border crossing with car not registered in my name
 

Hi all,

I would be very grateful if anyone can advice on this: I have the option of buying a car in Nairobi and would like to drive it to south africa.

It is not possible to register the car in my name as this takes to long and I do not have the time. I can get the logbook and a letter that I buy the car. The logbook is currently in the name of the owner previous (steve) to the current owner (mark) but they are friends, and I even get a copy of the passport off the steve.

The carnet that I would obtain would also be in the name of steve.

Has anyone had a similar situation and know if it is possible to cross borders with a vehicle not registered in my name and a carnet de passage also not in my name?

Thanks a lot for your reply!!

Florise

It may vary by country but for southern Africa you need the Original vehicle registration papers, or a certified copy. For financed vehicles you need a letter from the bank giving you authorisation to take the vehicle across the border. The letter must also stipulate dates. I assume it is the same for any other owner. Both bank letter and license papers should be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.

If you are not the registered owner of the vehicle, you need an affidavit from the police giving you authorisation from the owner/ financial institution to take the vehicle abroad.

Another owner may also insist you prove your insurance covers each and every country. Because he would be liable for import duty if it is crashed or stolen.

It is generally a hassle. Which is why I never finance vehicles.

In some countries Red Warning triangles - x1 set required (does not need to be displayed on car) Reflective Jacket – If more than 2 people in the car, the x2 jackets will be required. In Mozambique Yellow & blue Mozambique warning triangle – x2 stickers required if towing a trailer. Must be displayed - 1x in front of vehicle (on bumper) & x1 in rear of trailer.

A sticker displaying nationality of car. But I cant recall ever being stopped for this.

In Zambia reflective tape on the back. They do stop you and look for it. I think it is red tape for the back and white for the front but I cant remember anymore. The Zambian policemen look for it as it is a quick cash withdrawal and foreign cages are like mobile ATMs.


Bridges and edges of towns, especially shaded areas, is where you can expect most road blocks or 'speed traps'. Basically places where they will look for any detail to fine you. A good tactic is before he opens his mouth pull out a map and ask for directions to some remote place and keep talking and pointing. The place doesn't have to really exist. Just wasting his time means other potential ATMs are flashing by so he will give you 'directions' and send you off.


Welcome to African bureaucracy, failing which you will be forking out endless sums of money. Their patience to keep you embroiled will far exceed yours. You will feel like hitting someone, or just paying up, depending on your temperament.