What happens if a vehicle's registration is not updated after a sale?

If a vehicle's registration is not updated after a sale, the seller may face penalties. This is because the seller is still technically listed as the owner until the registration is updated to reflect the new owner's information. If the new owner does not register the vehicle in their name, any infractions, fees, or legal issues associated with the vehicle may be attributed to the seller, leading to potential penalties or fines for them. Therefore, it is essential for both parties to ensure that the transfer of ownership is properly recorded with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid complications or liabilities tied to the vehicle.

The other options do not address the responsibilities of the seller or the consequences of failing to update the registration adequately. The new owner is certainly responsible for registration fees, but that responsibility comes into play once they have successfully registered the vehicle in their name. The idea that registration would automatically revert to the DMV is misleading since this does not occur; it is the responsibility of the individuals involved to complete the transfer. No action taken against either party does not accurately reflect the potential implications of not updating the registration, as there are indeed risks and responsibilities tied to it.