La Mirada Municipal Code Ch. 9.140 Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter Prohibited

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 verify they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.

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

(Ord. 724 § 2 (part), 2022).

A. For purposes of this chapter, "lawful possession" includes:

1. Being the lawful owner of the catalytic converter; or

2. 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 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 the signature of the vehicle owner authorizing removal of the catalytic converter, as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the vehicle owner.

2. Documentation from an auto-body shop or similar business proving that the owner relinquished the catalytic converter to the auto-body shop or similar business.

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 and clearly showing the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car from which the catalytic converter was removed.

(Ord. 724 § 2 (part), 2022).

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 the La Mirada Municipal Code. Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed is a separate violation of this chapter.

B. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor, subject to punishment in accordance with Chapter 1.08 of Title 1 of this code, for any person to violate any provision of this chapter.

C. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

D. 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. 724 § 2 (part), 2022).