Michigan Compiled Laws
300-1949-II-TRANSFERS-OF-TITLE-OR-INTEREST - Transfers of Title or Interest (257.233...257.242a)
Section 257.240 - Liability for Use or Ownership of Vehicle After Transfer of Endorsed Certificate of Title; Conditions; Violation of Subsection (2); Civil Infraction; Fine; Towing and Storage Fees.

Sec. 240.
(1) The owner of a motor vehicle who has made a bona fide sale by transfer of his or her title or interest and who has delivered possession of the vehicle and the certificate of title to that vehicle properly endorsed to the purchaser or transferee is not liable for any damages or a violation of law that subsequently results from the use or ownership of the vehicle by another, if the owner, other than a licensed dealer, satisfies the conditions prescribed under subsection (2).
(2) The owner of a motor vehicle, other than a licensed dealer, shall satisfy 1 of the following conditions:
(a) Accompany the purchaser of the vehicle to a secretary of state branch office to assure that the title of the vehicle being sold is transferred.
(b) Maintain a record of the sale for not less than 18 months. As used in this subdivision, "record of the sale" means either a photocopy of the reassigned title or a form or document that includes the name, address, driver license number, and signature of the person to whom the vehicle is sold and the purchase price and date of sale of the vehicle.
(3) A person who violates subsection (2) is responsible for a civil infraction and shall be ordered to pay a civil fine of $15.00.
(4) A person who violates subsection (2) is presumed to be the last titled owner and to be liable for towing fees and daily storage fees for an abandoned motor vehicle.
History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 267, Imd. Eff. Dec. 29, 1999 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 493, Eff. Oct. 1, 2005

Structure Michigan Compiled Laws

Michigan Compiled Laws

Chapter 257 - Motor Vehicles

Act 300 of 1949 - Michigan Vehicle Code (257.1 - 257.923)

300-1949-II - Chapter II Administration, Registration, Certificate of Title and Anti-Theft (257.201...257.259)

300-1949-II-TRANSFERS-OF-TITLE-OR-INTEREST - Transfers of Title or Interest (257.233...257.242a)

Section 257.233 - Transfer or Assignment of Title To, or Interest In, Registered Vehicle; Disposition of Plates; Application for New Registration Certificate; Penalty; Indorsement on Certificate of Title; Effective Date of Transfer; Submission of Sec...

Section 257.233a - Transfer of Title or Interest in Vehicle; Disclosure of Odometer Mileage.

Section 257.233a.amended - Transfer of Title or Interest in Vehicle; Disclosure of Odometer Mileage; Electronically Signed Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Section 257.233b - Definitions; Disclosure by Dealer of Damage or Repair; Exception; Grounds for Revocation.

Section 257.234 - Presentation of Certificate of Title and Registration Certificate to Secretary of State; Fees; Issuance of New Certificate of Title and Registration Certificate; Mail or Delivery; Repossession of License Plates; Payment of Transfer...

Section 257.235 - Dealer as Transferee of Vehicle; Requirements; Duties; Liability of Dealer or Transferee; Transfer of Title or Interest to Another Dealer; Duties of Dealer; Dealer Reassignment of Title Form; Buy Back or Off Lease Vehicle.

Section 257.235.amended - Dealer as Transferee of Vehicle; Requirements; Duties; Liability of Dealer or Transferee; Transfer of Title or Interest to Another Dealer; Duties of Dealer; Dealer Reassignment of Title Form; Buy Back or Off Lease Vehicle.

Section 257.235a - Licensed Dealer or Junk Dealer Purchasing Vehicle for Purpose of Destroying or Junking Vehicle; Acceptance and Disposition of Certificate of Title; Fee.

Section 257.235b - Possession of Certificate of Title by Inventory Lender for Vehicle Subject to Inventory Loan; Written Agreement; Release of Certificate of Title by Used or Secondhand Vehicle Dealer's Inventory Lender; Limitation; Failure to Releas...

Section 257.236 - Procuring Title to Vehicle Acquired by Operation of Law; Validity of Registration Upon Death of Owner; Application for Title by Surviving Spouse or Heir; Proof of Death; Certification; Petition.

Section 257.236a - Termination of Owner's Interest by Enforcement of Security Agreement; Application for New Certificate; Certification; Holding Vehicle for Resale; Termination of Owner's Interest by Sale Pursuant to Court Process; Issuance and Conte...

Section 257.237 - Transfer of Registration; Issuance of New Registration Certificate and Certificate of Title; Filing Surrendered Certificate of Title; Retention of Records.

Section 257.238 - Security Interest in Vehicle; Certificate of Title; Assignment; Termination Statement; Electronic Transactions.

Section 257.239 - Certificate of Title; Failure to Endorse or Deliver, Fine.

Section 257.240 - Liability for Use or Ownership of Vehicle After Transfer of Endorsed Certificate of Title; Conditions; Violation of Subsection (2); Civil Infraction; Fine; Towing and Storage Fees.

Section 257.241 - Electronic Lien Title System; Establishment, Implementation, and Operation; Contracts; Participation of Secured Parties; Inclusion of Secured Interest or Other Information in Electronic File; Execution of Release; Delivery; Assignme...

Section 257.242 - Sale of Vehicle for Salvage.

Section 257.242a - Regrooved or Recut Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Tires; Sale or Possession With Intent to Sell Prohibited; Exception; Misdemeanor.