The registered keeper of a car is the person who uses it and keeps it. They’re also responsible for the car as far as the police and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are concerned, and their details will be on the V5 registration document. The registered keeper isn’t necessarily the same person as the legal owner of the car – the owner is the person who paid for it. Think of a company car, for example. This is why the V5 document isn’t considered evidence of ownership.
In the UK, the term "registered keeper" refers to the person who is officially responsible for a vehicle. This person's details are recorded on the vehicle's registration document, commonly known as the V5C or logbook. The registered keeper may or may not be the owner of the car, as ownership can be different from legal responsibility.
The registered keeper is responsible for various important tasks related to the vehicle. This includes ensuring that the vehicle is properly taxed and insured, as well as keeping the registration details up to date with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They are also responsible for notifying the DVLA if the vehicle is sold or transferred to someone else.
It's worth noting that the registered keeper is not necessarily the main driver or the person who uses the vehicle the most. For example, if a company owns a fleet of cars, the company itself may be the registered keeper of all the vehicles, even though individual employees drive them.
Understanding the concept of the registered keeper is crucial for UK drivers as it helps them fulfill their legal obligations and ensures that the vehicle is properly managed and accounted for.