I need advice on my stupidity...
 

I bought a car for my ex, before she was my ex. Both our names are on the title. When we split up in April, I signed the title and gave it to her so she could get it in her name. She left the car at her mom's house, which is about an hour from here, not sure exactly where. She immediately left the state and has been living out of state since April. I got a letter from the toll agency here saying that the car has been running tolls. I called her and she said her brother and mom were driving the car around. She will not remove my name from the title. I need to get my name off this title!

I called the DMV and they said there's no way to remove my name unless she turns it in. I would be willing to reposess the car if I knew where it was, but I have no clue where it's at, and I don't have a key for it.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can either get the car back, or get my name off? I'm at a loss...

Could you find out where the mom's house is? Then, could you find where the car is located, and report it stolen and tell the police you think you know where it is?

You can have cars rekeyed. It can be expensive (electronic key vs. regular key) but it might be worth it in this case.

If you can get back into the car and move it, call your ex and tell her that she has two weeks to turn the title in or you keep the car. You won't be able to take her name off but at least you know the car won't be running tolls.

Note: I have not had to do any of this before so this is just working the system as I understand it.

Do you know what state/county/city the tolls are being ran in? Do you have a license plate number? Contact the police, let them know of your dilemma and see what your options are. I am sure they have dealt with similar situations before.

Exactly what I was going to say. Don't report it stole because it's not. That could be a crime.

Regardless, you probably have a cause of action against her family for these tickets, should you chose to pursue it in court. Maybe that kind of threat will get their attention.

Call the mother and brother and tell them to return the car. If they say no, then report it stolen. They're name isn't on the car, so if you say they can't drive it, then they can't drive it.