the mascot of the San Jose Police Vehicular Crimes Unit

It is very important both from a criminal and civil standpoint that when you sell any vehicle you complete the DMV’s “Release of Liability” form. This form must be completed by both parties and turned into the DMV within 10 days.

This form tells all government agencies that you no longer have an interest in the vehicle so you will no longer be held accountable for events relating to the vehicle.

This is important for the following reasons:

- You won’t have to pay for parking tickets that the vehicle may accrue.
- If the vehicle is involved in a crime, such as hit and run, you will not be held accountable.
- If the vehicle is towed for any reason, the tow company cannot collect money from you.
- Registration fees are no longer your obligation.

Visit the San Jose Police Department’s Web site at www.sjpd.org, (linked under Community Information, Vehicular Crimes Unit) to find out more about issues related to your vehicle. The Web site also offers information on reporting a stolen vehicle, rules for repossession and car safety tips.