The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued guidelines to be followed on matters regarding motor vehicle ownership and insurance requirements.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, October 8, the Authority highlighted several guidelines that motorists should use while purchasing a vehicle and insurance.
“National Transport and Safety Authority, under Section 2 (a) and Section 4 (2) (b) of the NTSA Act, No. 33, 2012 is mandated with the responsibility of registration, licensing of motor vehicles/motorcycles and conducting motor vehicle inspection/certification.
As part of consumer education and provision of information, the Authority has prepared an information guide regarding motor vehicle ownership and insurance requirements,” part of the notice read.
For the question of whether a person owning a motor vehicle should insure their vehicle, the authority stated that it is mandatory for motor vehicle owners to have insurance.
Failure to comply will result in the non-compliant vehicle being impounded immediately, and the owner and/or driver shall be liable, upon conviction, to a fine or imprisonment.
NTSA answers commonly asked questions about vehicle ownership and insurance
Additionally, the owner and/or driver shall be personally liable for any damages the vehicle causes in the event of a crash.
At the same time, the Authority responded to commonly asked questions about the transfer of ownership of a vehicle.
The Authority stated that no motor vehicle or trailer whose ownership has been transferred by the registered owner may be used on a road for more than fourteen days after the date of transfer unless the new owner is registered.
“It is an offense for the buyer to use the vehicle after the fourteen-day period expires, “the authority stated.
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As for the question of what actions a buyer can take if they fail to trace the seller if the seller has relocated from the country, or if the seller declines to initiate the transfer of ownership, the authority responded by stating that it would be a contravention of the law.
In response to such situations, the authority said it has introduced an alternative/forced transfer service that is accessible through the NTSA service portal.
Transport authority gives further explanation on vehicle ownership and insurance
Further NTSA explained what happens if a buyer of a motor vehicle fails to initiate transfer to the owner of the registered motor vehicle before digitization of the process.
The Authority referred to the Traffic Act which states that; “Registered owners shall be considered the prima facie owner of the vehicle and shall be liable for any acts or damage caused by the vehicle unless evidence to the contrary is produced,” NTSA stated.
“Additionally, in the event the vehicle is used in the commission of a crime, the registered owner of the vehicle may be treated as a suspect,” the authority added.
Furthermore, NTSA urged motor vehicle owners to inform them when details contained in the logbook differ with physical features of the vehicle.
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Failure to comply will lead to denial of motor vehicle insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, NTSA directed Motor vehicle/motorcycle owners, Financial Institutions, Companies, Dealers, and Government Agencies among others to collect processed Certificate of Ownership (logbooks) and Reflective Number Plates from the centers identified during the registration process.
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