Publication date: 29.01.2026
Receiving a fine after selling a car becomes an unexpected and extremely stressful situation for many drivers. Most sellers are convinced that signing a sales contract automatically releases them from any responsibility. However, in practice, if the buyer fails to fulfill their obligations, all notifications, fines, and administrative penalties may continue to be sent to the previous owner.
Most often, this concerns situations such as a fine for the absence of OC after selling a car or a fine for not deregistering a car after sale. As a result, the seller, who no longer has any factual connection with the vehicle, is forced to prove that they are not responsible for the violation.
Why do fines come after selling a car?
Many clients seek legal assistance only after receiving a notice about an event that occurred weeks or even months after the sale of the vehicle. The most common reasons include:
- the buyer did not complete re-registration of the car in their own name;
- the relevant authority was not informed about the change of ownership;
- the new owner failed to conclude an OC insurance contract;
- outdated or incomplete data remains in public registers.
In such situations, the system continues to identify the seller as the owner of the vehicle, which automatically leads to fines being issued in their name.
Why should you not ignore official correspondence?
Ignoring official notifications may lead to serious consequences, including increased financial costs, administrative proceedings, or even court cases. The key task is to determine in a timely manner whether the fine can be canceled and which documents are required to clarify the situation.
In some cases, especially when authorities rely on incorrect data, re-registration of a car in Poland may be required. In more complex situations, re-registration of a deregistered car may be necessary if the vehicle was mistakenly removed from the register. Sometimes, re-registration of a deregistered car is the only legal way to correctly establish who is actually responsible for the vehicle.
How does a lawyer help in cases involving a fine after selling a car?
A professional legal analysis makes it possible to determine whether liability can be transferred to the actual owner of the vehicle and what formal steps are required. In such cases, a lawyer:
- verifies the purchase and sale agreement and dates in the CEPiK and UFG registers;
- determines whether a fine for the absence of OS (OC) after selling a car or another penalty was imposed lawfully;
- prepares official explanations and submissions to the competent authorities;
- represents the seller in administrative and judicial proceedings;
- supports procedures related to re-registration of the car or correction of registration data.
This approach allows for the cancellation of the fine, termination of further proceedings, and protection of the client from additional unfounded notifications.
Receiving a fine after selling a car does not mean that liability is inevitable. A fine for failing to deregister a car after selling or a fine for the absence of OS (OC) after selling a car can often be successfully canceled with the correct legal response. Timely action, proper documentation, and understanding procedures related to re-registration of a car in Poland play a decisive role.
Consultant Legal Marketplace provides comprehensive support in such cases — from the initial legal analysis to the final resolution of the matter. If you received a fine by mail even though the car was sold earlier, contacting specialists can help you avoid responsibility for someone else’s violations and effectively protect your rights.
FAQ
Question
Can a fine received after selling a car be cancelled?
Answer
Yes, if the vehicle was sold before the violation occurred, the fine can often be cancelled by providing a sale agreement and supporting documents.
Question
Why does an OC insurance fine go to the former owner?
Answer
This usually happens when the buyer fails to re-register the vehicle or take out new insurance, leaving outdated data in official registers.
Question
Is it safe to ignore a fine notice after selling a car?
Answer
No, ignoring official correspondence may result in additional penalties or court proceedings.
Question
When is vehicle re-registration required?
Answer
In some cases, correcting registry data or re-registering the vehicle is necessary to legally confirm the change of ownership.
Question
Does legal assistance increase the chances of cancelling the fine?
Answer
Yes, a lawyer can handle formalities, contact authorities and significantly improve the chances of cancelling the fine.
