Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code Ch. 8.45 Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter

This chapter shall be referred to as the “Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter.”

(Ord. 751 3-1-22)

A. For purposes of this chapter, “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.”

B. For purposes of this chapter, “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 auto-body shop proving the owner 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 originated, vehicle registration associated with the catalytic converter containing an etched associated license plate number or vehicle identification number. The validity of “documentation or other proof” is based on the totality of the circumstances.

(Ord. 751 3-1-22)

It is unlawful to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the possessor has valid documentation or other proof to verify they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.

(Ord. 751 3-1-22)

A. 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 Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code. Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed is a separate violation of this section.

B. Each and every violation of this section may, in the discretion of the District Attorney, be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and upon conviction be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

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. 751 3-1-22)