What problems can I run into if I register a friends car in my name?

If the car is in your name, you are legally liable for any parking, red light or speed camera tickets, and also liable in case he causes damage to others in an accident. If he lets the insurance lapse, you will be liable for any fines.

In the case of an accident, you can be sued, and you can lose everything that you own, if there is a judgment against you.

Tell your friend that the risk is too high. If they are not responsible enough to take care of the fines that they have now, why would you think that they would magically change and be responsible now?

Depending on the state, there may be a way around the problems that are preventing him from registering the car in his name. Email me for more details about possible solutions

The "contract" he signed will mean absolutely nothing. If the car is in YOUR name, any problem is YOUR problem, not his. If he neglects to get insurance, likely since it's almost impossible to insure a vehicle that isn't in your name, especially with outstanding fines, they will take YOUR license since it's YOUR car.

If he has a wreck, and is uninsured, they will come after your assets since it's YOUR car.

If the red light camera or speed camera gets it, they look at the plate, look at the registered owner, and you get the ticket and the point on your license, since it's...well you have the idea by now.

Also, when it is towed and impounded, guess who has to go and pick it up and pay the fees?

I believe you already answered this question yourself. You said: My concern is that he will do something stupid while driving it...

Just having the thought of a BANK ROBBERY. YOU ARE RIGHT...YOU NEVER KNOW.

I WOULD NOT DO IT. He is showing you that he is not responsible. He has "fines or something".

In response to your additional details:

A sign posted "We will not be responsible for..." does not mean that someone cannot sue you and possibly win. The car would be in your name. I just would not take the risk. the risk is too great. Especially in this day and age when everyone sues, and sues for BIG MONEY!

Your call! Good Luck!!!

You will be responsible for all registration fees and any parking ticket he gets. You will also be responsible if he causes an accident or is involved in an accident. If your friend isn't willing to clear his own name from tickets, what makes you think he wont do the same to you over time?

This is even stupider than co-signing a loan.

You would have to title the car in your name too, which means it's your car. A real friend would not ask you to do something like this.

Don't do it. If he crashes or is negligent and hurts or injures someone or causes property damage. You as the registered owner(on title and registration) can be sued for damages also. If he cant register a car than let him walk..............md

Have you considered the fact that, with the car in YOUR name, you will have to be insured ?

Doing that would be considered forgery, fraud and/or perjury--not things you want to get involved in! It could easily get you in deep trouble with the DMV, police and insurance companies.