It is unlawful to drive a vehicle that has received a failed emissions test, that emits visible emissions from the exhaust pipe for a continuous period of five seconds, or without a catalytic converter under Florida law.
The catalytic converter is a crucial part of your car and the environment! It filters exhaust from your car to keep the air clean and improves your fuel mileage. Unfortunately, these parts also are worth a lot of money and catalytic converter thefts
have been on the rise. Luckily, the trustworthy super app
and car insurance
expert Jerry
is here to answer all your questions about Florida’s catalytic converter laws and how to keep yours from being stolen. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about with (or without!) a catalytic converter in the Sunshine State, plus how to save money on your Florida car insurance costs
. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Do I need a catalytic converter in Florida?
Yes! Florida’s State Statute
requires all vehicles to have their OEM catalytic converter or an aftermarket EPA-approved catalytic converter. It is unlawful to drive a vehicle without a catalytic converter, that has received a failed emissions test, or that emits visible emissions from the exhaust pipe for a continuous period of five seconds. Florida law also makes it illegal to tamper with a catalytic converter or sell, lease, or trade a vehicle with a catalytic converter that has been dismantled, removed, or rendered ineffective.
In addition to Florida’s laws, there are also federal laws regarding catalytic converters. In 1986, the EPA announced a series of rules regarding catalytic converter replacement which still hold true today. Under federal law your catalytic converter must be:
In the same location as the original
The same type as the original
The correct model for your vehicle
Accompanied by the installer’s warranty information card
If your catalytic converter is stolen, your vehicle will still operate without one but that does not mean you can drive it. You should tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop to have your catalytic converter replaced if it has been stolen.
Penalties for driving without a catalytic converter
You’ll have to pay a $250 fine if you are caught driving without a catalytic converter. And without a catalytic converter, you’ll fail emissions testing which could lead to additional penalties!
However, if you are the one who tampered with your catalytic converter the penalties will be much steeper. You’ll face the maximum fine of $10,000 and even have to appear in court!
Needless to say, keeping your catalytic converter in good operating condition is worth your while. It protects the environment, boosts your gas mileage, and avoids serious fines–what’s not to like?
Why are catalytic converters being stolen?
A stolen catalytic converter can fetch a pretty penny because it is comprised of valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Your average catalytic converter can be sold for up to $300 while hybrid converters (watch out Prius owners!) can go for almost $1,500!
Not only are they worth a lot of money, but catalytic converters are also easy to steal. Located under your vehicle, thieves can slide under your car and steal your catalytic converter in the dead of night without trouble.
How to keep your catalytic converter safe
We want to prevent catalytic converter theft as much as you do! Here are three steps you can take to keep your catalytic converter safe:
Get an anti-theft device. For just $300, you can have a metal cage installed around your catalytic converter and never have to worry about theft again!
Find a safe parking space. If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, park in a well-lit parking area to deter theft.
Engrave your catalytic converter with your license plate number. Etching your license or VIN number into your catalytic converter will make it difficult to sell and discourage thieves.
Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance?
Yes and no—it depends on the car insurance coverage you have. Catalytic converter theft is covered by comprehensive coverage
but not collision coverage
insurance. And with catalytic convert thefts skyrocketing across the nation, you’ll want comprehensive insurance to pay for replacement costs.
If you think comprehensive insurance will cost you an arm and a leg, you’re wrong! With Jerry
, you can shop at affordable rates without sacrificing coverage! Keep your car safe with the best insurance
Let’s keep this insurance talk going! If you want to keep your car safe with the best insurance, the Jerry
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