Beaumont Municipal Code Ch. 9.42 Catalytic Converters

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 verifying they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify or cause to be falsified any information in any documentation intended to show valid proof of ownership or possession of a catalytic converter.

C. 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 the catalytic converter was stolen to establish the possession is not a "lawful possession."

D. 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 of the original vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed along with the name, address, telephone number and signature of the original vehicle owner authorizing removal of the catalytic converter; documentation from an auto-body shop proving the original vehicle owner from which the catalytic converter was removed relinquished the catalytic converter to the auto-body shop; verifiable electronic communication from the previous owner to the possessor relinquishing ownership of the catalytic converter; photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed clearly showing the vehicle's complete license plate number and complete vehicle identification number (VIN) with the catalytic converter containing the identical etched license plate number or vehicle identification number. The validity of "documentation or other proof ' is based on the totality of the circumstances.

E. Each and every violation of this section shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to all remedies and enforcement measures authorized by the Beaumont Municipal Code. Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed is a separate violation of this section.

F. Each and every violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than six months as set forth in Section 1.16.020 of this Code, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

G. The remedies provided herein are not to be construed as exclusive remedies. The City is authorized to pursue any proceedings or remedies provided by law.

(Ord. No. 1165, § 2, 11-7-2023)