KNOW YOUR REQUIREMENTS UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW WHEN PURCHASING CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

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California law (B&P Code 21610 and Vehicle Code 10852.5) strictly enforces the requirements for purchasing detached catalytic converters. All purchasers of catalytic converters in California – without exception – must follow these requirements.

 

Failure to comply with these requirements may subject you to criminal prosecution, monetary fine up to $2,500 per violation, and a court order prohibiting the future purchase of catalytic converters.

 

Core Recyclers – Who is bound by California law?

California law applies to all “Core Recyclers”, which is defined is any person or business that buys catalytic converters detached from a vehicle. A business that does not buy detached converters, but obtains units still attached to a vehicle (e.g. auto dismantler) or during the process of a legitimate vehicle repair (e.g. muffler shop), are not Core Recyclers.

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Prohibited Purchases

Core Recyclers are strictly prohibited from purchasing catalytic converters from anyone except:

• A “Commercial Enterprise” which Includes the following:

  1. California licensed automobile dismantlers

  2. California licensed vehicle manufacturers, dealers, or lessor-retailers

  3. California licensed automotive repair dealers

  4. Core Recyclers (as defined above) that maintain a fixed, physical place of business

  5. Any other licensed businesses that may reasonably generate, possess, or sell used converters

• A “Vehicle Owner” for the vehicle from which the converter was removed.

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Written Agreement Required

Core Recyclers are required purchase catalytic converters using a “Written Agreement”, which much list each converter purchased and describe each sufficiently so that it can reasonably be matched to its description in the agreement.

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Other Required Records

In addition to the Written Agreement, Core Recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases from a Commercial Enterprise or Vehicle Owner. The record must contain all information detailed below. Further, the record must be accessible to law enforcement upon request and must be retained by the Core Recycler for at least two years.

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Required Commercial Enterprise Record

1. Business name of the Commercial Enterprise

2. Name of person representing the Commercial Enterprise

3. Physical business address and business telephone number for Commercial Enterprise

4. Business license number or tax identification number for Commercial Enterprise

5. Date of the transaction

6. Total number of catalytic converters purchased in transaction

7. Amount of money paid for catalytic converters purchased in transaction

 

Required Vehicle Owner Record

1. Seller’s full name, and valid driver’s license number or California-issued identification number

2. License plate number and state of issue for vehicle used to transport catalytic converter

3. The place and date of catalytic converter purchased

4. A description of the catalytic converter purchased including: (i) number purchased; (ii) amount paid; (iii) identification number, if any; (iv) year, make, and model of the vehicle from which the converter was removed; and (v) VIN of the vehicle from which the converter was removed

5. A statement indicating that the seller of the catalytic converter is the legitimate owner

6. Copy of the title or registration, showing the VIN for the vehicle from which the converter was removed

   • Note: VIN matching title or registration must be permanently marked (e.g. etched) on the converter being sold

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Legal Disclaimer

The above includes general information about California’s catalytic converter laws and is intended for informational purposes only. This information is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice.