Auto recycling laws and regulations are unique to each state you reside in. These regulations or laws are made up by federal agencies for the salvaging and destruction of automobiles. These laws are put in place to control and maintain these bodies as there are no direct laws monitoring businesses such as these. Salvage yard and recycling depot owners who offer recycling of auto parts need to be aware of these laws. This is especially important when registering any automobile which has been salvaged or recycled. These vehicles must meet National Motor Vehicle standards and must also follow the regulations of the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency.
The NMVTIS
The NMVTIS is an agency which records the title and identification numbers of all vehicles. Salvage and recycling yards must report each automobile’s ID number once they are in their possession. The NMVTIS uses the vehicle’s ID number to pass through their system. This system or database lists all vehicles nationwide. Once the recycled vehicle’s number is found, it is taken from the list in order to prevent title fraud and theft. This is not a mandatory law as it concerns auto recycling but it is a highly recommended step that auto recycling yards check with the NMVTIS before accepting old vehicles.
Data Reports
Every recycling and salvage yard is required to submit reports once a month on all the vehicles they possess. This data report consists of the name of the yard, its address and contact number, the VIN of the vehicle, the date it was brought to the yard, the name of the individual that sold or donated the vehicle and a statement of the car’s current status. Included in this report are several other important fields and required information.
Exceptions
The NVMTIS states that auto recycling and salvage yards must send out monthly reports. But there are some exceptions to this law. For instance, if a vehicle was independently appraised by professionals which resulted with the vehicle not meeting the standards of salvage material, the yard is exempted from including it in its monthly report.
Small Operations
Another auto recycling law refers to small operations. If an auto recycling or salvage yard accepts less than 5 vehicles per month they are considered a small operation.
The EPA
Auto recycling and salvaging is cutting back on the waste of old and unused car parts. In order to decrease further pollution, the EPA serves heavy fines to outfits that do not stand by the auto recycling laws. These outfits may even risk loosing their licenses as a result.
