So, finally after seven months I took my car out of the storage . I mounted Temporary plates and took her for an evening ride around and to get fresh gas. I didn’t even managed to warm her up when Police stopped me. Fifteen minutes later - after my lights, plates, horn etc. were checked, I ended up with two tickets:
“Improper Muffler” ($85)
“Operate Light Vehicle - Does Not Exceed 4.500kg From Which Visible Emission”($365).
I have an exhaust that looks like HKS Hi-Power with big, cannon like muffler, stock Cat Converter and big resonator. Believe it or not but it is a quiet system.
There might have been visible smoke after the traffic light where I was stopped but I’m sure it was not from my car. There were many other cars taking of that intersection. I did not wanted to discuss that tickets with Policeman.
The next morning (12 hours after getting tickets), without changing anything I took my car for Emission Test and passed with flying colors - everything at half the limits.
I drove this car like that for last 7 years and never had problem with the Police.
I bought it certified from the dealer. My car always passed emissions and even got another certificate 10 months ago when my new Insurance Company asked me for it by mistake.
What is the definition of proper muffler in Ontario now?
What is the best way to deal with these tickets and what should I do before I go to Court?
I have the same HKS exhaust. Although I don’t know the appeals process where you live I’d do the Canadian version of pleading “not guilty” and take the paperwork showing emissions, etc. being fine. “Visible emission” is a joke.
Well, just be glad you don’t live in Quebec. I hear they’re getting super crazy up up there.
What should I bring for " Improper muffler" ticket and where can I get some kind of valid document to use in the Court?
Is there some place in Ontario that measure loudness and issue some kind of certificate that my muffler is proper, and what is the legal definition of “Proper muffler” anyway?
i wouldnt worry about that ticket, use your emissions test to support that your exhaust is compliant in order to get away from that $365 ticket…
the cop has to meet his quota to prove he was doing his job but the court wont care about that… you need to be respectful… this is largely relationship based not word of law based.
Like bing said just go and be respectful in court. Before every court case like this proceeds, the prosecutor will take you aside before you go up to proceed your case and they will give you an offer like condition. Wether it be to drop one and pay the other, or a lesser charge. Either way, improper muffler is very odd but there is many subsections in the HTA that you can fight, like noise, smoking, and the actual purpose of a muffler. Tickets like these, as well as the stupid HID tickets, are all officer discretion.