Catalytic Converter laws
06-08-2009, 02:42 PM
#1
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Catalytic Converter laws
Ok, I know legally you have to run a Catalytic converter, but is it a felony to not have one after a certain year or does it very state to state?
The discussion came up in class today and I think it is a felony but I'm not sure and I cant find the exact law stating that it would be classed as one.
If you could provide clear documentation in a link that would be great.
Or if you are Smokeybear and can give me the straight truth that would be awesome as well.
The discussion came up in class today and I think it is a felony but I'm not sure and I cant find the exact law stating that it would be classed as one.
If you could provide clear documentation in a link that would be great.
Or if you are Smokeybear and can give me the straight truth that would be awesome as well.
06-08-2009, 02:46 PM
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
im pretty sure its a felony offense.
And old cars ( muscle cars) didnt even come with cats from the factory, so im sure those are grandfathered in.
newer cars, i dont know. i know its illegal but not sure HOW illegal it is...
And old cars ( muscle cars) didnt even come with cats from the factory, so im sure those are grandfathered in.
newer cars, i dont know. i know its illegal but not sure HOW illegal it is...
06-08-2009, 03:04 PM
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
It's a federal law designed to punish mechanics who knowingly remove or disable (tamper) with an emissions control. The fine is $25,000 per offense. It's not really clear what the punishment is for an individual who does it to their own vehicle.
Violations.-Any person who violates sections 203(a)(1), 203(a)(4), or 203(a)(5) or any
manufacturer or dealer who violates section 203(a)(3)(A) shall be subject to a civil penalty of
not more than $25,000. Any person other than a manufacture or dealer who violates section
203(a)(3)(A) or any person who violates section 203(a)(3)(B) shall be subject to a civil penalty
of not more than $2,500. Any such violation with respect to paragraph (1), (3)(A) , or (4) of
section 203(a) shall constitute a separate offense with respect to each motor vehicle or motor
vehicle engine. Any such violation with respect to section 203(a)(3)(B) shall constitute a
separate offense with respect to each part or component. Any person who violates section
203(a)(2) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per day of violation.
manufacturer or dealer who violates section 203(a)(3)(A) shall be subject to a civil penalty of
not more than $25,000. Any person other than a manufacture or dealer who violates section
203(a)(3)(A) or any person who violates section 203(a)(3)(B) shall be subject to a civil penalty
of not more than $2,500. Any such violation with respect to paragraph (1), (3)(A) , or (4) of
section 203(a) shall constitute a separate offense with respect to each motor vehicle or motor
vehicle engine. Any such violation with respect to section 203(a)(3)(B) shall constitute a
separate offense with respect to each part or component. Any person who violates section
203(a)(2) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per day of violation.
06-08-2009, 03:07 PM
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
Here is a link to the law page. Doesnt say anything about fine or penalty though.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1048
Also while searching around I found that in Fairfax county it is only a $93 dollar fine.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1048
Also while searching around I found that in Fairfax county it is only a $93 dollar fine.
06-08-2009, 03:14 PM
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
Laws about converters are not based on state law... EPA regulates them.
This pertains to removal.
Laws about converters are not based on state law... EPA regulates them.
This pertains to removal.
First, it is a violation of Federal law because it is likely to increase the amount of pollution
coming out of the vehicle. Penalties for violations by individuals, service or repair shops or fleet
operators are up to $2,500 per violation. (Each improper installation is considered a violation.) New
car dealers can be penalized up to $25,000 per violation. Any person who causes a violation could
be subject to the same penalty as the installer.
coming out of the vehicle. Penalties for violations by individuals, service or repair shops or fleet
operators are up to $2,500 per violation. (Each improper installation is considered a violation.) New
car dealers can be penalized up to $25,000 per violation. Any person who causes a violation could
be subject to the same penalty as the installer.
06-08-2009, 03:18 PM
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
That is for dealers, non-dealers is 2500. In 1990 the clean air act was amended to have no distinction between a person and a shop.
06-08-2009, 05:10 PM
#10
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Re: Catalytic Converter laws
Here is a link to the law page. Doesnt say anything about fine or penalty though.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1048
Also while searching around I found that in Fairfax county it is only a $93 dollar fine.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1048
Also while searching around I found that in Fairfax county it is only a $93 dollar fine.
Generally speaking the lack of a cat will put you at risk for a basic exhaust violation. There are two that are used, one specifically for a gutted exhaust ( straight pipes) and one generically used base on the noise and not being OME equipment. The latter is used most often, and carries the same penalty as any other equipment violation.
Now, the inspection sticker provides another obstacle. The link above has that covered. If you live in NOVA, the lack of a cat will fail the visual emissions inspection.