PA

Pennsylvania · Walk-in purchase

Verified

Pennsylvania Catalytic Converter Purchase Rules

Who you can buy from, what you must record, hold periods, and the penalty if you get it wrong when walk-in purchase catalytic converters in Pennsylvania. Sourced from the ReMA / ISRI State Metals Theft Law Database.

Pennsylvania · Verdict

DO NOT BUY

Sourced fromReMA / ISRI State Metals Theft Law Database·Verified

Pennsylvania

Transaction prohibited

Pennsylvania law permits scrap recyclers to purchase detached catalytic converters only from commercial enterprises. Individual walk-in sellers are not a permitted source under the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act.

Permitted seller types

  • Commercial enterprises (registered businesses)
  • Licensed vehicle salvage dealers
  • Other registered scrap processors and recycling facilities

Statute citations

  • 73 P.S. § 1943.1 – § 1943.8 (Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act, Act 113 of 2008)
  • 75 Pa.C.S. § 3723 (Theft of Catalytic Converter)
  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 3935.1 (Theft of Secondary Metal)

Recent amendments

  • 2014 SB 1077: Recordkeeping and reporting changes
  • 2017 HB 267 (Act 8 of 2017): Enacted 18 Pa.C.S. § 3935.1 (Theft of secondary metal), reinstating provisions after the prior § 3935 was held unconstitutional

Source detail

Compliance data sourced from the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA / ISRI) State Metals Theft Law Database →

Last verified . ReMA updates the database periodically. Confirm against current statute before relying on this in compliance decisions.

Common questions

Can you buy a loose catalytic converter from a walk-in seller in Pennsylvania?
DO NOT BUY. Pennsylvania law permits scrap recyclers to purchase detached catalytic converters only from commercial enterprises. Individual walk-in sellers are not a permitted source under the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act. (Quick reference, not legal advice — verify against current statute and your state recycler association before relying on this.)
What's the penalty for buying a catalytic converter illegally in Pennsylvania?
First offense: summary offense with a fine up to $2,500. Second or subsequent offense: third-degree misdemeanor. Failure to register with the State Police: summary offense with a $1,000 fine. (Quick reference, not legal advice — verify against current statute and your state recycler association before relying on this.)
Who can you legally buy a catalytic converter from in Pennsylvania?
Permitted seller types: Commercial enterprises (registered businesses); Licensed vehicle salvage dealers; Other registered scrap processors and recycling facilities. (Quick reference, not legal advice — verify against current statute and your state recycler association before relying on this.)