As used in this chapter:

(a) “Advertisement” means any written or printed communication, including a directory listing, except a free telephone directory listing that does not allow space for a license number.

(b) “Assignment” or “repossession order” means any written authorization by the legal owner, lienholder, lessor, lessee, or registered owner, or the agent of any of them, to skip trace, locate, or repossess any collateral, including, but not limited to, collateral registered under the Vehicle Code that is subject to a security agreement that contains a repossession clause. “Assignment” or “repossession order” also means any written authorization by an employer to recover any collateral entrusted to an employee or former employee in possession of the collateral. A photocopy of an assignment or repossession order, facsimile copy of an assignment or repossession order, or electronic format of an assignment or repossession order shall have the same force and effect as an original written assignment or repossession order.

(c) “Bureau” means the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

(d) “Chief” means the Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

(e) “Collateral” means any specific vehicle, trailer, boat, recreational vehicle, motor home, appliance, or other property that is subject to a security agreement.

(f) “Combustibles” means any substances or articles that are capable of undergoing combustion or catching fire, or that are flammable, if retained.

(g) “Dangerous drugs” means any controlled substances as defined in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.

(h) “Deadly weapon” means and includes any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a firearm.

(i) “Debtor” means any person obligated under a security agreement.

(j) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Affairs.

(k) “Director” means the Director of Consumer Affairs.

(l) “Electronic format” includes, but is not limited to, a text message, email, or internet posting.

(m) “Health hazard” means any personal effects that if retained would produce an unsanitary or unhealthful condition, or which might damage other personal effects.

(n) “Legal owner” means a person holding any of the following:

(1) A security interest in any collateral if the collateral is subject to a security agreement.

(2) A lien against any collateral.

(3) An assignment or a repossession order.

(4) An interest in any collateral that is subject to a lease agreement or on an assignment or repossession order as the legal owner.

(o) “Licensee” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation licensed under this chapter as a repossession agency.

(p) “Multiple licensee” means a repossession agency holding more than one repossession license under this chapter, with one fictitious trade style and ownership, conducting repossession business from additional licensed locations other than the location shown on the original license.

(q) “Person” includes any individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.

(r) “Personal effects” means any property that is not the property of the legal owner and is not listed on the repossession assignment.

(s) “Private building” means and includes any dwelling, outbuilding, or other enclosed structure.

(t) “Qualified certificate holder” or “qualified manager” is a person who possesses a valid qualification certificate in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 (commencing with Section 7504) and is in active control or management of, and who is a director of, the licensee‘s place of business.

(u) “Registered owner” means the individual listed in the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, on a conditional sales contract, or on an assignment or a repossession order, as the registered owner.

(v) “Registrant” means a person registered under this chapter.

(w) “Repossession” means any of the following:

(1) When the repossessor gains entry to the collateral.

(2) The collateral becomes connected to a tow truck or to a repossessor’s tow vehicle.

(3) The repossessor moves the entire collateral present.

(4) The repossessor gains control of the collateral.

(5) The repossessor disconnects any part of the collateral from any surface where it is mounted or attached.

(x) “Secured area” means and includes any fenced and locked area.

(y) “Security agreement” means an obligation, pledge, mortgage, chattel mortgage, lease agreement, deposit, or lien, given by a debtor as security for payment or performance of a debt, by furnishing the creditor with a recourse to be used in case of failure in the principal obligation. “Security agreement” also includes a bailment where an employer-employee relationship exists or existed between the bailor and the bailee.

(z) “Services” means any duty or labor to be rendered by one person for another.

(aa) “Violent act” means any act that results in bodily harm or injury to any party involved during the repossession up until the time the repossessor is back in their vehicle.

(ab) The amendments made to this section by Chapter 418 of the Statutes of 2006 shall not be deemed to exempt any person from the provisions of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 416, Sec. 1. (AB 913) Effective January 1, 2022.)