Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law this week to crack down on the sale of stolen catalytic converters.
“Cracking down on the theft and vandalism of motor vehicles requires a multifaceted approach, and one of those tactics includes making it more difficult for criminals to profit from the sale of stolen parts,” Governor Lamont said in a statement. "I thank the bipartisan members of the legislature for approving this bill and sending it to my desk so that I could sign it into law today. The easy ability to sell stolen parts is a major reason why motor vehicle theft and vandalism occurs, and this law will help serve as a deterrent.”
Under the new law, it's now illegal for motor vehicle recyclers to receive a vehicle’s catalytic converter unless it is physically attached to a motor vehicle.
“This law also enacts new requirements that will help law enforcement more easily track down who is selling stolen parts and put a stop to their criminal activity," said Governor Lamont.
Same goes for scrap metal processors and junk dealers. An unattached catalytic converter cannot be accepted unless they record several details such as a transaction record (date, place, description, amount paid), the seller's information including driver's license number, and the stock number on the catalytic converter.
Additionally, they're required to also electronically submit all of their information on catalytic converter sales to the Connecticut State Police once per week.
Sellers may only sell one catalytic converter per day to a scrap metal dealer, said the governor. Scrap metal processors and junk dealers can only pay a seller by check, which is mailed to their home address.
The law takes effect July 1, 2022.
