PART Act

Key Points

• New cars would be required to have identification numbers stamped on their catalytic converters, making stolen parts easier for law enforcement to trace. NHTSA must begin the rulemaking process within 180 days, and the requirement kicks in for unsold vehicles 180 days after that.
• The bill creates a $7 million grant program so law enforcement, auto dealers, repair shops, and nonprofits can stamp identification numbers on catalytic converters already on the road, at no cost to the vehicle owner. Priority goes to areas with the highest theft rates.
• Businesses buying or selling parts containing precious metals must keep records of the seller's ID and the vehicle identification number for at least two years. All catalytic converter purchases must use traceable payment like checks or wire transfers, and cash or digital asset payments are banned.
• Stealing a catalytic converter or knowingly trafficking in stolen ones becomes a federal crime carrying up to 5 years in prison. The bill also expands the definition of illegal chop shops to include operations that strip vehicle parts for precious metals.
• The bill requires annual reports to Congress for 10 years on how many converters have been marked, whether any marked converters were stolen, and the outcomes of related criminal investigations.