San Francisco Business Daily

If my car is smog exempt, can I take off the Catylitic Converters?

My car is a 1975 chevy which is smog exempt. Does this mean I can take off the catylitic converters? I am located in california. Why would I need to pass any inspection if I am smog exempt. Does smog exempt just mean they wont test my emissions, but will still check the visual. The only thing I am thinking I would have to worry about is the noise level.

Public Comments

1. i would say yes but just to be safe i would ask the local shops or police department.
2. yep
3. Yes, you have a smog except car which means those cat's can come off. I believe any car 20 years or older is considered a classic and is exempt from current smog regulations.
4. No, you must have the catylitic converter on the vehicle. I don't know what state you are from, but I think its a federal law, that you must leave or put them back on. On the inspection sheet, there is a visual column, that the mechanic must check, saying that it is there, along with other emission components for the smog controls. Where the emission testing is required, they check the emissions coming out of the vehicle, and they must meet emission standards. I live in Northeast Pa, and in our area, we are not required yet, to pass the emissions test, but the original emission equipment must still be in place.
5. It will depend on where you are but in On., it is illegal to remove any emission device that was on the vehicle when it left the factory.