July 20, 2021—Tennessee has implemented a law aimed at reducing the theft and resale of catalytic converters, WRCB-TV reported.
The law, which went into effect in July, includes several provisions.
- Anyone engaged in buying and/or selling scrap metal as a single item must give written notice to the chief of police and sheriff in the city and county in which the activity is carried out
- Any person purchasing a used, detached catalytic converter (for the purpose of recycling/scrap) must be registered as a scrap metal dealer registered with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Purchase of detached catalytic converter generally must be made at the dealer’s site and in-person
- Buyers must obtain copies of the sellers’ identification
According to the Chattanooga Police Department, theft of reported catalytic converter thefts has increased more than 5000% in the past two years.
