CT Catalytic Converter Theft Law Signed: 5 Things To Know

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that aims to deter catalytic converter thefts, which have exploded nationally in recent years.

"I thank the bipartisan members of the legislature for approving this bill and sending it to my desk so that I could sign it into law," Lamont said in a statement. "The easy ability to sell stolen parts is a major reason why motor vehicle theft and vandalism occurs, and this law will help serve as a deterrent.”

Thieves across the state have stolen catalytic converters from private driveways and school bus depots. Four Shelton school buses were targeted in a recent theft.Here are five things to know about the law and catalytic converter thefts in general:

When does the law take effect?

The law goes into effect July 1, 2022.

How does it affect scrap metal processors?

Scrap metal processors and junk dealers need to record several details if they purchase a catalytic converter that isn't attached to a vehicle.

The transaction record must include the date, description of the catalytic converter and amount paid.

The seller’s information must be taken as well. That includes a driver’s license number, a photo of the seller, and the license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the catalytic converter.

Sellers may only sell one catalytic converter per day to a scrap metal dealer. Payment can only be made in the form of a check, which must be mailed to the seller’s home address.

Catalytic converter sales must be reported to state police electronically once per week.

What are the penalties for noncompliance?

The law will become part of the state’s junk dealer laws. Violation is class C misdemeanor.

Why have catalytic converter thefts increased?

Catalytic converters contain valuable metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum.

The value of the metals increased significantly in 2020. Rhodium was worth $20,000 per ounce, palladium nearly $3,000 per ounce and platinum at more than $1,100 an ounce as of March 2022, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

There were more than 14,400 catalytic converter theft claims filed in 2020 compared with not even 3,400 in 2019, according to NICB.

How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter?
The typical replacement cost is $1,000 to $3,000, according to NICB.

The theft is generally covered by insurance if a policyholder has an optional comprehensive coverage add-on, but a deductible still has to be met.