Bill > A01178

This bill adds new regulations to the general business law concerning the sale and purchase of catalytic converters (exhaust emission control devices) in New York State. The legislation requires sellers to provide detailed information when selling a catalytic converter, including the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number of the original vehicle, as well as documentation proving ownership or the vehicle owner's information. Buyers are prohibited from purchasing catalytic converters without receiving this required information and must verify that the converter matches the manufacturer's specifications for the specified vehicle. Purchasers must maintain accurate electronic records of each catalytic converter transaction for five years and make these records available for inspection by local police or state police within 72 hours of the purchase. The bill also establishes that selling or buying a catalytic converter without complying with these requirements is a violation. Penalties include a potential civil fine of up to $5,000 for each violation and classification as a class A misdemeanor. The primary aim of this legislation appears to be combating the growing problem of catalytic converter theft by creating a more transparent and traceable purchasing process.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1178