ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS
Gazette Number:
Regulation:
17
Heading:
Transfer of motor vehicle ownership
Version Date:
30/06/1997
Caution : This is a past version. See the current version for the latest position.
(1) On a transfer of ownership of a registered motor vehicle the registered owner shall forthwith deliver to the new owner of the vehicle-
(a) the registration document relating to the vehicle; and
(b) a notice of transfer of ownership in a form specified by the Commissioner which shall-
(i) specify the name and address of the new owner;
(ii) contain such relevant particulars and information as may be required by the Commissioner; and
(iii) be signed by the registered owner, in the presence of any public officer designated in that behalf by the Commissioner if the vehicle is registered as a taxi,
and the new owner shall sign the notice of transfer, in the presence of any such public officer if the vehicle is registered as a taxi, verifying the accuracy of the information and particulars contained in the notice. (L.N. 322 of 1994)
(1A) The Commissioner may waive the requirement to sign the notice of transfer in the presence of a designated public officer in subregulation (1) in respect of any person if he is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable for the person to comply with the requirement. (L.N. 322 of 1994)
(2) Within 72 hours after the transfer of the ownership of a registered motor vehicle-
(a) the registered owner shall deliver to the Commissioner a duly completed and signed form of notice of transfer of ownership in a form specified by the Commissioner;
(b) the new owner of the vehicle shall deliver to the Commissioner-
(i) the registration document relating to the vehicle and the duly completed and signed form of notice of transfer of ownership referred to in subregulation (1)(b);
(ii) a valid policy of insurance in respect of the vehicle in the name of the new owner;
(iii) his identity document; and
(iv) such other relevant documents as may be required by the Commissioner,
and shall pay to the Commissioner the transfer of ownership fee prescribed in Schedule 2:
Provided that the Commissioner may waive the requirement in paragraph (b)(ii) in the case of a motor vehicle which is not licensed. (L.N. 172 of 1989)
(3) Subject to regulations 9 and 12, where the new owner of a motor vehicle complies with subregulation (2)(b) the Commissioner shall-
(a) enter in the register the name, address and particulars of the identity document of the new owner; or
(b) cancel the registration of the motor vehicle, re-register the vehicle, assign to it a new registration mark, and enter in the register the name, address and particulars of the identity document of the new owner,
and in either case shall issue a new registration document in respect of the vehicle to the new registered owner or his authorized agent.
(4) If the registered owner of a motor vehicle registered other than as a taxi fails to comply with subregulation (1) and the Commissioner is satisfied that the ownership of the motor vehicle has been transferred to the new owner, the Commissioner may on payment to him of the transfer of ownership fee prescribed in Schedule 2 cause the new owner to be registered as the owner of the vehicle. (L.N. 322 of 1994)
(4A) Where the motor vehicle transferred is a private car, motor cycle or motor tricycle and the new owner of the private car, motor cycle or motor tricycle-
(a) is a disabled person;
(b) is the holder of a valid driving licence which entitles him to drive a private car, motor cycle or motor tricycle; and
(c) is, at the time of delivery of notice of transfer of ownership under subregulation (2)(b), not the owner of another private car, motor cycle or motor tricycle in respect of which the transfer of ownership fee prescribed in Schedule 2 has been waived,
the Commissioner may waive the transfer of ownership fee prescribed in Schedule 2. (L.N. 88 of 1992; 34 of 1993 s. 13)
(5) If in any case the new owner of a motor vehicle fails to comply with subregulation (2)(b) and if-
(a) the Commissioner has received from the registered owner a notice of transfer of ownership delivered to him under subregulation (2)(a);
(b) the registered owner pays the Commissioner the transfer of ownership fee prescribed in Schedule 2; and
(c) the Commissioner is satisfied that the registered owner of the vehicle is no longer the owner thereof,
the Commissioner may cause the new owner to be registered as the owner of the vehicle.
(6) No person shall drive or use or suffer or permit to be driven or used any registered motor vehicle the ownership of which has been transferred, after the expiration of 72 hours from such transfer, unless-
(a) the new owner is registered as the owner thereof; and
(b) the registration document, a valid insurance policy, identity document and other relevant documents have been delivered to the Commissioner in accordance with subregulation (2)(b).