What’s the Penalty for Having Too Loud of an Exhaust?
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver.
Installing a new exhaust system is one of the most common vehicle modifications. It’s a great way for you to enjoy a more satisfying sound and get a boost in performance from your car. Unfortunately, while you may enjoy the sound of the loudest mufflers, law enforcement doesn’t think the same way. If your exhaust is too loud, you may get stuck with a fix-it ticket or hefty fine.
There’s no universal exhaust noise law in the United States. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding the loudest performance exhaust. Where you live and how you modify your exhaust determines what penalties you may face.
General Rules
While there are no universal laws regarding exhaust, there are some guidelines that you should follow no matter where you live. Generally speaking, your car needs a muffler and catalytic converters in order to be street legal. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has strict standards regarding any modifications that impact emissions.
No National Standards for Exhaust Noise
When it comes to installing the loudest exhaust systems, it can be difficult to tell when you’ll be in violation of the law. Ultimately, it’s up to you to know your local laws about exhaust noise. Some states prohibit any modification that causes the muffler to make more noise than the stock system, while other states are lenient and objective when it comes to measuring noise.
Strict States
Certain state laws make no mistake about exhaust modifications. Some states in which any louder exhaust modifications are prohibited include Florida, New York, Washington, Idaho, Oklahoma, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Some punishments in these states are pretty harsh. For example, having a loud exhaust in New York is punishable by up to 30 days of imprisonment and a fine of $150. The fine in Colorado is $500.
New California Restrictions
One new law that is getting a lot of buzz in the car community is in California. California has never been too friendly when it comes to an aftermarket exhaust, but the penalties were usually fix-it tickets in the past. As of January 1, 2019, the cops are now punishing Californians with exhaust noise violations with immediate fines. The fee can total $1,105.
In California, the noise limit is 95 decibels. One of the best ways for California drivers to avoid getting fined is by ensuring any modified exhaust they have has an Executive Order number from the California Air Resources Board. This stamp of approval from CARB on an exhaust system is usually an effective way to pass smog checks and avoid exhaust fines.
Local Ordinances
Your state law isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to your loud exhaust. Many towns, cities, and counties have their own rules that govern noise. It’s best to look up if there are any local rules you need to abide by, or else you may get a neighbor calling the cops over a noise complaint.
With no hard line rule regarding exhaust, it can be difficult to know if your aftermarket system will land you with a penalty or not. But as long as you do your research, you can modify your car properly without breaking laws.