New Legislation in Pennsylvania Aims to Curb Catalytic Converter Theft and Protect Car Owners

capitol domeCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania House passed legislation Wednesday sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Phila.) to strengthen regulations on the sale of catalytic converters in scrap metal yards. The bill aims to protect car owners from the financial burden of theft and ensure consumer protection against theft in the Commonwealth.

This bill would add the following required steps before the sale can be completed:

  • Any individual who is trying to sell a catalytic converter to a scrap yard must provide the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed.
  • Buyers of catalytic converters must photograph both the catalytic converter and the individual selling it at the time of sale.
  • Buyers must withhold payment for 48 hours after the purchase of a catalytic converter is completed.

“Car owners should not have to foot the bill for someone stealing from them, and for many households, the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter is burdensome,” Isaacson said. “For many Pennsylvanians, their car is a part of their livelihood. This legislation provides several important deterrents to ensure that consumers in the commonwealth have the highest level of protection from theft.”

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