The PART Act aims to combat catalytic converter theft by requiring manufacturers to install identifying marks on catalytic converters in new vehicles and establishing new penalties for stealing or trafficking in stolen converters. The bill affects vehicle manufacturers, auto dealers, repair shops, law enforcement, and fleet owners, who may benefit from a $7 million federal grant program to stamp identification numbers on existing vehicles. Key requirements include a federal regulation update (within 180 days) mandating anti-theft marks on catalytic converters, a requirement that catalytic converter sales be made only through traceable payment methods like checks or wire transfers—not cash or cryptocurrency—and new salvage yard record-keeping rules. The legislation also creates federal criminal penalties of up to 5 years in prison for stealing catalytic converters or knowingly buying stolen ones, with the Department of Transportation reporting on program progress annually for 10 years.
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