Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Stolen Vehicle

I entered into a contrant a few years ago to sell a car. I was given a partial payment, the remainder was to be paid at the time of changing or the registration. To date, the buyer still owes me the remaining cash for the vehicle and the vehicle registration was never changed. I have contact PA Dept of Transportation and the title for this vehicle is still in my name. I believe the buyer has put the vehicle on the road with faulting tags, no insurance, no registration. Since the vehicle is still in my name, money is still owed on the vehicle can I report it as a stolen vehicle? I have the buyers name and old phone number (no address), which he never would return any of my messages when I would try to reach him. Would I have the right to reposses the vehicle since it is still in my name? I believe the buyer has also done major auto body work on the vehicle so it can not be found in a timely manner, because of the change of the paint color and additional work. If there is anything I can do please advise me asap. I believe the buyer is currently in county prison on other motor vehicle charges.


Asked on 7/10/09, 11:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Stolen Vehicle

You still own the vehicle and, yes, you can report it stolen because he is using it without your permission but I think it more likely that the police would favor your repossessing the vehicle and dealing with the problem in civil court. Still, it doesn't hurt to try to get the police involved and it is cheaper that way.

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Answered on 7/20/09, 4:07 pm


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