New Law Fights Catalytic Converter Theft: Mandatory Marking and Stiffer Penalties.
This Act mandates permanent marking of catalytic converters in new vehicles to deter theft and illegal resale. It establishes a grant program to fund free marking of converters on existing cars for owners. Furthermore, selling used converters for cash is prohibited, and theft is elevated to a federal crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Key points
All new catalytic converters must be permanently marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a unique, traceable part number.
A federal grant program is created to provide free marking services for catalytic converters on vehicles already in use, using stamping and high-heat paint.
The sale or purchase of used catalytic converters must use traceable payments (checks, wire transfers); cash or digital assets are prohibited.
Stealing a catalytic converter or trafficking stolen converters becomes a federal offense, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment.
Introduced
Citizen Poll