How do I get documentation from dealer?

mikemac

First of all, I don't have a motorbike, I've a 50cc scooter.
I see a lot of posters dishing moped drivers, but I have all the protective gear, am sensible and am taking lessons in preparation for my Category A test.

In September 2005, I bought the scooter from a dealer in Dublin and it was second-hand at the time. The dealer was to post the documents to the Dept of the Environment and I was to get a Vehicle Licence Certificate.

I never got this but I didn't realy follow up until October 2006. I was getting fobbed off with excuses and promises for return calls so I put all the relevent info on a letter and sent it by registered post.

The dealer rang the next day to admit that they had never sent the documentation even 14 months after the sale as they were "mislaid" in the office.
They promised I'd get my Vehicle License Certificate shortly but this was 5 weeks ago.

My dads a farmer so he knows a bit about buying and selling vehicles and he stated it was the dealers responsibility to forward the documentation to the Department. My friendly local garda says the same.

With Operation Freeflow in force, I'd kinda nervous I get stopped as I've never taxed it. I also can't sell it without my Vehicle Licence Certificate.

What would my next step be? I'd rather not have to drive to the dealers and confront the manager if possible

tk123

Iif you have a spare 20 mins (to sit on hold) call the dept and see if they got them. I was waiting over a month for my forms when I got my car in october because there's a backlog. If they haven't been sent in go down to the dealer and see if they'll give you the forms to send in yourself- if they haven't even filled them do it yourself and say you only bought the scoot to make them liable for the last years tax!

Wishbone Ash

micmclo wrote:

In September 2005, I bought the scooter from a dealer in Dublin and it was second-hand at the time. The dealer was to post the documents to the Dept of the Environment and I was to get a Vehicle Licence Certificate.

I never got this but I didn't realy follow up until October 2006. I was getting fobbed off with excuses and promises for return calls so I put all the relevent info on a letter and sent it by registered post.

The dealer rang the next day to admit that they had never sent the documentation even 14 months after the sale as they were "mislaid" in the office.
They promised I'd get my Vehicle License Certificate shortly but this was 5 weeks ago.

My dads a farmer so he knows a bit about buying and selling vehicles and he stated it was the dealers responsibility to forward the documentation to the Department. My friendly local garda says the same.

With Operation Freeflow in force, I'd kinda nervous I get stopped as I've never taxed it. I also can't sell it without my Vehicle Licence Certificate.

What would my next step be? I'd rather not have to drive to the dealers and confront the manager if possible

Sorry for you troubles micmclo.

You have a few options.

1. Telephone the National Vehicle Driver Computer Centre at Shannon 061-365000/1890-411412 and ask them to send you a Statutory Declaration Form. It's an affidavit that you swear in the presence of a Peace Commissioner, Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public that you bought the vehicle in good faith etc. and that the requirements of Articles 10 and 11 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licencing) Ammendment Regulations 1992 were not complied with. I presume that you take this to your local motor tax office or send to Shannon to get replacements. The staff in Shannon may provide you with the name of the prevoius owner (although I don't think they are supposed to?). Telephone them for advice anyway.

2. You could ask the seller to request that the previous owner complete an RF 134 form which is used to get replacement documents. The replaced documents would be in the name of the previous owner and then process this as normal to re register the bike in your name.

3. A friendly Garda may do a reg check on PULSE for you to get the name of the previous owner for you. You could contact that owner to see if they have the documents or would be willing to get replacements for you.


Don't be worried about going to the dealers and don't let them think you are a soft touch or you'll get nothing done. Ask another person (you mentioned your father) to accompany you. It is the sellers responsibility to sort this mess out anyway and you should not have to do all the running. You should really have got in sorted within about 8 weeks of buying. My wife is going through the same hassle with a car. Good luck.

tk123 wrote:

I was waiting over a month for my forms when I got my car

That would be pretty normal. Most people wait at least a month before making enquiries.

wb

Most friendly Gardaí will stamp the form to say the vehicle has been off the road, so you wont have to pay arrears.

Wishbone Ash

wb wrote:

Most friendly Gardaí will stamp the form to say the vehicle has been off the road, so you wont have to pay arrears.

I'm not sure but it may be a bit more difficult if an affidavit is signed as it requires a date of sale. Anyway, it hardly worth going to the bother for the sake of an annual rate of €37.