i would LOVE it if someone knew where to look for new york specific laws / regulations
first 2 links are obviously from Cali, but we all know that cali is the strictest state inthe union
http://content.sema.org/content/?id=8132
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair reports that about 90% of the approximately 3,000 vehicles that have undergone the state’s exhaust-noise test have been certified to be in compliance with California law. The program is the result of a SAN-sponsored law that allows California hobbyists to prove their vehicles comply with state noise standards.
“For years, the enforcement policy used by police officers has deemed nearly all exhaust system modifications illegal, even where the noise levels met state standards.”
http://www.vfaq.com/BADSM/CHP-Exhaust.html
The only drivers who should be cited are those whose vehicles:
- are not equipped with a muffler;
- clearly emit an offensive, harsh, excessive noise, or;
- have a clearly defective exhaust system (holes, leaks, etc.);
Q2 Aren’t all exhaust system modifications prohibited?
No. Section 27151 VC prohibits the modification of the exhaust system to amplify or increase the noise emitted by the vehicle, making the vehicle not in compliance with Section 27150 VC or exceeding the noise limits established Sections 27201-27206 VC. Sectlon 27151 VC does not prohibit all modifications to an exhaust system. It also does not prohibit all modifications that increase the noise level of the exhaust system over that of the original, factory-installed exhaust system (as it did until 1980). It only prohibits modificatlons that result in a noise level higher than those specified in Sections 27201-27206 VC.
Q4 Does an aftermarket, replacement or modified tailpipe or muffler tip constitute a violation of Section 27151 VC?
No. Section 27151 VC prohibits the modification of exhaust systems to amplify or increase noise. The officer would have to establish that the modification increased the noise emitted by the vehicle by listening to the exhaust. In general, exhaust system piping, tubing, fittings, cosmetic tips or other passive devices placed behind the muffler have minimal impact on exhaust system sound levels.
Q7 What are the noise levels specified in Sections 27201-27206 VC? Can these be used to cite loud vehicles?
No. Section 27200 VC prohibits the sale of new motor vehicles that exceed the noise limits specified in these Sections. The specified noise limits (80 dB(A) (decibels)) for all new cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles apply only to new motor vehicles, under full throttle acceleration tests, measured 50 feet from the test vehicle, as specified in Sections 1040-1044, 1046 and 1047, Title 13, California Code of Regulations (13 CCR). These noise levels and the specified test methods apply to manufacturers and new car dealers only, for new vehicle certification purposes, and may not be used for enforcement purposes against vehicles being operated on public roadways. The CHP is not aware of any significant violation of Section 27200 VC by vehicle manufacturers or dealers.
Q9 What is the exhaust noise test specified in13 CCR? Can this be used for enforcement?
Sections 1030-1036, 13 CCR, were intended to be used by Licensed Muffler Certification Stations as a means of determining if an exhaust system met the requirements of the Muffler Certification Program (when those programs were operational). They specify testing procedures for motor vehicles exhaust noise alone (as opposed to total vehicle noise). This procedure specifies a limit of 95 dB(A) measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe outlet with the engine operating in neutral, typically at a speed of 3000-5000 rpm. (For comparison, a modern rotary lawn mower with a 5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine typically emits approximately 93 dB(A) at the same distance at full speed under no load.) It applies only to passenger vehicles. It does not apply to motorcycles or to vehicles over 6000 pounds gross weight.
http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/newyork.htm
NPC Law Library: city of New York Noise Ordinance
b)Where a motor vehicle is operated in a place other than a public highway, the sound levels in column I shall be measured by a sound level meter placed at a distance of fifty feet plus or minus two feet from the center line of the rear face of such vehicle where such vehicle is idling or is traveling within the speed limits specified in this section; the sound levels listed in column II shall be measured by a sound level meter placed at a distance of twenty five feet plus or minus two feet from the center line of the rear face of such vehicle when such vehicle is idling or is traveling within the speed limits specified in this section.
