Understanding the Catalytic Converter Laws in Maine

The skyrocketing statistics of catalytic thefts in the country outline the story of a relationship. What is meant to filter emissions has become a dream catch for car thieves. Unfortunately, the tale is no different in Maine. However, the state has recently passed laws to curb catalytic converter theft.  

You will face serious consequences if discovered driving a car manufactured in 1983 or later without a catalytic converter in Maine. In short, the law requires a catalytic converter for any vehicles manufactured after 1983. 

Do you need catalytic converters in Maine? 

Maine is no exception when it comes to catalytic converter requirements. While you can drive without a catalytic converter, it is illegal to drive without one.  Therefore, all cars manufactured in Maine must equip their cars with catalytic converters. This is certainly required to pass the vehicle inspection. In addition, both federal and state laws require it. 

 The prevalence of catalytic converters, as it is a mandatory part of a car’s exhaust system, makes them a favorite accessory for car thefts. However, the state passed exclusive laws in August to curb the increasing theft of this tiny equipment. 

What you should know about catalytic converter laws in Maine

Maine imposed catalytic converter replacement rules in 2018 as well.  According to this, replacement catalytic converters must be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or state-approved aftermarket parts. But these limitations only apply to 2001 and subsequent gasoline vehicles under 14,000 lbs. 

The current LD 796 intends to reduce catalytic converter theft and subsequent sale to metal recyclers. It is an act governing the sale, purchase, removal, transport, and disposal of catalytic converters removed from motor vehicles, governing scrap metal processors, and creating the motor vehicle services fund.

 LD 796: A Quick Look

LD 796 ensures that engraving and labeling regulations are in place for catalytic converters. It makes it illegal to steal catalytic converters, requires new and used car dealers to engrave the full vehicle identification number (VIN) on converters when they are taken off a vehicle, and sets up a legal framework for selling, buying, removing, and getting rid of converters.

• Dealers are required to permanently engrave a vehicle’s whole VIN on a catalytic converter. However, this is not required if the vehicle is sold wholesale or the catalytic converter is not where it is visible from the underside of the vehicle. 
• If you are a recycler, you must certainly engrave or permanently mark either the full VIN or the recycler’s license number and stock number.  
• In addition, recyclers must mark catalytic converters with their license number and record how they are discarded. 
• Private owners who remove an unmarked catalytic converter must engrave or permanently mark it with the complete VIN. 

Damaged Catalytic Converter in Maine

However, if you cannot determine the VIN of a car or if the catalytic converter is too damaged to be marked permanently, then the person in possession of the catalytic converter must request an identification number from the Secretary of State. 

The forms are available online for requesting identification numbers. 

Why do catalytic converters get stolen?

Catalytic converters are valuable and easy to steal.  It can fetch them $300 to $1,500. This is because converters’ valuable metals, such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, can be melted down and sold at much greater prices.

Also Read: Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen?

How to replace a catalytic converter in Maine

Since the catalytic converter laws of Maine are in place, car owners must keep a few things in mind before replacing their catalytic converter.  Most violations of the new law constitute Class E offenses.

• Emission certificate verification.
• Check if the warranty on the catalytic converter that came with the car has run out. Consequently, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and partial zero-emission vehicles will have warranties that range from 8 years/80,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (PZEV). 
• All catalytic converter repairs for CARB vehicles with expired warranties should be CARB AMCC or OE parts. 
• After June 1, 2018, no vehicle can have used, salvaged, or recycled catalytic converters. 

What are the penalties in Maine if you drive without a catalytic converter?

If you break Maine’s laws on catalytic converters, you could get a $500 fine or 30 days in jail. Since driving without a catalytic converter will certainly result in an emission test failure, you’ll have to pay a fine. However, you will face a penalty of $10,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency if you drive around after removing it.

Get Affordable Insurance through Way.com

It is wise to insure your catalytic converters looking at the increasing thefts. If you live in Maine, this can be easily achieved with the car insurance super app, Way.com. With Way.com, insuring your converter is not a pricey affair. It helps you save $971 on annual insurance and offers you the best offers as Way.com compares dozens of quotes from over 100 insurance companies. 

 

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