A state law aimed at preventing the theft of catalytic converters goes into effect next month.

The law, passed by the Maine Legislature and signed by Governor Janet Mills in April, goes into effect August 8. It requires new and used car dealers to engrave the Vehicle Identification Number on a catalytic converter unless the vehicle is sold at wholesale, or the catalytic converter is not clearly visible from the underside of the vehicle.

It also introduces new requirements for those recycling catalytic converters for final disposal or deconstruction.

In most instances, any catalytic converter removed from a vehicle must be immediately permanently marked with the vehicle’s VIN, even by private individuals, unless it’s being removed temporarily for maintenance or repairs.

“For victims of catalytic converter theft, this has been an infuriating trend,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “The Bureau of Motor Vehicles, particularly our Enforcement Division, is proud to work with our counterparts in law enforcement, vehicle sales and recycling around the state to implement this new law and provide some peace of mind to Mainers who are worried they may be next.”

The converters are sought after by thieves because they contain valuable precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium.