Ohio Catalytic Converter Laws: What You Should Know

Knowing your state’s catalytic converter laws will help you pass your inspection and avoid costly fines. Read on to know more about Ohio’s catalytic converter laws and why the state has come up with these laws. 

Ohio law requires catalytic converters are necessary for all cars post-1975. In other words, purposely removing your catalytic converter is a punishable offense.

You may not give your catalytic converter much thought. Yet, a catalytic converter is important in keeping your car going smoothly! Unfortunately, you can’t legally drive your car in Ohio if you don’t have one. This is an issue because catalytic converter theft is rising across the country.

Catalytic Converter thefts Statistics in Ohio

There is a new crime lord in town. His name is Tommy Cox. Never heard of him? Tommy Cox stole over 1100 catalytic converters. He was charged with 32 felonies on March 4th, including stealing, receiving stolen property, money laundering, and participating in a pattern of corrupt behavior. Tommy Cox was the ringleader of a catalytic converter stealing organization in Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Muskingum, and Morrow counties of Ohio.

Catalytic converter thefts have increased dramatically over the last two years. As a result, tens of thousands of drivers have been forced to pay for replacements due to an approximate 300% annual increase in pollution control device thefts.

However, this epidemic of auto component theft has attracted the attention of lawmakers and public officials, who are responding to new legislation.

Catalytic Converter laws in Ohio

Stealing catalytic converters in Ohio is a punishable offense. All cars made after 1975 and sold in Ohio must have a catalytic converter. Without one, you could fail the emissions test at your inspection and get a fine from the EPA of up to $1,000.

The Clean Air Act, passed in the 1970s and updated in the early 1990s, says you usually need a catalytic converter. Consequently, The rules for each state are different, though.

Ohio’s state laws aren’t the only ones to be aware of. Additionally, the federal law also requires certain procedures, such as:

• The new converter must be the same as the old one. It has to be the right kind for your car.
• Basically, the installation must be right.
• You have to keep the installer’s warranty card after the replacement is done.

Driving without a catalytic converter is not legally unlawful in Ohio. Nonetheless, it would be best to replace it as quickly as possible because permanently removing, bypassing, or destroying your car’s pollution controls is against state and federal laws.

Repercussions of absent Catalytic Converters in Ohio

If you try to change, disable, or remove your car’s catalytic converter in Ohio, you will be charged with a minor misdemeanor. In addition, you could go to jail for up to 180 days or pay a $1,000 fine.

You can get a ticket if your catalytic converter is missing because it was stolen or needs to be fixed. If you don’t get it fixed immediately, you might also fail the emissions test, which means your car won’t pass its annual inspection.

Your car will run better if your catalytic converter is in good shape.

Aftereffects of catalytic converter theft

A stolen catalytic converter costs a lot of money to replace. These thefts frequently result in victims spending up to $3000 (!) to replace the stolen converter. Additionally, you may find that your car insurance doesn’t even cover your costs or that your deductible is so high that it’s simpler to avoid claiming these crimes.

What makes the catalytic converter so appealing? 

The simplicity of theft and the potential for a profitable return on investment have a significant role. A catalytic converter is easy to steal for just about any would-be burglar. 

Numerous valuable metals in catalytic converters are in high demand from respectable metal merchants and on the illegal market. Consequently, depending on the brand and model of the vehicle it was taken from, only one converter can bring in up to $150 for the vendor.

What can you do?

You may take many steps to avoid even stealing your catalytic converter. It is preferable to park your car in a well-lit garage. For added security, you might buy an alarm or a physical barrier. Etch your license-plate number onto the catalytic converter. 

You might want to look into your state’s local catalytic converter theft laws. In addition, it would be beneficial to get in touch with your local legislators and urge them to place tighter restrictions on the sale of catalytic converters, as just 16 states have implemented these legislative measures.

Does insurance cover theft of a catalytic converter?

The good news is that your policy should cover a stolen catalytic converter if you have full coverage. Are you a victim of a catalytic converter theft? In that case, having comprehensive coverage could mean the difference between filing a claim and paying out of pocket for a replacement, which could cost you more than $2,000.

Are you looking for the best coverage for your car? Way.com can help you save time and money while making the switch.

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Using Way.com for insurance is quick and simple. We will guide you through the tiresome process of evaluating auto insurance rates. So find savings with Way.com, so you don’t lose coverage or your catalytic converter.

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