Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has approved an item brought forward by District Four Supervisor Steve Ding to explore an ordinance allowing fines and potential jail time for possession of a stolen catalytic converter.
San Joaquin County joins Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern, Fresno, Kings, and Orange counties in pursuing stronger enforcement measures. Under current state law, individuals may possess up to nine detached catalytic converters without a proper license before law enforcement can take action.
“Families who commute long distances, warehouse and logistics employees, truck drivers, small business owners, and agricultural workers depend on their vehicles every day,” said Supervisor Ding. “When catalytic converters are stolen, residents lose more than a car part, they lose the ability to get to work, transport goods, take their children to school, and sustain their livelihoods.” The proposed ordinance would apply to all individuals, not just automobile dismantlers, and would be triggered by possession of even a single detached catalytic converter.
“I want to thank Deryl Terrell for bringing this issue forward. This ordinance is common sense,” Ding added. “It gives deputies the tools to act proactively and better protect our residents by imposing real consequences for unlawful possession.”
Over the past five years, more than 3,500 stolen catalytic converters have been recovered across San Joaquin County, including Stockton and Lodi.
Staff has been directed to draft an ordinance that would make unlawful possession of a detached catalytic converter a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- A fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in County Jail for up to one year, or both
- Enhanced penalties for repeat offenses
The ordinance would also allow for administrative penalties:
- Up to $1,000 for a first violation
- $2,000 for a second violation within 36 months
- $5,000 for each additional violation within 36 months
The proposal includes the creation of a fund to collect fines, with the potential to assist residents with repair costs.
