NC S99

Larceny of a catalytic converter is a Class I felony, regardless of repair cost or if another law does not provide greater punishment.

Persons in possession of removed catalytic converters are presumed to have obtained them illegally unless they are employees of licensed businesses, have vehicle registration documentation showing lawful replacement, or fall into other specified categories.

Secondary metals recyclers must maintain electronic records of all catalytic converter transactions including seller identification, fingerprints for non-attached converters, photographs, and documentation of the seller's lawful right to sell.

Secondary metals recyclers can only purchase catalytic converters from specific authorized persons listed in law, and only secondary metals recyclers may purchase used catalytic converters not attached to vehicles.

Violations involving purchase of catalytic converters carry fines of $1,000 per violation, with first offenses being Class 1 misdemeanors and subsequent violations being Class I felonies.