San Joaquin County Supervisors have directed staff to draft an ordinance allowing fines and potential jail time for possession of a stolen catalytic converter.

Over the past five years, more than 3,500 stolen catalytic converters have been recovered across San Joaquin County, including Stockton and Lodi.

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.

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.

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 who advanced the idea for the proposed ordinance. “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.”

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