IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Aftermarket Exhaust in Minnesota

Conditional

Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, 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. Minnesota bans 'sharp popping or crackling' exhaust by name and separately requires pollution-control equipment (§ 169.693). No periodic inspection is required.

Specific Limits

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

Statute

Minn. Stat. §§ 169.69, 169.693

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket exhaust legal in Minnesota?
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Minnesota, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.
What are the exact aftermarket exhaust limits in Minnesota?
Cutouts: prohibited. Muffler required: Yes. Catalytic converter: removal prohibited by federal law. Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 169.69, 169.693.

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