California · Vehicle Code

VEH §10753: (a) Any person who removes, alters, or obfuscates any vehicle identification number or other unique marking that has been added to a catalytic converter is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Removing, altering, or obfuscating identification numbers on catalytic converters is a misdemeanor. Knowingly possessing three or more catalytic converters with removed or altered markings is also a misdemeanor. Lawful installation on different vehicles and lawful destruction are exempt.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Any person who removes, alters, or obfuscates any vehicle identification number or other unique marking that has been added to a catalytic converter is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) Any person who knowingly possesses three or more catalytic converters that have the vehicle identification number or other unique marking removed, altered, or obfuscated is guilty of a misdemeanor. (c) This subdivision does not apply to either of the following: (1) Any person who is removing, altering, or obfuscating a vehicle identification number or other unique marking in order to apply a new vehicle identification number or unique marking because the catalytic converter is being lawfully installed on a different vehicle. (2) Any person that is disassembling, smelting, or otherwise permanently destroying a catalytic converter lawfully in their possession.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.