Over the past several years, the sound of cars and trucks has become a major concern for many Americans, and a new law aimed at reducing noise levels in vehicles has been introduced in over a dozen states. The legislation was initiated in response to complaints from constituents who have been harmed by noisy vehicles. However, the proposed legislation was killed by the SEMA Government Affairs staff before it could become law.
New York’s exhaust noise laws
The new law against loud exhaust noise has been passed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Drivers who violate the law could be hit with up to a $1,000 fine. This is the highest fine in the country. The law is part of an effort to curb illegal racing in the state.
The new law prohibits the sale and installation of bypass devices and cutout devices. Shops violating the law will lose their operating certification. Advocates of the law point to improvements in noise levels on busy highways and city streets. Supporters say the noise issue affects public safety and quality of life.
If a car’s exhaust sounds too loud to be heard over a 150-foot distance, the police can ticket the driver. In California, however, the maximum exhaust noise level is 95 decibels.
Modifications to mufflers to make them louder
There are many people who have made modifications to their car exhaust systems to make them louder. Some people do it for a few reasons. Some do it for personal satisfaction, while others do it to make money. But the fact is that most people who make such modifications are not breaking the law. If you have the money and are willing to put the effort into modifying your car’s exhaust system, you can make it as loud as you want.
Although the laws against loud exhaust systems and modifications to mufflers are vague, there is still a lot of gray area. It’s a good idea to take your time and do your research. It doesn’t hurt to get a professional opinion. The first thing you should do is check with your local police department. There may be a violation in your area, and it could cost you thousands of dollars.
While modifying your muffler is not illegal, it’s important to remember that you’re still breaking the law if you remove it from your car. While it may not seem to be illegal in most places, removing the muffler from your car is still considered illegal in Washington state. Additionally, getting caught without a muffler can result in suspension of your smog certification.
Enforcement
While most people in the city don’t consider loud cars a crime, they are still an annoyance for their neighbors. In response, New York City has implemented new laws to punish excessively noisy cars, including using roadside sound meters and cameras to identify the loudest cars. But some residents are worried about these new laws, and many say the enforcement efforts are misguided.
Despite this, a recent Department of Environmental Protection notice has highlighted the problem of overly loud cars. A notice sent to the owner of a BMW M3 informs him that the car is in violation of the noise law. He must bring the car to the department to get a hearing and face a fine.
In addition to the state noise law, many localities also have ordinances on loud cars. But in practice, enforcement is rarely enforced, since officers rarely carry decibel meters and have to rely on other criteria to determine whether a vehicle is noisy. Police departments are chronically understaffed, and enforcement of noise complaints is low on their list of priorities.
Fines for violators
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a bill increasing the fines for violators of loud car laws. The new law aims to deter the installation of loud exhaust systems and is intended to reduce the illegal racing culture in the state. Under the new law, violators can face fines of up to $1000. In addition to cars, the law also covers motorcycles and trucks.
Currently, fines for violating loud car laws range from $114 to $116, and the tickets do not carry points on a driver’s license. In addition, cops have discretion when it comes to issuing tickets, and may issue them if they can hear the music from closer distances, such as near a school or hospital. While it is still a question of whether cops will use decibel meters, it is a good practice to have one on hand if you’re caught playing loud music.
The new legislation is a pilot program that runs from September 2018 until June 2022. It does not affect the existing state SLEEP Act, which regulates noise pollution and changes motorcycle engines. The new law also imposes higher fines for motorcycles and other vehicles with loud exhaust systems.
