§ 41-1a-704. Transfer by operation of law.

(1) Except as provided under Subsection (2), if the title or interest of an owner in or to a registered vehicle passes to another person other than by voluntary transfer:

(a) the registration of the vehicle expires; and

(b) the vehicle may not be operated upon a highway until the person entitled to possession of the vehicle applies for and obtains a valid registration or temporary permit.

(2)

(a) A vehicle under Subsection (1) may be operated on the highways by the person entitled to its possession or his legal representative, for a distance not exceeding 75 miles, upon displaying on the vehicle the license plates issued to the former owner.

(b) If title is vested in a person holding a lien or encumbrance on the vehicle, the new title holder may apply to the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division for special plates issued under Section 41-3-505 to transporters and may operate the repossessed vehicle under the special plate for the purposes of:

(i) transporting the vehicle to a garage or warehouse; or

(ii) demonstrating the vehicle for sale.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 1, 1992 General Session
Amended by Chapter 234, 1992 General Session