Scrap Metal Laws By State

New York Scrap Metal Laws

Payment Restrictions:

New York does NOT have special payment restrictions.

Fingerprinting:

New York does not require fingerprints.

Video Recording:

New York does not require video recordings.

Tag and Hold:

New York requires yards to tag-and-hold certain materials for a period of time to give law enforcement time to locate possibly stolen material matching that description. Once tag-and-hold expires, the material can be recycled. Nexus handles all of this scheduling for you -- 100% automated with no manual input required.

License Scanning:

New York requires each customers drivers license, ID card, consulate ID or passport to be scanned and kept on file. Nexus automates this process by taking a picture of the license, scanning all the data, letting you know when it expires and keeping it on file forever!

Vehicle Descriptions:

New York requires every purchase of scrap metal to also have the customer or drivers vehicle information recorded as part of the transaction. Nexus keeps track of every vehicle for you, as well as the number of occupants!

Taking Photographs of Materials:

New York does not require images to be taken of materials. However, it is always a good idea for law enforcement. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.

Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:

New York does not require facial photographs. However, it is always a good idea for law enforcement. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.

Notify Law Enforcement:

New York does not require law enforcement notification.

NMVTIS Reporting:

ALL STATES, not just New York are required to report vehicle purchases to NMVTIS through services like Add123.com or Nexus' integrated reporting system. Failure to report vehicles results in a $1,500 fine PER VEHICLE by the federal government. Nexus handles vehicle purchases, VIN number decoding and NMVTIS reporting automatically!

Legal Mandates

Updated January 2014

*Please check your local laws, many have increased requirements in 2013.

State Requirements – New York does not have specific state requirements, all scrap yards are regulated through their municipalities. The following is a average listing of requirements, requirements may vary per municipalities.

In order to sell scrap metal, sellers will be required to:

Allow a copy of the seller’s a driver's license or state ID card;
Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal;
Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft

Buyer’s must:

Record year, make, model and license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
Keep a record of sellers name, address and date of sale
All sales tickets must have location of sale, date and time of the sale, as well as the initials of the clerk completing the sale.
- Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material.
- Must show amount paid for materials.
- Sales tickets must be signed by the seller. Seller will receive a copy of the receipt and buyer will retain a copy.

· Buyer must report purchased vehicle information to NMVTIS

· Tag and hold policies are in effect on all materials for 5 days

NOTE: Please be aware that scrap yards in the State of New York are governed by their Municipality; you must refer to your local ordinances. Many cities and counties have additional ordinances that may not be listed here.

Keep records, certifications, registrations, etc. on site for 1 year for all purchases

Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of one year and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a 5-day tag-and-hold policy when notified by law enforcement to do so.

The state law requires anyone involved in the transfer or disposal of 1973 or newer model year junk or salvage vehicles to obtain a registration or certification from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Links to Other Important Information for New York Salvage/Recycling

Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling