Fresh Law Aims to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed into law Public Act 22-43, aimed at cracking down on transactions involving stolen catalytic converters. The new law focuses on deterring scrap metal thieves at the point-of-sale. It must be noted that catalytic converters, which contain several precious metals, have been a target of theft incidents in recent years.

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The law, which is due to take effect July 1, 2022, regulates the transactions of catalytic converters by motor vehicle recyclers, scrap metal processors, junk dealers, junk yard owners and operators, and motor vehicle repair shops.

Accordingly, they will not be allowed to accept a catalytic converter that is not physically attached to a motor vehicle unless the transaction details such as place and date of transaction, description of the material, amount paid, seller’s description including photograph, driver’s license number and the license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter must be affixed with stock number.

The sellers could sell only one catalytic converter per day to a scrap metal dealer. Also, payments must be made only through checks, which should be mailed to their home address. Moreover, scrap metal processors and junk dealers are required to submit weekly electronic report on such transactions to Connecticut State Police.