CA AB2682

Requires dealers and retail sellers to ensure catalytic converters on vehicles are permanently marked with the vehicle identification number (VIN) using either a tamper-evident label or engraving/etching on the converter's exterior casing.

Authorizes dealers and retail sellers to impose a reasonable charge on purchasers to offset the cost of complying with VIN marking requirements, with the charge separately itemized on the sales or lease contract.

Requires automotive repair dealers installing or replacing catalytic converters to permanently mark them with the vehicle's VIN using the same methods (label or engraving) and allows them to charge a reasonable fee for this service.

Mandates smog check stations to visually inspect catalytic converters and notify customers whether the converter is properly marked with the vehicle's VIN as part of any smog check test.

Prohibits any person from removing, altering, or obfuscating VIN markings on catalytic converters, with exceptions for lawful installation on different vehicles or permanent destruction of converters; violations are punishable as misdemeanors with escalating fines ($250, $500, $1,000 for repeat violations).