NC H26

Elevates chop shop activity from Class H felony to Class G felony and changes criminal intent standard from "knowingly" to include "reasonable grounds to believe" for altered, stolen, or illegally obtained vehicles and parts.

Requires secondary metals recyclers and salvage yards to verify with the Division of Motor Vehicles that vehicles are not stolen before purchase, with safe harbor protection from liability if verification confirms the vehicle was not stolen.

Mandates salvage yards and secondary metals recyclers submit vehicle purchase information to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) within 72 hours of each business day's close.

Requires salvage yards to maintain detailed records of vehicle purchases including seller identification, VIN, certification that seller has lawful right to sell, and confirmation vehicle is at least 10 model years old with no liens.

Changes violation penalty from Class I misdemeanor for first offense to Class I felony for all violations with a minimum fine of $1,000; effective December 1, 2013.