After purchasing your car, you need to follow various legal steps before you start using it. These steps apply to both new and second-hand vehicles. However, some legal requirements are specific to either new or used cars. Sometimes, the dealer from whom you buy your car may do the paperwork for you. Nonetheless, you need to be informed about all the steps that your dealer will take. In this article, we explore the legal requirements that you need to undertake after purchasing a car.
Get Insurance For Your Car
Before buying a car, look into insurance companies to determine the one which will be best for you. Compare the insurance companies based on their pricing and coverage. The car that you intend to buy should be one which you can afford to insure. The pricing for insurance policies depends on the following factors:
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The Car’s Age
The policy holder’s age- younger drivers who are likely to be inexperienced pay more than older drivers.
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The Type of Your Car
Discounts are given to vehicles that come with security features.
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Your Driving Record
If you have had more accidents, your insurance cost may be high unlike one who has a clean record.
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How Much You Use Your Car
People with a lot of commute time will pay more than those who occasionally use their vehicles.
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Where You Reside
Those who reside in towns pay more than those living in rural areas.
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The Deductibles You Choose
Opting for a higher deductible will make you pay less for your car insurance.
In addition to that, familiarize yourself with your country’s insurance requirements; each state has its laws that must be respected. Do not assume that your new car will have the same insurance rating as your current or former Autocar. Therefore, it is wise that you research insurance companies.
When you decide which company you will go for, give them your vehicle identification number. Most car dealers require proof of insurance to allow you to drive home your car. Also, having it first insured will make the registration process smooth.
Car Registration
Registration of your car is mandatory for it to operate on public roads. In some instances, your dealer may temporarily register your vehicle. Other dealers offer to take care of the whole registration process on your behalf. In addition to that, they will get you a license plate from the dealership. Your car plate will be sent to your mail later if that does not happen. Such services, however, are included in the total cost of the car.
You will do registration on your own if the dealer does not do it for you. Or if you are purchasing the car from a private seller. You can consult the experts at quickautotags.com, who will register your vehicle for you at the comfort of your home. For registration of your machine, visit the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your region. Go through the DMV’s website beforehand to know what papers they require for the registration. As you carry the required documents, bring along a good amount of money because car registration could be costly.
Transferring The Title
Car registration goes hand in hand with transferring the car’s title. If you are buying it on loan, your lender may request to keep its title. Therefore, when visiting DMV’s offices, remember to carry your loan documents. If you are getting it from a private seller, request them to withdraw their claim on the vehicle. Fortunately, some dealers might do this for their clients so, consider asking yours for help.
How Can You Make Legal Modifications?
After buying your new car, you might want to do some modifications to pimp it, like upgrading your tires. However, some modifications will land you in trouble with the authorities. Familiarize yourself with the modifications that are illegal in your state. An example is the tinting of windows. There is a law on window tinting that allows for a minimum of 75% through the windscreen. The side windows should allow 70% light. Tint the back window in whichever way you want. Other illegal modifications are as follows:
- Big exhausts create a lot of noise.
- Blue lights will get you in trouble because they are a preserve of emergency vehicles.
- Do not install lights on your car’s roof or neon lights in or under your car.
- Removal of the catalytic converter which prevents dangerous particles from entering the air from the car.
- Nitride oxide engine modification is illegal because you risk an explosion or a car accident.
It is important to note that modifications increase your insurance rates. However, it is legally advisable that you always inform your insurance before making this modification.
Legal Requirements Before You Drive
Each state has the minimum requirements for one to be a legal driver. You must have a driving license, be of the required minimum driving age, and pass the eyesight test. If you are a learner, you must have the L sign displayed on your car. In addition to that, you have to be under the supervision of a qualified driver. To operate your vehicle on public roads, it needs to have a legal license plate.
Legal Documents To Have When Driving
Traffic police officers may stop you occasionally to check if your car is okay. If they stop you, they may ask you for some documents. To avoid landing in hot soup, you should keep these documents in your car. They include your driving license, an up-to-date insurance certificate, or an MOT certificate. In most cases, an MOT certificate applies to vehicles that are more than three years but less than forty years old. You, however, need to check if your car requires an MOT certificate regardless of car age. Failure to present these papers may attract a fine. Sometimes, the police may ask you to bring them to the police station within seven days.
In conclusion, adhering to the legal requirements will keep you on the right side of the law. Liaise with your car dealer or experts to take you through the processes of legalizing your car.
Photo by Zakaria Zayane on Unsplash
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