Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Ch. 9.36 Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter Prohibited

The purpose of this chapter is to establish clear legal authority for law enforcement to protect the public and deter the unlawful possession of catalytic converters.

(Ord. No. 660, § 2(9.36.010), 8-16-2022)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Lawful possession means:

(1) Being the lawful owner of the catalytic converter; or

(2) In possession of the catalytic converter with the lawful owner's written consent.

Documentation or other proof means written documents 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:

A. Bill of sale from the original owner with the signature of the vehicle owner authorizing the removal of the catalytic converter, as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the vehicle owner.

B. 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.

C. Verifiable electronic communication from the previous owner to the possessor relinquishing ownership of the catalytic converter.

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

(Ord. No. 660, § 2(9.36.020), 8-16-2022)

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 that 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. No. 660, § 2(9.36.030), 8-16-2022)

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 section 1.08.010 (Misdemeanors; infractions; nuisances). Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed is a separate violation of this section.

B. 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. 660, § 2(9.36.040), 8-16-2022)