Nevada Law Regarding Catalytic Converters Is Bringing New Hope
A new law is now in effect in Las Vegas. One that makes it a federal crime to profit from the theft or sales of catalytic converters. The Nevada law comes after hundreds of catalytic converters went missing over the last few years. Many of them right from the driveways of their owners.
Law enforcement were rarely able to catch the criminals or recover stolen converters. Leaving Nevada residents feeling frustrated and helpless to stop it. But since the new law went into effect, the city is already seeing some relief.
Details Of Nevada Law Regarding Catalytic Converters
The new law, titled SB 243, went into effect October 1, 2023. And now makes it a felony to be involved in the theft or illegal sale of a catalytic converter. And, according to the traffic laws page of the Nevada DMV website, there’s not a lot of wiggle room.
The law states that someone only has to be in possession of two converters to be guilty of a crime in Nevada. Unless they can prove they are a licensed wrecker, processor of scrap metal, or a business that deals in catalytic converters, processing more than two converters can mean big trouble.
Even the legitimate owner of a catalytic converter has to be careful. If a vehicle owner is in possession of two used converters, they have to be able to prove that they are the registered owner. Fortunately, they can do this by providing documentation that matches the VIN on the car to the one etched on the converter. But not having the necessary papers can be the difference between going free and going downtown for even a legal converter owner.
The new law also prohibits the purchase of a used converter from anyone not authorized to sell them. This includes a licensed and authorized business dealing in converters, or the owner of the vehicle the converter belongs to. Even scrap metal processors must document all converter purchases.
What Nevada Has Seen So Far From The New Law
It did not take long after the passing of SB 243 went into effect for progress to be seen. Fox5vegas.com reported that an arrest was made in November. Just a little over a month after the passing of the new law. According to the report, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department pulled a driver over for not having a rear license plate. And when they found two cut catalytic converters in the back of the car, they were able to make an arrest. Something they wouldn’t have had enough cause to do before SB 243 went into effect.
Nevada Law Regarding Catalytic Converters Bringing New Hope To Residents
My neighbor was a victim of catalytic converter theft. The criminal was able to cut the converter off from her car in less than a minute. Which is the typical amount of time it takes for this kind of crime to happen. And sometimes it takes months to get a new converter.
Fortunately, my neighbor was issued a rental car by her insurance company. But many in Las Vegas aren’t so lucky. And some lose their ability to drive altogether until they are able to get a replacement part, which can cost up to $2,500, according to autozone.com.
While, SB 243 has brought some relief to Nevada residents, it’s too soon to tell if the harsher punishments will preemptively deter criminals. For many, there’s hope that it will. And since Metro can now legally arrest someone who might be guilty of this kind of crime, there’s at least the possibility for justice. And that, in and of itself, is more than we had before.
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