Requires vehicle identification number be stamped on catalytic converters of motor vehicles.
Impact
If enacted, S2997 would amend existing regulations surrounding motor vehicle manufacture and sales in New Jersey. The requirement would obligate all vehicle manufacturers operating in the state to modify the production process for vehicles sold, incorporating the stamping of the VIN onto each catalytic converter. This change is expected to deter thieves who target these components for their valuable metals by making it easier to track stolen parts back to their original owners, potentially reducing the market for stolen catalytic converters in scrap yards.
Summary
Senate Bill S2997, introduced by Senator John F. McKeon, mandates that the vehicle identification number (VIN) be stamped or engraved onto the catalytic converters of all motor vehicles sold within New Jersey. This legislative move aims to address the sharp rise in catalytic converter thefts, which have reportedly more than tripled since 2019. With around 3,400 claims of such thefts reported in 2019 alone, the bill is positioned as a preventative measure to reduce these incidents significantly.
Contention
Debate surrounding this bill could arise from concerns regarding the financial impact on manufacturers, who may need to invest in new stamping technologies or processes to comply with the law. Some stakeholders might argue that the costs associated with modifying production practices could ultimately lead to higher vehicle prices for consumers. Additionally, there may be questions about the bill's effectiveness in substantially decreasing theft rates, particularly if strong enforcement measures are not put into place alongside the new requirement.