Originally Posted by mconlonx

state runs the scheme at state (tax-payer) expense. Basically just to shut up the motorists who claim cyclists aren't paying their fair share, but also providing cyclists with some kind of benefit -- both the registry aspect, but also some expectation that since they are paying for registration there's a more than currently in preponderance expectation that state and local constabulary will follow-up with theft investigations.

If a used bike buyer fails to carry out follow-up voluntary registration, well, that's on them, just like any sale should entail sales tax, but private, second-hand sales hardly ever bother.

Used bike sale registrations at the bike retail level would voluntary.