Posted on: October 19, 2022 01:09 PM

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Chop shop target bill signed by the Governor

The NY Governor signed bill to combat theft of catalytic converters by imposing restrictions on the purchase, sale and possession by vehicle dismantlers and scrap companies known as chop shops.

The legislation, which amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to add catalytic converters as a major component part, which will require dismantlers to maintain records of each item. Every 60 days, those businesses must report the number of catalytic converters received during that period. Failing to maintain or produce those records upon request is a Class A misdemeanor and could include monetary penalties of up to double the amount made in taking in allegedly stolen converter components. In addition, new motor vehicle dealers and other qualified dealers will be required to stock catalytic converter etching kits to put a unique serial number on the components so that they can be tracked back if they are stolen.

For NYC since August 14, there were reported 5,548 thefts compared to 1,505 last year. Nassau County reported 1,549 compared to 445 last year. For Suffolk County, there were 819 for this year compared to 289 last year.