North Dakota § 51-35-02 - Records of purchase, trade, barter, or transaction required

Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 51-35-02 — Records of purchase, trade, barter, or transaction required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51-35-02. Records of purchase, trade, barter, or transaction required

1. Every scrap metal dealer shall keep business records of any purchase, trade, barter, or other transaction that involves the receipt of scrap metals worth over fifty dollars. The business records must include the following information: a. The date, time, and place of each purchase or transaction; b. A description of the scrap metal received and the weight and type of scrap metal received; c. The amount paid to the person selling or delivering the scrap metal and the manner of payment, including check or electronic transfer; d. The name and address of the person selling or delivering the scrap metal; and e. A photocopy of a valid government-issued identification card or driver's license and which must include the seller's or deliverer's full name, photograph, date of birth, and signature. f. For a detached used catalytic converter, either: (1) Written evidence of ownership of the catalytic converter purchased from the person, including a bill of sale, a receipt for repair of the vehicle the catalytic converter was removed from, or the title, registration, or other ownership documentation for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed; or (2) A signed statement of ownership by the seller. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Every scrap metal dealer shall keep the business records required under this section at the business premises of the scrap metal dealer or other reasonably available location within this state for seven years after the date of each purchase or transaction for which business records are required under this section. A scrap metal dealer may not pay cash for scrap metal purchases or transactions over one thousand dollars or for any purchase or transaction over one hundred dollars for a detached used catalytic converter, but may only pay by check or electronic transfer. Each scrap metal dealer's premises must be kept open during regular business hours for inspection by a law enforcement officer and each scrap metal dealer's business records and business inventory must be made available for inspection by a law enforcement officer at all times during reasonable business hours or at reasonable times if ordinary hours of business are not kept. All business records required under this section for transactions involving a detached used catalytic converter must be made available for inspection by a law enforcement officer upon request. Before a law enforcement officer may conduct an inspection under this section, the law enforcement officer shall inform the scrap metal dealer that the individual is a law enforcement officer and shall inform the scrap metal dealer of the purpose of the inspection. The law enforcement officer shall comply with all reasonable and customary safety requirements of the scrap metal dealer on the business premises. The scrap metal dealer may require a law enforcement officer to sign an inspection log that includes the officer's name and serial or badge number and the date, time, and purpose for the inspection. The provisions of this chapter shall take precedence over and supersede any local ordinance adopted by a political subdivision that regulates scrap metal transactions.

Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 51-35-02

What does North Dakota Century Code § 51-35-02 cover?

Section 51-35-02 ("Records of purchase, trade, barter, or transaction required") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Dakota § 51-35-02?

A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 51-35-02" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.

How does North Dakota § 51-35-02 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.