Is California doing anything about catalytic converter theft?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

On the Central Coast, there were more than 1,000 catalytic converters reported stolen in 2021 alone and hundreds more in 2022 so far. The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts.

Is stealing a catalytic converter a felony in California?

Garden Grove Police Lt. Martinez said the theft of catalytic converters is already considered a felony in his city because of their value.

What happens if you get caught without a catalytic converter in California?

Without this component, your vehicle will no longer be filtering and reducing harmful emissions, including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also lead to harmfully poor air quality.

What Cars Are they targeted for catalytic converter theft?

How many catalytic converters are stolen in California?

Catalytic converter thefts in California

The Golden State accounted for about 30% of all the insurance company's catalytic converter theft claims. The company paid over $23 million for 9,057 catalytic converter theft claims, up from $10.8 million for 4,507 claims in 2020 and $2.5 million for 1,104 claims in 2019.

Catalytic converter bill passes California Assembly

Which state has the most catalytic converters stolen?

New data shows California is ranked number one in catalytic converter thefts. New numbers on the high cost of stolen catalytic converters. A report released by State Farm Insurance shows that residents in our state have been hit harder than any other state, making California number one in thefts.

What state has the most catalytic converter theft?

State Farm stated in its July report that California was the No. 1 state for converter theft claims followed by Texas, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois.

How do I protect my catalytic converter from theft?

How much is a catalytic converter worth stolen?

A catalytic converter stolen from some hybrid models can sell online for as much as $1,500 because it contains a larger amount of rhodium, which is resistant to corrosion and currently sells for more than $15,000 an ounce.

Which cars have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Can you drive car if catalytic converter is stolen?

The good news is, your car will run just fine without a catalytic converter. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesn't really impact your vehicle's actual driving capabilities. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if you're caught driving a vehicle without one.

Is removing catalytic converter illegal in California?

Removing the Converter

Removing the catalytic converter is illegal, but getting caught without one isn't. Most states will simply suspend your smog certification until you get a new one installed.

Is stealing a catalytic converter a crime?

These kind of thefts have become a national crime trend, as crooks steal the converters for the valuable metal inside them.

What is the punishment for stealing catalytic converter in California?

The bill would increase fines for catalytic converter theft to $1,000 for the first offense, $2,000 for the second and $4,000 for the third or subsequent violation. It also adds provisions to the vehicle code stating that law enforcement officers don't need to witness the theft to make an arrest.

How much are criminals getting for catalytic converters?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

Why do thieves target Honda cars? Honda cars are a target because they have hybrid systems. The catalytic converters of Honda cars will fetch more price when resold. Thieves who remove them with jacks and angle grinders find them relatively easy to steal.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). Some thieves bring a mechanic's creeper.

How much will a junkyard pay for a catalytic converter?

This varies by car and the condition of your catalytic converter. Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service. In today's world, catalytic converters are no longer being sold as part of a car.

Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

Are catalytic converter thefts increasing?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, catalytic converter thefts have gone up by 300% across Los Angeles, according to LAPD Detective Michael Ventura.

Why do people steal catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.

How many catalytic converters are stolen in the US?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), there were 3,389 reported catalytic converter thefts in 2019. That reported number skyrocketed to 14,433 in 2020. NICB President David Glawe said there has been a significant increase in thefts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are Toyota Tacomas targeted for catalytic converter theft?

The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft.

What states require catalytic converters?

California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.

Do you need a catalytic converter in arizona?

Arizona law has required a working catalytic converter on most commuter cars since the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program launched in 1976. Driving without a catalytic converter isn't just bad for the environment.