Glossary term

automobile dismantler

California Vehicle Code term for a person in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in registered vehicles for dismantling, parts, or used motor-vehicle parts.

2 official sourcesRelated definitions

What does automobile dismantler mean?

Automobile dismantler gives the US ELV layer a state-specific operational role. It is not a unified federal ELV category; it should be used as a California dismantling and parts-chain actor.

Source context

NSW motor vehicle recycler context: this Australia layer is official NSW Government guidance linked to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act/Regulation. It supports state-specific dismantling and recycled-parts evidence, but it is not a national Australian ELV regime and should not be merged with US, EU, UK, India, China, or Türkiye ELV terms.

Official definitions by source

California Vehicle Code

California Vehicle Code — dismantler and salvage vehicle provisions

An “automobile dismantler” is a person not otherwise expressly excluded by Section 221 who is engaged in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in vehicles of a type required to be registered under this code, including nonrepairable vehicles, for the purpose of dismantling the vehicles, who buys or sells the integral parts and component materials thereof, in whole or in part, or deals in used motor vehicle parts.

Reference: Vehicle Code § 220(a)

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NSW Motor Vehicle Recycler Guidance

Working as a motor vehicle recycler – business obligations in NSW

You will need a motor vehicle recycler’s licence if your business involves: buying or obtaining, demolishing or dismantling motor vehicles or parts or accessories of motor vehicles; buying and selling major body and mechanical components or prescribed parts of motor vehicles or major car accessories.

Official NSW Government guidance excerpts supporting state-specific motor vehicle recycler obligations; not a national Australian ELV statute.

Reference: Getting a motor vehicle recycler licence

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How the definitions differ

Automobile dismantler is a California Vehicle Code term for a person, not otherwise excluded, engaged in buying, selling, or dealing in vehicles required to be registered for the purpose of dismantling them, selling integral parts and component materials, or dealing in used motor-vehicle parts.

Practical application

Implementation records should capture dismantler identity/licence context, vehicle identity, notice of acquisition where applicable, parts/materials removed, nonrepairable or salvage status, and downstream reuse, recycling, or disposal records.

Minespider commentary

For Minespider, automobile dismantler can anchor California vehicle-dismantling evidence but should not be merged with EU authorised treatment facilities or China ELV recycling enterprises.

Common confusions

Treating California automobile dismantler as a US-wide ELV term.
Assuming dismantler status proves final recycling outcome.
Collapsing dismantler records with certificate-of-destruction workflows from other jurisdictions.