Vehicles: catalytic converters.

(1) Existing law licenses and regulates motor vehicle dealers and retail sellers. Existing law prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or retail seller from selling any motor vehicle that is not in compliance with the requirements enumerated in the Vehicle Code. This bill would prohibit a dealer or retail seller from selling a motor vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter unless the catalytic converter has been engraved, etched, or otherwise permanently marked with the vehicle identification number of the vehicle to which it is attached. This bill would also prohibit any person, except as exempted, from removing, altering, or obfuscating the vehicle identification number engraved, etched, or otherwise marked on a catalytic converter. A violation of these provisions would be punishable as a misdemeanor. (2) Existing law prohibits the buying or receiving of stolen property, as specified. Existing law prohibits the removal from a vehicle of any part without the consent of the owner. This bill would prohibit the purchase, sale, receipt, or possession of a stolen catalytic converter, as specified. The bill would specify that a peace officer need not have actual knowledge that the catalytic converter is stolen to establish probable cause for arrest, and that in a prosecution of the section, circumstantial evidence may be used to prove the stolen nature of the catalytic converter. A violation of this prohibition would be punishable as either a felony or a misdemeanor, as specified. (3) Existing law requires a core recycler that accepts, ships, or sells used catalytic converters to maintain specified information regarding the purchase and sale of the catalytic converters. Existing law requires a core recycler to provide this information for inspection by local law enforcement upon demand. A violation of these provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would prohibit a core recycler from purchasing or otherwise receiving any catalytic converter that is not engraved, etched, or otherwise permanently marked with the vehicle identification number of the vehicle that it was removed from. This bill would also require a core recycler to maintain a log that includes a description of all catalytic converters purchased or received, as specified. The bill would make a violation of these provisions punishable as a misdemeanor, as specified. (4) By creating new criminal offenses, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.