If you’re in Phoenix or Tucson, you must have a catalytic converter in order to pass your Arizona emissions test. Although emissions tests are only required in those two cities, the rest of the state complies with federal EPA laws requiring catalytic converters on all vehicles.

If you like fresh air, you have your catalytic converter to thank: it helps filter toxic chemicals out of your vehicle’s exhaust to keep the air you breath clean. But with catalytic converter theft on the rise, you may be wondering how you can keep yours safe—and if you’re even legally required to have one.

In the true

Jerry

spirit of doing the hard work for you, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Arizona catalytic converter laws. Your favorite super app for comparing

car insurance

policies is here to guide you through the ins and outs of Arizona’s catalytic converter laws and give you a couple of tips on how to keep yours safe from theft.

We'll even show you how to save on your

Arizona car insurance costs

along the way!

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Do I need a catalytic converter in Arizona?

Car owners in

Phoenix

and

Tucson

are required to have their vehicles pass an emissions test either every year or every other year depending on the age and size of your vehicle. Phoenix and Tucson do not meet federal air quality standards, thus cars there are subject to tighter emissions regulations.

Part of passing the emissions test is having an OEM and EPA-approved catalytic converter attached to the vehicle. While there are no other specific Arizona catalytic converter laws, the rest of the state abides by the following federal laws. The catalytic converter must be:

In the same location as the original

The same type as the original

The correct model for your vehicle

Properly installed

Accompanied by the installer’s warranty information card

Penalties for driving without a catalytic converter

In Phoenix and Tucson, you will fail the emissions test without a catalytic converter, and your vehicle will not be registered. Under Arizona state law, there is a

$300 fine

for driving an unregistered car.

On top of that, federal law mandates that if you were the one who removed the converter, the fine increases to a whopping $10,000. So, even if your catalytic converter gets stolen, it’s in both Mother Nature’s and your wallet’s best interest to get it replaced ASAP.

MORE:

Arizona car seat law

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Catalytic converters are not only easy to steal (a thief can swipe yours off your vehicle in as little as two minutes!), but they also contain valuable metals like palladium, rhodium, and platinum. When melted down and sold, these metals fetch a pretty penny on the black market. Get this: just one ounce of rhodium alone can sell for $20,000!

Catalytic converter theft became so prevalent in Arizona that the state legislature passed

House Bill 2652

in May 2022 to crack down on the catalytic converter black market. These Arizona catalytic converter laws made it illegal to purchase, solicit, or advertise used catalytic converters for anyone besides authorized realtors.

How to keep your catalytic converter safe

While you can’t keep an eye on your catalytic converter 24/7/365, there are a couple of things you can do to help keep would-be thieves at bay:

Install an anti-theft device. A small metal cage around your catalytic converter can give you some great peace of mind. At $300, it’s a little pricey to install, but it’s still a heck of a lot less than the $1,000 to $2,000 cost to replace a catalytic converter out of pocket.

Be mindful about where you park. Make sure you’re leaving your car somewhere well-lit if you don’t park in a locked garage.

Have your catalytic converters engraved with your license plate number. If a thief sees that your converter can be easily traced back to your vehicle, it’ll be almost impossible for them to sell it—and they’ll be more likely to leave you alone.

MORE:

The best vehicle anti-theft devices to keep your car safe

Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance?

You are covered for catalytic converter theft only if you have

comprehensive insurance

. With this coverage level, you will not be financially responsible for the cost of replacing your catalytic converter.

Keep your car safe with the best insurance

After reading all about catalytic converter theft and Arizona catalytic converter laws, you’re probably eager to add comprehensive coverage to your

car insurance

policy. You can easily do that with

Jerry

To get started, download the Jerry app from the app store and take just 45 seconds to answer some basic questions about your coverage needs. From there, Jerry uses the magic of comparison shopping to find you the best deal! And, if you ever have questions about your policy (who doesn’t?), Jerry's stellar team of insurance agents are to help.

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FAQs

Are catalytic converters required by law?

Yes, both under federal law and Arizona state law. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can issue hefty fines for those who are caught driving without a catalytic converter, and Arizona state law requires Phoenix and Tucson drivers to have catalytic converters in order to pass vehicle emissions testing.

Are catalytic converters being stolen?

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. In 2019, there were 3,389 reported thefts, but by 2020, that number jumped to 14,443. Look at the tips above to help learn how to keep it safe.

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