Chop shops are illegal automobile garages that buy stolen cars, disassemble them, and sell the individual parts for a profit. Chop shops often disassemble a car within hours of purchasing it from the thief who stole it—making it difficult for the police and the rightful owner to find the stolen vehicle. Chop shops are often operated in residential garages and small commercial spaces to avoid detection, but are usually part of a large criminal network or organization.

It is a crime under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2322) to knowingly own, operate, maintain, or control a chop shop. There are significant fines and penalties under federal law for operating a chop shop—up to 15 years imprisonment for a first conviction, with the maximum fine and imprisonment doubled for any subsequent conviction.

States also have criminal laws (located in the penal or criminal code or statutes) that prohibit the operation of a chop shop. An offender may be prosecuted under state chop shop laws in addition to a federal prosecution, or instead of a federal prosecution.

In Oklahoma, operating a 'chop shop' is illegal under both federal and state law. Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 2322, it is a crime to knowingly own, operate, maintain, or control a chop shop, with penalties including up to 15 years imprisonment for a first conviction and potential doubling of fines and imprisonment for subsequent convictions. Oklahoma state law also criminalizes the operation of chop shops, and these laws are typically found in the state's penal or criminal code. Offenders in Oklahoma can be prosecuted under state law for operating a chop shop, either in addition to or instead of federal prosecution. The state statutes provide specific penalties for such illegal operations, which may include imprisonment, fines, and other sanctions. It is important for individuals to be aware that involvement in chop shop activities can lead to serious legal consequences under both state and federal law.