This bill mandates that all vehicle manufacturers selling cars in New Jersey must stamp or engrave the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto each catalytic converter installed in their vehicles. The requirement aims to combat the rising trend of catalytic converter thefts, which have surged significantly in recent years, with theft claims tripling from 2019 to 2020.

The bill is designed to deter potential thieves and scrap yards from purchasing stolen catalytic converters by making it easier to trace the ownership of these parts. The new requirement will take effect on the first day of the third month following the bill's enactment, reflecting the urgency of addressing the issue of catalytic converter theft in the state.