Aftermarket Exhaust in Arkansas
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Arkansas, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited. Modifications that make the exhaust louder than the originally installed muffler are prohibited.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Arkansas, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited. Modifications that make the exhaust louder than the originally installed muffler are prohibited. Removing the catalytic converter is prohibited by federal law (Clean Air Act § 203) regardless of state rules. Arkansas is stricter than most: the muffler must be factory-installed or duplicate factory specifications, and selling louder devices is banned alongside using them.
Specific Limits
- Cutouts
- prohibited
- Muffler required
- Yes
- Catalytic converter
- removal prohibited by federal law
Exceptions & Exemptions
Must maintain original equipment catalytic converter and muffler system. Exhaust noise must not exceed reasonable levels. Cutouts, bypasses, and straight pipes are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aftermarket exhaust legal in Arkansas?
What are the exact aftermarket exhaust limits in Arkansas?
Are there exceptions for aftermarket exhaust in Arkansas?
Street-legal aftermarket exhaust picks
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