IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Aftermarket Exhaust in Louisiana

Conditional

Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Louisiana, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Louisiana, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited. Removing the catalytic converter is prohibited by federal law (Clean Air Act § 203) regardless of state rules. Excessive fumes and smoke are separately prohibited. Louisiana's annual safety inspection includes the exhaust.

Specific Limits

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

Statute

La. R.S. 32:352

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket exhaust legal in Louisiana?
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Louisiana, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.
What are the exact aftermarket exhaust limits in Louisiana?
Cutouts: prohibited. Muffler required: Yes. Catalytic converter: removal prohibited by federal law. Source: La. R.S. 32:352.

Street-legal aftermarket exhaust picks

Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Louisiana.

As an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.

Check another modification