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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 4Ch. 3§ 10753 Catalytic Converter Marking Tampering

§ 10753 Catalytic Converter Marking Tampering

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10753 Catalytic Converter Marking Tampering

This law makes it illegal to mess with the ID numbers on catalytic converters or to have three or more without clear IDs.

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't remove or change the ID numbers on a catalytic converter.
  • •Having three or more catalytic converters without clear IDs is also illegal.
  • •It's okay to change the ID if you're putting the converter on a different car legally.
  • •It's also okay if you're destroying the converter the right way.

Example

Someone steals catalytic converters from cars and scratches off the ID numbers to sell them.

This person can get in trouble for removing the ID numbers and for having multiple converters without IDs.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10753 Catalytic Converter Marking Tampering

(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. (Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 847, Sec. 1. (AB 1519) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

vehicle identification numberunique markingcatalytic convertermisdemeanor

Related Statutes

  • § 10750 Vehicle Identification Protection
  • § 11500 Automobile Dismantler Licensing Requirements
  • § 21651 Divided Highway Crossing Rules
  • § 21702 Commercial Driver Hour Limits
  • § 21713 Armored Car Licensing Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 10753.
View Official Source