Crackdown on "Transportation of Illegal Non-Ferrous Metals"

Here in South Carolina, there was a law passed back several years ago that made it illegal for an individual to transport more than 25 lbs of "non-ferrous" metals on any highways in the State.
Most people had never even heard of it, and rarely, if ever was it being enforced.
This past Monday [2-28-2011], a "license check" was set up at a point going into a local scrap yard, with the results being several arrest were made and plenty of "non-ferrous metal" was confiscated.
This was an apparent attempt to cut down on the growing "theft of copper and non-ferrous metals".
According to the Law itself, an individual apparently can't haul more than 25 lbs of non-ferrous goods, without calling their local Sheriff's office and getting a permit. You would then have up to 48 hours to haul your load to the yard. You would also be required to have documentation to support where this metal came from as well as ID.
Businesses engaged in this type of business, MUST be set up with the State and again, proper documentation for all incoming and outgoing non-ferrous metals.
I am posting this thread to say this, This law has been on the books here for several years and no one seemed to know anything of it. With the rise in "Theft of Non-Ferrous Metals", it is highly likely to become more enforced.
I would suggest that you all check your local State Laws to find out about your states standings on such things.
Good Luck !!

What a crock of crap. I wonder what they do with the confiscated metal.

They take it to the scrap yard 25# at a time.

Are Plumbers required to have a permit? I haul lots of copper and brass.

Originally Posted by Phithy McNasty

Are Plumbers required to have a permit? I haul lots of copper and brass.

In South Carolina, there are exclusions for people who are in the "construction or mfg. business who would use these items in the normal course of their work". Of course that would only apply to those who are operating as a "legit business", which would mean a "licensed business".

Originally Posted by parrothead

What a crock of crap. I wonder what they do with the confiscated metal.

I haven't heard what happened to the stuff from Monday's crackdown, But the Law itself makes provision for a "Hold" to be placed on goods that are under investigation. Meaning that the scrapyard itself would have to "Hold" this stuff for a period of time until the investigation is complete. I believe the overall time is 30 days.