What year model vehicles require a catalytic converter?

The requirement for vehicles to have a catalytic converter is based on emissions regulations that were established to decrease harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that all gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured after a certain year must be equipped with a catalytic converter to aid in the conversion of exhaust gases.

Specifically, vehicles manufactured in 1981 were eligible for the inclusion of catalytic converters, but they became a standard requirement for all automobiles by the year 1984. This standardization was essential to help meet the stringent emissions standards set during the early '80s, as concerns about air quality became increasingly prominent. Starting from this model year, all new vehicles produced were required to be equipped with catalytic converters, leading to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions.

Understanding this timeline is essential for anyone involved in vehicle safety inspections, as it helps identify which vehicles must comply with specific emissions control requirements.