COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to curb a rise in catalytic converter thefts, Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose stricter requirements on the sale and purchase of these car parts.
House Bill 328, recently reintroduced, would require scrap metal dealers and others buying used catalytic converters to follow stricter recordkeeping, reporting, and processing procedures. Businesses violating these rules could face fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
The bill also takes aim at motor vehicle salvage dealers, prohibiting them from purchasing or accepting catalytic converters altogether. Additionally, it grants licensing authorities the power to deny, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for salvage dealers and repair shops that fail to comply with the legislation’s converter-related provisions.
The legislation comes amid a surge in catalytic converter thefts across Ohio, targeting both individuals and businesses. These parts are prized for the valuable metals they contain, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Their prices have skyrocketed in recent years, making them a lucrative target for thieves.
Rising Metal Prices Fuel Theft
Catalytic converters contain platinum-group metals (PGMs) used to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. These metals are not only essential for clean air but also incredibly expensive, with rhodium prices exceeding even gold. The high cost of PGMs, coupled with the ease of stealing and selling converters, has created a tempting opportunity for criminals.
Loopholes Targeted
Previously enacted laws aimed at curbing catalytic converter theft are being bolstered by HB 328. The bill mandates sellers to provide documentation proving the converter’s origin, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car it came from. If such information is unavailable, sellers must furnish detailed personal identification.
To further deter theft, the bill establishes a 48-hour waiting period between selling a converter and receiving payment. This window allows law enforcement time to investigate potential thefts.
Existing Laws
Ohio’s Vehicle Anti-Tampering Law already prohibits activities related to devices that bypass emission control systems, including catalytic converters. Violators of this law face potential civil penalties.