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Man gets ticket for car he traded in months ago
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Imagine getting a ticket for a car you no longer own. It happened to one Valley man who says despite showing proof the ride wasn't his, he got slapped with an even bigger penalty. So how did this happen?
"Brand new plates, brand new car, brand new registration," explained Richard Terlato.
Richard thought his 2004 Grand Prix was a thing of the past. He traded the Pontiac in to Courtesy Imports in February. His next stop was the DMV.
"She did the surrender on them and she issued me two brand new plates," said Richard.
All was well until July, when Richard got a letter in the mail. It was a notice from the City of Las Vegas Parking and Hearings Department. It says Richard is late in paying a ticket.
"I'm sitting here scratching my head and I'm going May 29th against the Pontiac that I traded in and against the plate that I surrendered three to four months prior," explained Richard.
The violation happened on South Third Street near Bonneville. Richard says he wasn't even around the area in May. Even if he as he would have been in his new car. So Richard contacted the City.
"I wrote them a letter explaining everything gave them all the documentation mailed it back to them assuming that would be the end of it," said Richard.
About three weeks later, Richard got a second notice of delinquency from the City and this time the fine went up to $60. Richard says he tried calling the City only to get a recording. Feeling frustrated he emailed Action News.
"You were able to get more done for me in a couple of hours than I was able to get done in about six weeks," Richard.
We called the City who looked at Richard's documentation and took the ticket out of his name. They say they've transferred the ticket to Courtesy Imports. The dealership tells Action News they wholesaled the car immediately after it was traded in. They couldn't disclose who they sold it to.
"I am the last registered owner of that vehicle which means I'm still potentially liable for any additional citations that that vehicle might get," said Richard.
A spokesman for Nevada's DMV says whoever bought the car hasn't registered it yet and is driving illegally. They say it's something that happens all the time. The worst thing a vehicle owner can do is ignore or rip up the ticket. Richard is now checking the mail, hoping another ticket notice doesn't come.
"Maybe this is happening to other people," said Richard.
If you're going to sell or trade in your car the DMV says in addition to surrendering the plates you should notify them online through the vehicle resale notification section.Click here to learn how to do so.
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