IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Aftermarket Exhaust in Missouri

Conditional

Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Missouri, 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 Missouri, 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. Exhaust openings must remain closed. Only the St. Louis area requires emissions inspection.

Specific Limits

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

Exceptions & Exemptions

Must not exceed noise limits, muffler required, catalytic converter tampering prohibited under federal law, cutouts and bypasses not allowed

Statute

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 307.170.2

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket exhaust legal in Missouri?
Replacing the exhaust system is legal in Missouri, but a muffler in good working order is required and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.
What are the exact aftermarket exhaust limits in Missouri?
Cutouts: prohibited. Muffler required: Yes. Catalytic converter: removal prohibited by federal law. Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 307.170.2.
Are there exceptions for aftermarket exhaust in Missouri?
Must not exceed noise limits, muffler required, catalytic converter tampering prohibited under federal law, cutouts and bypasses not allowed

Street-legal aftermarket exhaust picks

Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Missouri.

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