What does Preamble of PART Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To prevent the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal car parts, and for other purposes,' aims to address the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal car parts.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PART Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act.

What does DEFINITION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER. of PART Act do?

This section defines the term 'catalytic converter' as used within the Act. A catalytic converter is defined as a device installed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine that uses catalytic action to oxidize emissions. The definition also includes diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS RELATING TO of PART Act do?

This section requires the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise motor vehicle theft prevention standards to include catalytic converters. The revisions will include marking catalytic converters in accordance with specified regulations. The regulations will apply to vehicles not yet sold to the first purchaser, beginning 180 days after the Administrator makes the required revisions. The definition of 'catalytic converter' is amended to include devices utilizing catalytic action, diesel oxidation catalysts, and diesel particulate filters. Amendments are made to section 33106 of title 49, United States Code, regarding exemptions, requiring certification of catalytic converter marking. The Administrator is required to promulgate regulations requiring catalytic converters on a vehicle line to be marked and allow for unique part identification numbers in a law enforcement accessible database.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR VIN STAMPING. of PART Act do?

This section establishes a grant program to provide funding to eligible entities for marking catalytic converters with identification numbers. Eligible entities include law enforcement agencies, automobile dealers, vehicle fleet owners/lessees, repair shops, and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary of Transportation is responsible for establishing the grant program and issuing regulations for marking catalytic converters. Covered activities involve die or pin stamping of vehicle identification numbers or unique part identification numbers on catalytic converters, using a specific font and theft deterrence paint. Priority for grant awards will be given to entities in areas with high catalytic converter theft rates and those possessing vehicles subject to a requirement in section 3(b). The program is funded with $7,000,000 from unobligated amounts from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, with authorization for additional appropriations if needed. The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the program's progress, results, and findings, including the number of catalytic converters marked and any related theft investigations.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND RETENTION of PART Act do?

This section amends Title 49 of the United States Code regarding catalytic converters and motor vehicle parts. It modifies definitions related to catalytic converters within Section 33101(7). Section 33111 is amended to establish prohibitions related to selling motor vehicle parts and to require sellers of parts containing precious metals to retain records. Sellers must provide purchasers with the seller's information and the vehicle identification number or unique part identification number of the original vehicle. Records must be retained for at least two years. It is unlawful to sell or purchase catalytic converters with altered or removed identifying markings. Sales and purchases of catalytic converters must utilize traceable forms of payment, prohibiting cash or digital asset transactions. The Attorney General is tasked with prescribing regulations to enforce this section, including penalties for violations.

What does CRIMINAL PENALTIES. of PART Act do?

This section amends Title 18 of the United States Code to establish criminal penalties related to the theft and trafficking of catalytic converters and motor vehicle parts containing precious metals. It defines 'catalytic converter' to include devices used in internal combustion engines and diesel oxidation catalysts. It establishes an offense for stealing or knowingly purchasing catalytic converters with the intent to distribute or sell them, punishable by fines, imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both. The section also defines 'chop shop' as a location where unlawfully obtained motor vehicles or parts are altered or disassembled, among other actions, with the intent to distribute or sell them. It expands the definition of 'precious metals' to reference section 109-27.5101 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

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PART Act

Last updated: 7/10/2025 · Introduced: 7/10/2025

Author: Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update vehicle theft prevention standards to require catalytic converters to be marked with identification numbers accessible to law enforcement.
It establishes a $7 million grant program to fund the marking of catalytic converters with vehicle identification numbers or unique part identification numbers, prioritizing areas with high theft rates.
The bill prohibits selling catalytic converters with altered markings and requires sellers to retain records of transactions, including purchaser information and vehicle identification numbers, while also establishing criminal penalties for theft and trafficking.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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