All About Michigan’s Catalytic Converter Laws
If your vehicle is newer than 1981, you’ll need an EPA-approved catalytic converter. Follow our tips to keep it safe from theft!
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Under Michigan law, all vehicles manufactured after 1975 are required to have an EPA-approved catalytic converter.
While your catalytic converter may not be top of mind when you think of necessary vehicle components, these emission control devices filter your vehicle’s air and boost your car’s fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, catalytic converters are being stolen at an unprecedented rate, so it’s important to be aware of the catalytic converter laws in your state.
To give you a breakdown of everything you need to know is
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparion app that also provides car repair
content. We’ll go over the laws surrounding catalytic converters in Michigan and give you a few tips to keep your catalytic converter safe from theft. Do I need a catalytic converter in Michigan?
Yes. Since 1975, the
Michigan Legislature
requires all vehicles to have catalytic converters. In accordance with the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, vehicle test procedures include a visual antitampering inspection of the catalytic converter. And that’s not all. In 1986, the EPA enacted federal laws surrounding the replacement of catalytic converters. Under such laws, your catalytic converter must meet the following requirements:
- Located in the same place as the original
- The same type as the original
- The right model for your car
- Installed correctly
- Accompanied by a warranty information card
While your vehicle will continue to function in the absence of a converter, you are required by law to have it replaced as soon as possible!
Penalties for driving without a catalytic converter
So what happens if you’re caught without a catalytic converter? In the Great Lakes State, you’ll be responsible for a civil infraction and faced with a fine of $100. In addition, without a converter, you may fail emissions testing, which can lead to further penalties.
Removing a converter, however, is a different story. Under federal law, it is illegal to remove and/or replace catalytic converters with converter replacement pipes. Along with state penalties, the maximum fine for removing a converter is increased to $10,000.
Why are catalytic converters being stolen?
With increasingly profitable metals like rhodium and palladium available right under your vehicle, it’s no wonder converter theft is on the rise. After snatching your converter, criminals resell standard converters for up to $300. If they’re lucky enough to score a hybrid converter, they’ll be looking at a resale value of up to $1,500!
Fortunately, new state laws are working to deter catalytic converter theft. Any person who knowingly buys or sells stolen scrap metals will be subject to felony penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years, afine of up to $5,000, or both.
How to keep your catalytic converter safe
Worried about your catalytic converter being stolen? Take these steps to avoid falling victim to a converter theft:
- Install ananti-theft device. With an anti-theft device protecting your converter, your theft worries will be no more. While such devices cost around $300, you’ll avoid having to dish out $1000 to $2500 for a new converter.
- Park your car in a safe area. Parking in a high traffic space with sufficient lighting is an easy deterrent measure you can practice day-to-day.
- Etch your license plate number into your converter. Much like advertising your security company on your lawn, having your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number engraved into your converter will deter any would-be thieves.
Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance?
If you’ve practiced all the recommended safety measures and still fall victim to catalytic converter theft, don’t worry. As long as you have
comprehensive insurance
, you’ll be covered!Ready to get that coverage?
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“I thought I was already paying the lowest rate possible for my age group, but
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found me a better deal for the same coverage with Travelers! Everything went so smoothly that I couldn’t help but make a change right away.”—Athit S. Are catalytic converters required by law?
Yes. In most states, including Michigan, catalytic converters are required to pass emissions testing. In addition, driving without a catalytic converter can result in a fine from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Are catalytic converters being stolen?
Yes. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise, with 3,389 reported thefts in 2019 and 14,443in 2020. Use the tips above to keep your catalytic converter safe.
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