Chapter 9.53
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
Sections:
9.53.030 Unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
9.53.010 Purpose.
This catalytic converter theft chapter is intended to prevent and discourage the theft and unlawful possession of catalytic converters, and provide tools for detection of theft and unlawful possession of catalytic converters, by mandating persons provide verifiable valid proof of ownership of a catalytic converter in their possession. (Ord. 1107 Sec. 1, 2023)
9.53.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
A. “Catalytic converter” means any exhaust emission control device, or portion thereof, that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants.
B. “Verifiable valid proof of ownership” means written document(s) clearly identifying the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Bill of sale from the original owner with photographs.
2. Verifiable documentation from an auto-body shop proving the owner relinquished the catalytic converter to the auto-body shop.
3. Verifiable electronic communication from the previous owner to the possessor relinquishing ownership of the catalytic converter.
4. Photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated.
5. Vehicle registration associated with the catalytic converter containing an etched associated license plate number or vehicle identification number or driver’s license number of registered vehicle owner. (Ord. 1107 Sec. 1, 2023)
9.53.030 Unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
A. It is unlawful for any person to possess any catalytic converter which is not attached to a vehicle unless the person has verifiable valid proof of ownership of the catalytic converter.
B. This section does not apply to a detached catalytic converter that has been verifiably tested, certified, and labeled or otherwise approved for reuse, and is being bought or sold for purposes of reuse in accordance with the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.) and regulations under the Clean Air Act, as they may be amended from time to time.
C. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly falsify or cause to be falsified any information in a record intended to show verifiable valid proof of ownership. (Ord. 1107 Sec. 1, 2023)
9.53.040 Violations.
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to violate any provision of this chapter. (Ord. 1107 Sec. 1, 2023)