Is stealing a catalytic converter a felony in California?

Unlawful possession of a catalytic converter could result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or six months in jail or both.
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What is the punishment for stealing catalytic converter in California?

The bill would increase fines for catalytic converter theft to $1,000 for the first offense, $2,000 for the second and $4,000 for the third or subsequent violation. It also adds provisions to the vehicle code stating that law enforcement officers don't need to witness the theft to make an arrest.
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What happens if you get caught without a catalytic converter in California?

Without this component, your vehicle will no longer be filtering and reducing harmful emissions, including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also lead to harmfully poor air quality.
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What happens if someone steals catalytic converter?

The first step is to call the police so they can write a police report on the situation. The police may not be able to find the person responsible for stealing your catalytic converter, but this report can help police stop future theft. Next, you need to contact your insurance company and file a claim.
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Is California doing anything about catalytic converter theft?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

On the Central Coast, there were more than 1,000 catalytic converters reported stolen in 2021 alone and hundreds more in 2022 so far. The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts.
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Catalytic converter thefts on the rise in California | How lawmakers hope to stop the thieves



How much are criminals getting for catalytic converters?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
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What state has the most catalytic converter theft?

State Farm stated in its July report that California was the No. 1 state for converter theft claims followed by Texas, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois.
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Will car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
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What car has most catalytic converters stolen?

Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.
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Can you drive without a catalytic converter?

However, some drivers might not even know the part has been stolen because a vehicle can still run without it. If you don't have a catalytic converter fitted, your vehicle will produce emissions above the permitted standard. This makes the vehicle illegal to drive on the road.
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Why are catalytic converters illegal in California?

In order to be legally sold and installed in California, a catalytic converter must undergo extensive testing to prove that it is durable and meets emission control requirements. It's not enough for a catalytic converter to “just get you through your next smog”, it must be built to last.
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Is removing catalytic converter illegal in California?

Removing the Converter

Removing the catalytic converter is illegal, but getting caught without one isn't. Most states will simply suspend your smog certification until you get a new one installed.
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What catalytic converter is legal in California?

CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles, model years 2001 and newer, operated in the state. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 2000 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles, regardless of model year.
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Is stealing a catalytic converter a crime?

These kind of thefts have become a national crime trend, as crooks steal the converters for the valuable metal inside them.
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How much is a catalytic converter in California?

For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that.
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Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

Why do thieves target Honda cars? Honda cars are a target because they have hybrid systems. The catalytic converters of Honda cars will fetch more price when resold. Thieves who remove them with jacks and angle grinders find them relatively easy to steal.
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What car has the most valuable catalytic converter for scrap?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag.
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What cars are at risk of catalytic converter theft?

Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.
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What catalytic converters are worth the most in scrap?

What catalytic converters are worth the most for scrap?
  • Ferrari F430 (4,500 $ per catalytic converter)
  • Lamborghini Aventador (3,700 $ per catalytic converter)
  • Dodge Ram 2500 ($4,100)
  • Ford F250 (3,300 $)
  • Ford Mustang (1,800 $)
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How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?

As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter. It's not always a good idea to drive around without one, even if it works.
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Why do people steal catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.
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How do I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?

Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft
  1. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
  2. 2) Park in well-lit areas. ...
  3. 3) Install an anti-theft device.
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Are catalytic converter thefts increasing?

California leads nation in skyrocketing number of catalytic converter thefts, data shows. Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationwide, and California has the dubious honor of leading the country in the number of converters stolen, according to recent data.
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How many catalytic converters are stolen?

According to claims data reviewed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), thefts of catalytic converters increased a whopping 325% in 20201. NICB saw claims for 3,389 thefts in 2019 and 14,433 in 2020.
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How much do catalytic converters sell for on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.
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