Virginia law § 18.2-146 criminalizes willfully damaging, defacing, or interfering with vehicles, aircraft, boats, or vessels, with penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony for specific acts like tampering with catalytic converters. The law also allows for inference of illegal activity if someone possesses a removed catalytic converter, with certain exceptions. Penalties depend on the severity and nature of the violation.
Violations include willfully breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or interfering with the operation of vehicles, aircraft, boats, or vessels, especially tampering with catalytic converters or removing parts.
Violations can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, but if they involve catalytic converters, the offense is a Class 6 felony, with more severe penalties.
Yes, possession of a removed catalytic converter can lead to an inference of illegal activity unless the person is an authorized agent, a licensed scrap metal purchaser, or has vehicle registration documentation.
Yes, exceptions include authorized agents acting in their official capacity, licensed scrap metal purchasers adhering to compliance rules, or individuals with vehicle registration showing ownership of the catalytic converter.