On January 1, three laws went into effect in California to address the theft of catalytic converters. The first makes it illegal to remove a VIN from a catalytic converter. The second requires dealerships to have the converter engraved with the VIN before a new or used vehicle is sold. Finally, the third redefines what constitutes an automobile dismantler, creating criminal penalties for anyone that acts illegally as an automobile dismantler.
According to ALLDATA, catalytic converters are a highly stolen item because of the metals they contain such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Since these rare metals have a high recycle value on the black market, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise across the nation, with California leading the way. An experienced thief can remove a catalytic converter in just one to two minutes using basic tools.
The bills
AB 1519: This law makes it illegal to remove a VIN marking from a catalytic converter. It also makes it illegal to posses three or more catalytic converters that have had their VIN markings removed.
SB 55: This law requires a motor vehicle dealer or retailer to have the converter engraved or etched with the VIN before a new or used truck is sold. The law does allow for the purchaser to decline having the VIN etched or engraved on the converter.
AB 641: This law redefines an automobile dismantler to include individuals in possession of nine or more catalytic converters. Additionally, the law creates penalties for an individual acting illegally as an autombile dismantler. Individuals and businesses that have a legitimate purpse for having catalytic converters, such as repair shops, will be excluded from the penalty.
How other states have responded
There are already catalytic converter laws in a number of other states, with some planning to strengthen them. In 2023, Delware made it a felony to purchase, sell, or offer for sale, a catalytic converter that was not attached to a vehicle, unless the sale is being made by a scrap metal purchaser following all the required provisions.
In Minnesota, a law was enabcting establishing criminal penalties for unauthorized possession of catalytic converters and only allowing registered scrap metal dealers to purchase detached converters.
Oregon Senate Bill 803 came into effect in 2021, making the buying or selling of converters from unauthorized sellers illegal. Additionally, the dealers of catalytic converters, noting the model, make, license number, and VIN of the converters in use. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and industry coalition have pushed Congress to act on catalytic converter theft bills.
In 2023, NADA, joined by 20 industry partners, sent a letterto the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate Commerce Committees in support of H.R. 621/S. 154, a bipartisan bill to combat rising catalytic converter theft. The "Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act" addresses the growing national problem of catalytic converter thefts, which are costing businesses and vehicle owners millions of dollars annually. The bill is currently in committee review.
Information provided by ALLDATA.
