In what scenario can a lienholder sell a vehicle without notifying the registered owner?

• A. When the vehicle has been abandoned for over a month
• B. When there is no registered owner or lienholder on record
• C. When the vehicle value is less than $1,000
• D. When the vehicle is not operational

Answer: (B)

A lienholder can sell a vehicle without notifying the registered owner in situations where there is no registered owner or lienholder on record. This scenario typically arises when a vehicle has been abandoned or when it is not registered to an individual. In such cases, the lienholder may have the legal right to dispose of the vehicle to recover any debts or obligations associated with it. It is important for lienholders to ensure that they are acting within the law when handling such vehicles, as the lack of a registered owner usually means that there is no opposing party to be notified or consulted about the vehicle's sale.

Other options involve conditions related to the status or value of the vehicle but do not universally grant the lienholder the right to sell without informing the registered owner. For instance, a vehicle being not operational, valued at under $1,000, or abandoned for a month still may have a registered owner whose rights must be respected. Therefore, the absence of a registered owner or lienholder record is the only clear condition that allows for a sale without the requirement of notification.