[V0rtex]

Riders that regularly use bikes registered under someone else’s name eg. brother, father, wife, cousin … Have you faced any issues because of this, especially from the police? Or do you ride without changing ownership without any problems?

[Rajesh V]

There shouldn't be any problem as long as you're able to produce RC. Even the mParivahan app has an option to share RC, so it can't have been against the rules.

[Centodieci]

Generally, it shouldn't be a problem unless you live near high sensitivity areas like border which are prone to routine checks.

But, I have seen few people getting stopped and asked to produce Authorization letter if found driving another person's bike. Hence, please get one ready, duly signed by vehicle owner in case you are planning on borrowing the bike.

[Fx14]

Should not be an issue if you are having your driving licence or any other address proof with the same address as your family member in whose name the vehicle is registered. After all not everyone has a personal vehicle, but may use the common family owned vehicle.

There may be issues faced in cases where the vehicle is registered in another state / UT in the name of relatives (to save on taxes etc.) and the current user is unable to furnish any personal address proof of the vehicle's registered address. Eg. Heard of cases in the yesteryear's where some people living in Mumbai would have their vehicles registered in Daman in other's names and used in Mumbai, who faced issues.

[anjan_c2007]

If it's the motor vehicle owned by any family member there is no issue. Even relatives are OK enough. As long as its licence and vehicle paper check thats no issue, provided these are uptodate. The OP title says "Other" which includes a wide spectrum of fellas. And if it's a pervious owner's vehicle one is using, having bought it as used, then better he had watch out.

Such vehicles owned by others (incl family members and relatives) if involved in theft cases would require the owner to write, sign and lodge the FIR. Even the user can lodge FIR, but he should be able to satisfy the police who are bound to grill him about his possession of a vehicle in someone else's name. Even an accident getting reported to the police will face similar scrutiny.

So the answer is as long as everything is smooth sailing, things are hunky dory. The moment there's a criminal case and law enforcement agencies are involved, things can get tough.

[GTO]

In Bombay, I've never had an issue with cars. Trivia = I don't have a single car registered in my name . It's either company-names or family. I also frequently drive cars registered in the name of car manufacturers, and some friends. Zero problems. That being said:

- At police checkpoints, I have noticed bikes being checked far more than cars. Ratio is like 3:1 or 4:1. Make of that what you will.

- Police are well-trained to spot the thieves (at least the obvious ones). They know when it's a family man or corporate guy taking a vehicle out, versus a seasoned criminal.

- The real criminals are not just thieves, but also those who buy a used vehicle, don't transfer it in their name and continue to use it for 2-3 years in the previous owner's name.

[kozhissery]

Usually there are no issues when using vehicles which is not under your name.
But if you go cross country, it is better to have authorization letter.
A decade back, I had taken my co-brother's (T-BHP@Vasuki) bike (RE TB350) to Bhutan. At that time, I had kept an authorization letter as this was a cross-country drive (Kerala to Bhutan). Real fact nobody check/verified that, but having the document gives peace of mind.

[ninjatalli]

Been riding a bike registered to my brother for last five years across multiple states; never faced any issue. Even when stopped by cops for minor offences; no questions raised with regards to ownership.

My parents have been using a relative’s scooter for a decade and never faced any issues.

[Scarlet_Rider]

Never had any issues. The scooter is registered in my name but used mostly by my wife. It's the other way around with our car.

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

Have you faced any issues because of this, especially from the police? Or do you ride without changing ownership without any problems?

I have 2 cars and 3 bikes registered in my name and 1 car registered in my wife's name. Both of us use all the vehicles and have never had any issue.

Originally Posted by Centodieci

But, I have seen few people getting stopped and asked to produce Authorization letter if found driving another person's bike.

There is nothing in the MV Act or any other law that requires this.

Originally Posted by GTO

- Police are well-trained to spot the thieves (at least the obvious ones). They know when it's a family man or corporate guy taking a vehicle out, versus a seasoned criminal.

Also applicable when interacting with the police for any other matter.

[100Kmphormore]

Originally Posted by GTO

- At police checkpoints, I have noticed bikes being checked far more than cars. Ratio is like 3:1 or 4:1. Make of that what you will.

- Police are well-trained to spot the thieves (at least the obvious ones). They know when it's a family man or corporate guy taking a vehicle out, versus a seasoned criminal.

- The real criminals are not just thieves, but also those who buy a used vehicle, don't transfer it in their name and continue to use it for 2-3 years in the previous owner's name.

Precisely the reasons above as to why the police are so vigilant as spanking new unregistered cars/bikes are being ridden long distances without proper TC/registration plates or insurance. Or in the worst scenario, theft.
Point 3 is majorly to avoid "depreciation", common in high end cars and sportsbikes as anything beyond third owner means a massive drop in resale value.

[boniver]

This is an issue in Kolkata only. I had been fined for it once in 2018 when I was riding my dad's bike. Since then I carry a notarized affidavit from my dad authorizing me to use his vehicles.

[theqca]

I think it differs depending on the scenario

- family owned vehicle: You are legally allowed to drive it. And cops might check a similar surname or something. Obviously it isn't fool proof but there is something which can be referenced.

- friends vehicle: no law says you cannot drive a car owned by someone else. Cops however would want to know how to differentiate between
a friends vehicle
vs
something purchased by you but not transferred in your name
vs
something stolen

I think that's the main reason cops tend to create a ruckus.

[ebonho]

Ideally, during a sale, you should hand over custody of the vehicle only after the paperwork of transfer has been completed. No one does that. Transfer papers are signed, copy of PAN and Aadhaar taken (signed copies), and at best a Letter Of Sale signed by both parties. I think that LOS is more to absolve both parties of potential future accusations of theft or non payment of full amount or no handover of the vehicle. I do not think it has any legal standing were the vehicle to be involved in any unlawful activity (accident, theft, crime, etc.). What if so are the protective steps a seller can take?

Cheers, Doc

[Wason4699]

There is no problem till the authority deems fit. In our RTO system there is a provision for Authorization if a vehicle is being driven by someone else than the RC holder. This Authorization is valid for 6 months and is a fine attracting offense if not found on demand. However in the present time I have seen authorities having a lenient view if the vehicle is being driven within blood relation or spouse basis. But remember it's just a POV and can differ from person to person.