Understanding the Catalytic Converter Laws in Delaware

The state of Delaware has also discovered that the rise in catalytic converter thefts is a force to reckon with. The law passed in April 2022 is a step to curb these in the state. So what does the catalytic converter law in Delaware offer? Read about it here. 

The absence of serial numbers on the catalytic converters makes it difficult to track them. However, House Bill 296 of the Delaware state has mandated certain measures to track the purchase, aiming to stamp out the unwelcome “cat-theft trend.”

Delaware Catalytic Converter Laws

In a collective effort to combat the rising catalytic converter thefts, the state legislature passed House Bill 296 to stop its illegal demand in the scrap metal industry. In short, the catalytic converter law in Delaware makes the purchase and sale of catalytic converters more transparent.

Delaware is one of the states where air pollution is higher than the suggested federal health standards. Therefore, the DMV requires you to pass the emissions test for registration renewal, free of cost. The absence of a catalytic converter can certainly fail you in the emissions test. Even though the DMV allows retests without an extra charge, it requires you to complete all the emission-related requirements before the retest.

In this case, if your converter has been stolen or removed, the repair needed before the retest will be costly. According to data, New Castle County alone has reported 275 stolen converters this year. The increase in thefts alerted the authorities to the bill, which was signed on April 28, 2022.

What is House Bill 296?

House Bill 296 adds catalytic converters to the items for which scrap metal processors shall create a record and provide information when acquired. The law has also brought in certain amendments that assist law enforcement by providing a mechanism to follow up on converters’ thefts and obtain solvability factors in the ever-growing trend associated with thefts of converters.

This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Record Keeping Checklist for a Scrap Metal Processor in Delaware

House Bill 296 has made it mandatory for scrap metal processors to record every purchase of articles listed as scrap metal. This will include the following:

• Date and time of purchase
• Type and grade of scrap metal
• Weight of each type and grade
• Registration plate number, make and model of the car
• Name and address of the seller
• Signature of the seller
• Signature of the processor
• Copy of identification
• Photo of the seller
• Name of the person making the record
• Photo or video of the articles

In addition, each seller should either submit the date of birth and driver’s license or a photo ID that gives the physical description, age, sex, and racial details.

Why are catalytic converter thefts on the rise?

When something is as simple as a catalytic converter to steal and can fetch you something close to a fortune by stealing it, we are sure to witness a rise in such thefts. This is because catalytic converters are simple to steal and contain valuable metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

Also Read: Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen?

A significant amount of money can be generated when these metals are melted down and sold on the illegal market. For example, rhodium may fetch a price of $20,000 for one ounce when sold on its own.

Can you insure your catalytic converter?

Since it is just a simple part, one might think it might not be possible to insure their catalytic converters. However, only full coverage can save you from this sudden out-of-pocket expense.

Also Read: Penalties for driving without car insurance in Delaware

How to insure your catalytic converter in Delaware

The car insurance super app, Way.com, is the answer for all things insurance. If you live in Delaware, then insuring your catalytic converter is an easy and affordable task. Way.com compares dozens of quotes from over 100 insurance companies. It provides you with the best rates in the state and helps you save $971 on annual insurance, and offers you the best offers. 

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