Moorpark Municipal Code Ch. 9.36 Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters

"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.

"Core recycler"

means a person or business, including a recycler or junk dealer, that buys used individual catalytic converters, transmissions, or other parts previously removed from a vehicle. A person or business that buys a vehicle that may contain these parts is not a core recycler.

(Ord. 531, 12/3/2025)

A. It is unlawful for any person to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the person has a valid proof of ownership of the catalytic converter.

B. This chapter does not apply to core recyclers complying with all the requirements of California Business and Professions Code Section 21610, as may be amended.

(Ord. 531, 12/3/2025)

Valid proof of ownership of a catalytic converter can be established as set forth below:

A. By the current owner of the vehicle from which it is removed providing any of the following documentation:

1. Ownership documentation for the vehicle;

2. A valid receipt for a replacement catalytic converter; or

3. Proof of installation of the replacement catalytic converter.

B. By a party other than the current owner of the vehicle from which it is removed providing documentation containing all of the following:

1. The license plate number and vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed;

2. The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed;

3. The signature of the vehicle owner authorizing the removal of the catalytic converter; and

4. The name, address and telephone number of the current owner of the catalytic converter.

(Ord. 531, 12/3/2025)

Each violation of this chapter constitutes a separate violation, including, but not limited to, each individual possession of multiple catalytic converters during a single contact by law enforcement, and is subject to all authorized remedies and enforcement measures. A violation of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding one year, or both. The remedies and penalties provided in this chapter are not exclusive.

(Ord. 531, 12/3/2025)