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Good Faith Owner of a Stolen Vehicle in Bordeaux: What Should You Do?

Have you just discovered that the car you purchased legally is in fact a stolen vehicle? The police or gendarmerie in Bordeaux may require you to return it. This situation, which affects many good faith buyers in Gironde, raises complex legal questions.

Our law firm in Bordeaux, specialized in automotive law, assists you in defending your rights and obtaining compensation.

Why Can a Stolen Vehicle Circulate in Gironde?

This often involves “doublettes”: two identical vehicles are stolen, one is recovered and removed from the register, while the other continues to circulate under the same identity.
In addition, many stolen vehicles come from abroad (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom…), making their detection difficult when resold in Gironde.

Your Rights as a Good Faith Buyer in Bordeaux

According to Article 2276 of the French Civil Code, the legitimate owner has three years to claim back their vehicle.
👉 If the theft occurred more than three years ago, you are legally entitled to keep the car.

If the theft is recent, several legal remedies are available:

Action against the seller: whether an individual or a professional, they must reimburse you for the purchase price.
Proof of purchase required: valid ID matching the registration certificate, invoice, sales contract, or company registration document if the seller was a business.

Purchase from a Professional Seller or Public Auction

In Bordeaux, if you bought the vehicle from a garage, dealership, or at a public auction, you are only required to return it once the rightful owner has reimbursed you the price paid.
This right applies even if the police have already seized the vehicle.
You may also hold the professional seller liable in order to obtain additional compensation.

Stolen Vehicle Through Fraud or Breach of Trust

If the vehicle was diverted as a result of a breach of trust (for example, a rental car not returned) or fraud (purchase with false documents), you also have legal recourse.
You may seek compensation from the seller or from any party involved in the fraudulent transaction.

Why Consult a Lawyer in Bordeaux?

Facing the restitution of a stolen vehicle purchased in good faith is a stressful and complex situation. Only a lawyer specialized in automotive law can secure your proceedings and effectively defend your rights.

Our law firm in Bordeaux (Gironde) assists you with:

Challenging the restitution of the vehicle where possible.
Obtaining reimbursement of the purchase price.
Holding the seller or a professional accountable.
Claiming compensation for the damage suffered.