IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Aftermarket Exhaust in Indiana

Conditional

Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Indiana, 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 Indiana, 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. Indiana exempts vehicles 25 years and older from the state catalytic-converter requirement (IC 9-19-8-0.5), though the federal ban still applies. Lake and Porter counties require emissions testing.

Specific Limits

Cutouts
prohibited
Muffler required
Yes
Catalytic converter
removal prohibited by federal law

Exceptions & Exemptions

Must maintain original equipment catalytic converter or EPA-approved replacement. Muffler required to prevent excessive noise. Sound level must not exceed reasonable limits that could disturb the peace.

Statute

Ind. Code §§ 9-19-8-3, 9-19-8-4

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket exhaust legal in Indiana?
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Indiana, 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.
What are the exact aftermarket exhaust limits in Indiana?
Cutouts: prohibited. Muffler required: Yes. Catalytic converter: removal prohibited by federal law. Source: Ind. Code §§ 9-19-8-3, 9-19-8-4.
Are there exceptions for aftermarket exhaust in Indiana?
Must maintain original equipment catalytic converter or EPA-approved replacement. Muffler required to prevent excessive noise. Sound level must not exceed reasonable limits that could disturb the peace.

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