Anyone who has sold a vehicle in Portugal will be aware of the agonising ‘log-book legacy’ that can haunt sellers often beyond the grave.
The system is such that buyers – by not registering that they have bought the vehicle – can leave the seller with endless fines, payments for road fund tax, and more.
Sorting out the problems invariably leaves sellers out of pocket – and out of sorts.
Now, at long last, the government is acting.
Yesterday’s Council of Ministers has approved new procedures that will effectively see buyers notified within two weeks that they are now responsible for their purchase – whether they register it or not.
The diploma put forward by the justice ministry involves sellers registering the sale, with just a declaration and other “legal documents”.
According to reports, even verbal contracts will be accepted.
When the new diploma will become effective however has not yet been announced.
