Combating Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter theft remains a costly problem for consumers and dealerships across the country. Thieves target converters for the valuable precious metals they contain, and because the parts generally lack traceable identification, they can be difficult for law enforcement to track. For consumers, replacing a stolen converter can cost thousands of dollars, and dealerships can face significant losses when multiple vehicles are targeted. These crimes have also turned violent, in some cases with tragic consequences.

NADA strongly supports the bipartisan Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act, which would give law enforcement important tools to deter theft and trafficking. Most importantly, the legislation would require new catalytic converters to carry a unique, traceable identifying number and provide grants to mark converters already on the road. It would also strengthen recordkeeping requirements and establish federal criminal penalties for catalytic converter theft and trafficking.

Another bipartisan proposal, the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, introduced by Reps. Brandon Gill and Lou Correa, would establish strong federal penalties for trafficking stolen catalytic converters. While the Gill-Correa bill is a positive step, it lacks the PART Act’s critical traceability requirement.

NADA and law enforcement groups agree the PART Act provides the stronger, comprehensive framework needed to protect consumers, dealerships and communities.