You may not think about your catalytic converter often, but it plays a significant role in keeping your car running! As your car’s emissions control device, your catalytic converter helps break down and convert toxic byproducts of your combustion engine into safer exhaust fumes. Without one, you can’t legally drive your car—which is a problem since

catalytic converter theft

is rising across the country.

Knowing your state’s statutes around catalytic converters can help you pass your inspection and avoid unnecessary fines. Here to break down Ohio’s catalytic converter laws is

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Do I need a catalytic converter in Ohio?

Yes—in Ohio, catalytic converters are

required by law

in all vehicles 1975 or newer.

In Ohio, you’re also not allowed to replace catalytic converters with converter replacement pipes or your exhaust pipe without replacing your catalytic converter.

Although laws vary by state, you generally must have a catalytic converter in compliance with the Clean Air Act, which was first passed in the 1970s and later amended in the early ‘90s.

Ohio’s state laws aren’t the only ones you need to watch out for. Federal law also mandates certain procedures when it comes to repairing and replacing your car’s catalytic converter, such as:

The new catalytic converter replacement must be installed in the exact location as the original

The new converter must be the same type as the original

The new converter must be the correct model for your vehicle

It must be properly installed

The law also requires you to keep the installer’s warranty information card upon completion of the replacement.

In Ohio, driving without a catalytic converter in your car is not technically illegal. Since a vehicle will still run normally, many people don’t realize when they’ve had their

catalytic converter stolen

. Nonetheless, you need to have it replaced as soon as possible, as permanently removing, bypassing, or breaking your car’s emission controls is against state and federal codes.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Penalties for driving without a catalytic converter

Intentionally tampering with, disabling, or removing your car’s catalytic converter has serious consequences, including a minor misdemeanor charge. In Ohio, that’s up to 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

You can get a ticket if you’re driving without your cat-con because it was stolen or needs repair. If you fail to have it fixed promptly, you may also fail emissions testing, which means your car won’t pass its annual inspection.

It’s in your best interest to keep your catalytic converter in good condition. Not only is it good for the environment, but it also extends your car’s fuel efficiency and keeps your vehicle federally legal to drive.

MORE: How to pass emissions testing

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

If you’re not a car technician or enthusiast, you may only know about catalytic converters in passing—perhaps through the mention of a rise in cat-con theft. If you’re from the

Columbus

area, this may be especially true: NPR reported in February that

catalytic converter theft was a rising concern

in the Ohio State campus area and beyond. But why would anyone want to steal the piece of your car that deals with toxic gas?

Simply put, catalytic converters are chock-full of precious metals like platinum, rhodium, titanium, and palladium. These metals help oxidize carbon monoxide and neutralize harmful pollutants—and they’re also worth a lot of money.

Poachers can sell a stolen cat-con for anywhere between $300 and $1,500—and unfortunately, positioned as they are in the vehicle’s undercarriage, catalytic converters are basically the car-world equivalent of sitting ducks.

How to keep your catalytic converter safe

Now that you’re in the know on Ohio’s catalytic converter laws (and what you can do to keep yours in good shape), make sure your cat-con is protected against theft by taking these simple measures:

Install an anti-theft device. You can install an alarm, metal cage, or cat strap around your catalytic converter to make it difficult (if not impossible!) for thefts to make off with your cat-con. Depending on the device, they can run you a couple of hundred dollars—but compared to the $1,000-$2,000 replacement costs, it’s worth it!

Mind where you park. Parking your vehicle in a well-lit, more trafficked area may help naturally deter thefts from targeting your car.

Engrave your license plate number. Carving your license plate number (or even your VIN) into your catalytic converter makes it traceable to you—and therefore less desirable for resale.

MORE:

Ohio car insurance laws

Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance?

The good news is, if you have

comprehensive coverage

, then a stolen catalytic converter should be covered by your policy! If you fall victim to cat-con theft, comprehensive coverage could make the difference between filing a claim or paying over $2,000 out of pocket for a replacement.

If you’re looking to upgrade to comprehensive coverage, let

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So don’t lose coverage (or your catalytic converter)—find savings with Jerry.

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FAQs

Are catalytic converters required by law?

Yes. In Ohio (as in most states), you must have a catalytic converter in all cars 1975 and newer. Without one, you could fail emissions testing during your inspection—and face up to $1,000 in fines from the EPA.

Are catalytic converters being stolen?

In Columbus, OH, and other parts of the country, catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Valuable for containing precious metals and relatively easy to access under the vehicle (and therefore easy to steal), catalytic converter theft is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with theft rings targeting catalytic converters breaking nationwide.

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