Do cops care about exhaust?

The vast majority of officers don’t really care, unless it’s exceptionally loud. Those who stop and cite motorists for that violation just really have nothing better to do. A loud exhaust is not legislated in any “unsafe” motor vehicle statute. Most are legislated in “noise” statutes.

What is a legal exhaust?

95 dbA is the legal limit for vehicle exhaust noise in California. Police officers can “exercise their judgment” in determining if your exhaust noise is over the legal limit. Most factory-installed exhaust systems even on powerful sports cars don’t exceed 75 decibels.

What is classed as a modification on a car?

A car modification is classed as any change made to a vehicle that enhances it in some way and isn’t part of the original manufacturer’s specification. The most common modifications made to cars include louder exhausts, tinted windows, neon lights, and enhanced sound systems.

Is a resonator delete illegal?

Yes, you cannot remove something from the exhaust, whether you get pinged on it or not is a different question entirely. Technically you may be able to argue that the emissions have not been efected and the sound doesn’t exceed the perscribed levels, but AFAIK you can’t remove things.

Is it illegal to not have a muffler on a car?

Yes! Absolutely correct, excessive noise in itself is an offence as it is considered sound pollution under environmental protection legislation. Also under road usage and transport legislation a vehicle without an effective exhaust system (including muffler) is unroadworthy, therefor it is effectively uninsured.

What is the muffler law in New York?

The muffler law says a driver is violating it when a vehicle has no muffler, an exhaust system that isn’t preventing excessive noise or it has a “cut-out” designed to bypass the muffler to provide more power.

How much does a California exhaust noise law violation cost?

You can only take it to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to get your car’s exhaust noise level checked after you get the ticket, and that trip will cost you $108. Once you have the certificate of compliance, you can have the fine waved. In our opinion, $1,000, and certainly $1,105, is way too steep of a fine for breaking a noise law.

Are loud exhausts covered by code?

A loud exhaust may be covered by “faulty equipment” or “excessive noise” sections of the local code. Some jurisdictions have environmental legislation that may be applied to a loud exhaust if the noise results from a leaking system.