Smog isn't a requirement in a vast majority of US counties, and even in the ones where it is required, finding a shop that will pass you for it even without a c

Smog isn't a requirement in a vast majority of US counties, and even in the ones where it is required, finding a shop that will pass you for it even without a catalytic converter is fairly trivial. Further, I've never heard of anyone getting ticketed outside of California for having smog noncompliance.