Costa Mesa Municipal Code Ch. XV Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter

The following terms as used in this chapter shall, unless the context already indicates otherwise, have the respective meanings herein set forth herein.

Documentation or other proof

means written document(s) that clearly identify the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated based on the totality of the circumstances and includes, but is not limited to, the following types of documents:

(1)

Bill of sale from the original owner with photographs.

(2)

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.

Lawful possession

means 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.

(Ord. No. 22-02, § 2, 6-7-22)

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the person has valid documentation or other proof to verify that the person is in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.

(Ord. No. 22-02, § 2, 6-7-22)

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

(Ord. No. 22-02, § 2, 6-7-22)

(a) Each and every violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to all remedies and enforcement measures authorized by this Code. Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed shall constitute a separate violation of this chapter.

(b) Violation of any provision of this chapter shall be deemed a misdemeanor punishable pursuant to the provisions of section 1-33 of this Code.

(c) 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. 22-02, § 2, 6-7-22)