A JOINT Sheriff’s Office and Victoria Police road block operation in Swan Hill last week gave one driver the fright of their life.
The operation identified that the driver’s recently purchased vehicle had 1540 outstanding warrants associated with it, worth more than $738,000.
These fines were incurred by a previous owner and the new owner was not held responsible after demonstrating they had just recently bought the car and did not commit the offences.
“The incident serves as a timely reminder for prospective buyers to check a vehicle’s details before making a purchase,” a spokesperson from the Department of Justice and Regulation said.
The Tuesday October 31 operation also identified 11 people with more than 40 outstanding warrants worth around $15,000.
Car owners can enquire whether a vehicle has been reported stolen, been previously written off or if infringement sanctions have been issued against it by visiting the VicRoads website at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Individuals can also check the history of a vehicle by contacting Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) website at www.ppsr.gov.au or by calling 1300 007 777.
“The best way to avoid being identified in a Sheriff’s operation is to deal with fines early to avoid additional penalties and infringements becoming warrants,” the spokesperson said.
Transfer of ownership is a matter for VicRoads and members of the community should contact VicRoads to ensure they are aware of the multi-step transfer process or obtain further information at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/buy-sell-or-transfer-a-vehicle
