03/26/2025
This is a prime example of how inept our state government is. Just got this from our state automobile dealer association....
Hello Members!
On April 1st, 2025, the ESHB 2153 concerning the etching for Catalytic Converters will be in effect in Washington State. This law was an attempt by the Legislature to reduce the thefts of catalytic converters beginning in 2020.
Offer to Permanently Mark
Prior to the sale and transfer of a vehicle, must offer a purchaser the option to have the dealer clearly and permanently mark the last eight digits of the originating vehicles VIN number on the vehicle's catalytic converter, unless specified exemptions apply.
Purchaser Disclosure.
If a consumer elects not to have a dealer mark a vehicle's catalytic converter, the dealer must provide a consumer a written disclosure acknowledging that the purchaser:
is knowingly purchasing the vehicle without a clearly and permanently marked catalytic converter; and
understands that detached catalytic converters have specified permanent marking requirements under state law and unmarked detached catalytic converters are subject to immediate seizure and forfeiture by law enforcement
Dealerships may charge a separate line item fee based on the etching involved to the customer which is not part of the Documentary Service Fee.
Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association will have a Catalytic Converter Disclaimer form for dealerships to purchase to comply with the above requirements shortly. It will be a duplicate copy, 8.5" x 14" length form to allow dealership customers to opt in or opt out of this new law. Limit 1 per dealership for the initial rollout.
Penalties
Dealerships that do not comply with the requirement may result in maximum fines of up to $50,000 and starting with 90 days confinement based on the classification of the crime.
Things to consider:
1) If a catalytic converter is inaccessible, dealerships will not be required to etch the unit.
2) If a catalytic converter has been previously marked, dealerships do not charge for etching of the unit.
Send a message to learn more