Chapter 16 — UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Section

• 27.1601 Purpose and Intent.
• 27.1602 Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter.
• 27.1603 Valid Proof of Ownership.
• 27.1604 Violations and Enforcement.

Catalytic converter theft is an increasing problem within San Bernardino County and causes significant financial damage to the victims. Due to the lack of Federal or State legislation that requires showing proof of ownership of a catalytic converter to law enforcement, criminal enforcement remedies are limited. The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to provide San Bernardino County with reasonable means to address the impact on the community and the victims posed by increasing catalytic converter thefts. (Ord. 4443, passed - -2022)

(a) It is unlawful for any person, other than a core recycler as defined in Business and Professions Code § 21610, 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 Section does not apply to a detached catalytic converter that has been tested, certified, and labeled or otherwise approved for reuse, and is being bought or sold for purposes of reuse in accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq.) and regulations under the Clean Air Act, as they may be amended from time to time. (c) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly falsify or cause to be falsified any information in a record intended to show valid proof of ownership. (Ord. 4443, passed - -2022)

For purposes of this Chapter, VALID PROOF OF OWNERSHIP means: (a) A document containing all of the following information: (1) The license plate number and vehicle identification number of the car 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 removal of the catalytic converter. (4) The name, address, and telephone number of the current owner of the catalytic converter. (b) In the event the catalytic converter is in the possession of the current owner of the vehicle from which it was removed, VALID PROOF OF OWNERSHIP means: (1) Ownership documentation for the vehicle; (2) A valid receipt for a replacement catalytic converter; and (3) Proof of installation of the replacement catalytic converter. (Ord. 4443, passed - -2022)

Each violation of this Chapter constitutes a separate violation, including, but not limited to, possessing multiple catalytic converter(s) during a single contact by law enforcement, and is subject to all remedies and enforcement measures authorized by Chapter 2 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the County Code. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, imprisonment in the County Jail for a term not exceeding six months, or both a fine and jail sentence. (Ord. 4443, passed - -2022)