PART Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 10, 2026
Bottom line
The PART Act seeks to deter catalytic converter theft through a multi-pronged approach involving manufacturing requirements, public marking programs, stricter sales regulations, and enhanced federal criminal penalties.
What it actually does
This bill aims to combat catalytic converter theft by requiring new motor vehicles to have marked catalytic converters, establishing a grant program for VIN stamping on existing vehicles, imposing record-keeping requirements on purchasers of precious metal car parts, and creating new federal criminal penalties for catalytic converter theft and trafficking. It also prohibits cash or cryptocurrency payments for these parts.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that catalytic converter theft has become a widespread and costly problem for vehicle owners and businesses, driven by the high value of precious metals within these devices. This bill provides a comprehensive solution by making stolen parts traceable, increasing the risk for thieves and illicit buyers, and providing resources for preventative marking, thereby protecting consumers and reducing crime.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that the bill imposes new regulatory burdens on auto manufacturers and legitimate recycling businesses, potentially increasing vehicle costs or administrative overhead. Some may also contend that federalizing these crimes could lead to over-prosecution or that the grant funding is insufficient to address the scale of the problem effectively across all affected communities.
The bill is relatively short and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core components within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3(a), (b), (c), (e)
Catalytic Converter Marking Requirements for New Vehicles
This provision directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update existing motor vehicle theft prevention standards. The revised standards will mandate that new vehicles have their catalytic converters marked with an identifying number, which could be a unique part identification number linked to a law enforcement accessible database. These requirements are set to apply to new vehicles, regardless of their model year or manufacturing date, starting six months after the new regulations are finalized.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that marking catalytic converters at the point of manufacture makes it significantly harder for thieves to sell stolen parts, as their origin can be traced, thereby deterring theft and aiding law enforcement in recovering stolen property.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that manufacturers may face increased compliance costs and production line adjustments, which could be passed on to consumers, potentially making new vehicles slightly more expensive without a guaranteed reduction in theft rates.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the cost of new manufacturing requirements with the potential benefits of theft deterrence and improved traceability for law enforcement.
Section 4
Grant Program for VIN Stamping on Existing Vehicles
This section establishes a grant program, administered by the Secretary of Transportation, to provide funds to eligible entities such as law enforcement agencies, automobile dealers, and repair shops. These grants are intended to cover the costs of equipment and materials necessary for die or pin stamping VINs or unique part identification numbers onto the catalytic converters of existing motor vehicles. The stamping must be done in a typed font, be conspicuous, and be covered with a high-visibility, high-heat theft deterrence paint. The program prioritizes areas with high catalytic converter theft rates and certain vehicle fleets.
Section 5(a), (b)
Enhanced Record-Keeping for Precious Metal Car Part Purchases
This section amends federal law to require businesses involved in salvaging, dismantling, recycling, or repairing motor vehicles or parts containing precious metals (specifically including catalytic converters) to maintain detailed records of sellers. These records must include the seller's name, address, telephone number, a photocopy of a government-issued identification, and specific vehicle information such as the make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a unique part identification number. This information must be retained for a minimum of two years.
Section 5(d)
Prohibition on Cash and Cryptocurrency Payments for Catalytic Converters
This provision makes it unlawful to sell or purchase any catalytic converter using untraceable forms of payment such as cash or cryptocurrency. Instead, all transactions involving catalytic converters must be conducted using traceable methods, including checks or wire transfers. The intent is to eliminate anonymity in these transactions, making it more difficult for illicit trade to occur.
Section 6(a), (c)
New Federal Criminal Offenses for Catalytic Converter Theft and Trafficking
This section establishes new federal criminal offenses related to catalytic converter theft. It makes it unlawful to steal or knowingly purchase stolen catalytic converters with the intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of them in interstate or foreign commerce, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine. Additionally, it creates a new federal offense for trafficking in stolen catalytic converters, imposing similar penalties. These new offenses aim to provide federal law enforcement with explicit jurisdiction over these crimes.
Section 6(d)
Expansion of 'Chop Shop' Definition
This section amends the definition of a 'chop shop' under federal law (18 U.S.C. 2322(b)) to explicitly include any facility where stolen motor vehicles or parts are received, concealed, or dismantled for the specific purpose of extracting precious metals from them. This expanded definition ensures that operations focused on removing and selling precious metals from catalytic converters are clearly covered by existing federal statutes designed to combat vehicle theft and illicit parts operations.
This subsection clarifies that the new catalytic converter marking requirements, once established by NHTSA, will apply broadly to any vehicle covered by part 565 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, that has not yet been sold to its first purchaser. Crucially, this applies regardless of the vehicle's model year or manufacturing date, starting six months after the Secretary makes the required revisions.
Section 3(b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent loopholes, but the specific timing and broad applicability could be missed by a reader focusing only on the primary directives.
Case for: This provision ensures that a significant portion of the new vehicle inventory, including those already manufactured but not yet sold, will quickly fall under the new marking requirements, accelerating the impact of the bill's anti-theft measures.
Case against: Manufacturers might face logistical challenges in marking vehicles already produced but awaiting sale, potentially leading to delays or unexpected costs for inventory that was not initially designed to meet these new standards.
Estimated impact: This provision accelerates the implementation of marking requirements for a subset of new vehicles already in the supply chain, potentially impacting thousands of vehicles that would otherwise not be covered for a longer period.