Washington catalytic converter theft is a frequent issue every year. According to the NICB reports, the state ranks third highest in the US, with over 1,00,000 cases as of 2021. So far, there have been 1533 cases, which is still increasing. Most of the cases reported are from Washington County, as per the court records. In 18 months, the County reports more than 16 suspects.
Also, it is illegal to drive without catalytic converters in Washington. Not only in Washington but driving without converters is illegal worldwide. Missing catalytic converters can lead to poor air quality, harmful emissions, and pollution. Therefore, it is important to understand the reasons behind catalytic converter theft and what to do if your converters go missing.
Laws against Washington catalytic converter theft
House Bill 1815 was approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 4 and 8. The law came into effect on March 30.
According to the law, mechanics and workshops must sign the motor vehicle ownership documentation to sell a catalytic converter. In addition, the law mentions some more requirements to prevent Washington catalytic converter theft.
- The law needs Washington university to create a catalytic converter theft workgroup. The group stays in charge of monitoring the theft rates.
- This law also demands the Sheriffs and police chiefs provide training programs and grants. This initiative aims to reduce Washington catalytic converter thefts to an extent.
- There is also a mention of the Consumer Protection Act violation in this law. As per this act, selling catalytic converters without proof and buying converters without proof is illegal. Also, not maintaining records of converters in stock for at least two years is a punishable offense.
- Customers should make all purchases of non-ferrous catalytic converters less than $30 in cash. The buyer can pay the rest in check or using electronic payment methods.
- Also, vehicle scrap dealers must keep a record of catalytic converters in stock.
- This law forbids cash payments by scrap metal dealers and vehicle demolishers on any transactions involving catalytic converters.
Project CATCON ID
As Washington catalytic converter theft started becoming a recurring issue, the police department at Everett started an initiative to prevent it. Project CATCON ID is an initiative by the Everett Police to prevent this rapid increase of catalytic converters. They implement this program by spreading awareness of the increasing catalytic converter thefts and ways to prevent them.
As a part of this project, the police department gives the residents in Everett a CATCON ID. They then must paint their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the catalytic converter and highlight it using high-temperature paint.
This project also suggests other tips to protect your catalytic converters. One such way is to buy a vehicle club at the North Precinct police station. The club may cost you around $16.
You may buy anti-theft locking screws and license plates from authorized third-party retailers.
Way.com makes getting car insurance easy
Does your car insurance cover you if your catalytic converter gets stolen? If you have the right coverage, the answer is a resounding yes! If you live in Washington, finding an insurance company won’t take long.
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