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New Legislation Signed to Curb Catalytic Converter Theft in Morristown
MORRISTOWN, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law a bill aimed at deterring the illegal sale and purchase of catalytic converters, marking another significant step in the fight against auto theft in New Jersey.
Bill S249/A2210, signed today by Governor Murphy, imposes stringent guidelines to make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap yards and more convenient for law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute offenders. The new law will redefine "scrap metal" to explicitly include used catalytic converters, further tighten ownership verification processes, and restrict the purchase of used catalytic converters to registered businesses dealing with vehicle parts.
"Addressing catalytic converter theft is another method of combating auto theft and crime in our state. Residents who experience the violation of having a critical component of their vehicle stolen are forced to pay thousands of dollars to replace them," said Governor Murphy. "We take the safety of our residents and communities seriously and will continue to confront this issue head-on to further the tremendous progress we have made in reducing auto thefts."
This bill builds on the previous initiatives of the Murphy Administration, including a $10 million investment announced in April 2022 in automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology funded through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund. In April 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced grant funding for 34 law enforcement agencies in 21 counties, including the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), to acquire or expand the technology across the state.
"By implementing guidelines on the sale and purchase of catalytic converters, we raise the bar for accountability, making it harder for criminals to profit from stolen converters and easier for law enforcement to bring them to justice. Together, we send a resounding message: we stand united in safeguarding our communities and will utilize all available tools to combat auto theft," said Attorney General Platkin.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Louis Greenwald, comes into effect immediately.
"Catalytic converter thefts have plagued our state for too long, leaving residents unable to drive their cars and creating an immediate need for major repair,” said Senator Pou. "This legislation will make it tougher for thieves to resell the stolen parts, or realize a profit, and will discourage the theft altogether.”
"By creating barriers that make it more difficult for individuals to profit from their crimes, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing car theft in New Jersey,” added Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald. “New Jersey residents deserve to feel safe and secure.”
This legislation promises to play a significant role in enhancing the safety of Morristown residents, allowing them to feel more secure in their communities.
