(A) For purposes of this section:

1. (1) "Nonferrous metals" means metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel, including copper wire, cooper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting, aluminum, a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper, catalytic converters, and stainless steel beer kegs or containers.
2. (2) "Transportation permit number" means a number provided by a sheriff's office by telephone, fax, or email to a person who requests a permit number for the transportation of nonferrous metals. In order to receive a transportation permit number, a person must provide the person's name, address, and telephone number to the sheriff's office of the county in which the person resides. The sheriff's office must record the person's information along with the transportation permit number. The transportation permit number is valid for no more than forty-eight hours from the time the number is issued, and the sheriff's office must inform the person of this restriction at the time the number is issued.
3. (3) "Vehicle used in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of transporting nonferrous metals" includes, but is not limited to, vehicles used by gas, electric, communications, water, plumbing, electrical, and climate conditioning service providers, and their employees, agents, and contractors, in the course of providing these services.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to transport or have in the person's possession on the highways of this State nonferrous metals of an aggregate weight of more than twenty-five pounds in a vehicle other than a vehicle used in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of transporting nonferrous metals, unless the person:

1. (1) has in the person's possession a bill of sale signed by:

   1. (a) a holder of a retail license for a business engaged in the sale of nonferrous metals or a mixture of nonferrous metals;
   2. (b) an authorized wholesaler engaged in the sale of nonferrous metals or a mixture of nonferrous metals; or
   3. (c) a registered dealer of scrap metals; or
2. (2) can present, either orally or in writing, a valid transportation permit number provided by the sheriff of the county in which the person resides.

(D) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a:

1. (1) misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for a first offense. This offense is triable in magistrates court;
2. (2) misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, for a second offense;
3. (3) misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both, for a third or subsequent offense. For an offense to be considered a third or subsequent offense, only those offenses which occurred within a period of ten years, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense shall constitute a prior offense within the meaning of this section.