Chapter 6-44
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Sections:
6-44.010 Unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
6-44.010 Unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
A. It shall be unlawful to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the possessor has valid documentation or other proof to establish that they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.
B. For purposes of this section, “lawful possession” includes being the lawful owner of the catalytic converter, or in possession of the catalytic converter with the lawful owner’s written consent. It is not required to prove that a catalytic converter was stolen to establish that the possession is not a “lawful possession.”
C. For purposes of this section, “documentation or other proof” means written document(s) that clearly identify the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated and includes, but is not limited to, the following document types: bill of sale from the original owner with photographs, documentation from an autobody shop proving the owner relinquished the catalytic converter to the autobody shop; verifiable written or electronic communication from the previous owner to the possessor relinquishing ownership of the catalytic converter; photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated and which show the vehicle’s license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN); or vehicle registration for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated, coupled with a corresponding license plate or VIN number etched onto the catalytic converter. The validity of “documentation or other proof” shall be based on the totality of the circumstances.
D. Each and every violation of this section shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to remedies and enforcement as set forth in this code. Each and every catalytic converter which is unlawfully possessed constitutes a separate violation of this section.
E. Violations of this section constitute misdemeanors and upon conviction are punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), imprisonment in the county jail for a period of up to six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
F. The remedies provided herein are not to be construed as exclusive remedies. The city is authorized to pursue any proceedings that are authorized by this code or any other law for violations of this section.
(Ord. 2022-2 § 2)