Modified Exhaust CA

[mattp_65]

Hey tuners,
Sorry If I posted in the wrong area, but In the end of November I got pulled over over modified Exhaust at 2:00am going to kinkos to print out school papers for a presentation the next day. So I told the cop that it is below the 95 dB mark but I didn't have the proof on me and he said that it doesn't matter it only matters that it is modified. And I was wondering if this is true or was the cop messing with my head. Did they change the law or something? I have the paper that says the exhaust has met the CA requirements of the 95 dB but this was back in 1998. Can I use this to get a cop to signed this off because I dont have the OEM exhaust and/or the time to install another exhaust with school starting again. So what should I do you guys... I tried searching everywhere to see if the law changed. Thanks in Advance

 

[The_EE]

"Nots" for the Hots

Illegal equipment most often cited by the CHP:

Loud car stereo.

Illegal if heard more than 50 feet from the vehicle
(27007 VC).

Lack of front and rear DMV-issued license plates
(5200 VC).

Radar jammers.

Radar detectors are legal, but jammers, or any device which interferes with radar signals, are illegal (28150 VC).

Illegal...

* Lowered frame (or any other part) that is lower than the lowest point of the wheel rim (24008 VC).
* Air and hydraulic suspension systems that are operated unsafely or with the vehicle lower than allowed (24002, 24008 VC).
* Tinting the front side windows and the windshield (except for a narrow band at the top of the windshield). Windows behind the driver's head may be tinted. If rear window is tinted, right-side mirror is required (26708 VC).
* Lack of white rear license plate light (24601 VC). It must illuminate the license plate, not project light behind the vehicle.
* Missing front and/or rear bumpers (28071 VC).

Illegal engine modifications. Most are illegal due to smog (27156 VC). See Air Resources Board web site for more info and list of parts that are legal.

* Blue and yellow headlights. Headlights must be white - blue and yellow are illegal (24011 VC). Look for the DOT symbol on the bulb and package.
* Headlights brighter or higher wattage than those from the factory. You may be able to see better, but the lights are illegal (24011 VC).
* Tail lights other than red (24600 VC).
* Illegal brake lights. Brake lights on vehicles newer than 1979 must be red (24603 VC). (Vehicles older than 1979 may be red or yellow.)
* Lack of rear reflectors. Two red reflectors are required on the rear of cars and trucks (24607 VC).
* Incorrect color of turn signal. It must be white or yellow to the front, red or yellow to the rear (24953 VC).
* Red lights to the front. They are illegal except on emergency vehicles (24003 VC).
* Tail lights that incorporate a bulb with a red tint or coating. In general, custom tail lights that incorporate a clear outer shell and red inner lens are legal (24011 VC). If they don't incorporate reflectors, they must be added to the vehicle (24607 VC).
* Tail lights that are too dim, washed out or show yellow, white or other colors (24600 VC).
* Illegal color of side marker lights. If present, must be yellow in the front and red in the rear (25106, 24003 VC).
* Driving with just parking lights on (24800 VC). Vehicles that have factory-installed automatic daytime running lights must meet federal requirements and are legal.
* Illegal decorative lights (24003 VC). All flashing decorative lights are illegal (25250 VC).
* Illegal windshield washer nozzle lights. Only white or yellow are allowed. (25106 VC, 24003 VC).
* Lights attached to tire valves (24003, 25250 VC).
* Lighted license plate frames (unless red) (24003 VC).
* Illegal lights, whether or not they are operating. It is illegal just to have them on the vehicle (24003 VC).
Excessively noisy exhaust systems and mufflers (27150, 27151 VC). Many aftermarket exhaust systems and parts are illegal. Look for parts that meet California law. If it doesn't say it meets the law, it probably doesn't.
* Exhaust systems which meet smog requirements but are still too loud. Exhaust equipment that states it is, "Legal in all 50 states," refers to smog, not noise.
* Note: New law (27150.2 VC) does not require law enforcement to use sound level meters to test for excessive noise. Citation is based on officer's judgment. Cited violators may have testing done at smog referee stations or may be directed by the court to have testing done. Vehicles in violation must be brought into compliance. A fine may also be imposed.

California EXHAUST NOISE TESTING PROGRAM Open for Business

WASHINGTON (August 22, 2003) -- The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) announced that it has begun operation of the state's motor vehicle exhaust noise testing program. The program, the product of a SEMA-sponsored law, will equip California automobile hobbyists to fight unfair exhaust noise citations issued by state law enforcement officers.

Motorists can now prove their vehicles comply with state noise standards.

The law also allows courts to dismiss citations for exhaust systems that have been tested and for which a certificate of compliance has been issued.

Under the program, approximately 40 Smog Check stations that provide referee functions are performing the test. These referee stations, located across the state, will issue certificates of compliance for vehicles when tests of their exhaust systems demonstrate that they emit no more than 95 decibels, under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169 (May 1998). However, only those vehicles that have received a citation for an exhaust noise violation will be permitted to submit their vehicle for the test.

Later this year, BAR will issue a regulation to provide for the cost to consumers for performing the test. Tests performed prior to the official establishment of the testing fee will be performed at no cost to consumers.

According to BAR officials, to have a cited vehicle tested at a state referee center, motorists must make an appointment by calling the Referee Scheduling Center at 800/622-7733. Cited motorists should have the citation and vehicle registration available when calling.

"The new law forces compliance with an objectively measured standard in a fair and predictable test. Through this procedure, cited motorists who drive vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems can confirm that those vehicles comply with California's exhaust noise standards," said SEMA Senior Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For years, the enforcement policy used by police officers deemed nearly all exhaust system modifications illegal, even where the noise levels were not excessive or unusual. That policy left exhaust system manufacturers, dealers and their customers without recourse."

"Motorists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and performance prefer aftermarket exhaust systems," McDonald added. "By establishing this evenhanded testing process, this program should serve to benefit consumers who favor these state-of-the-art products, the aftermarket industry which markets them, and even police officers who are charged with enforcing the law."

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has 5,222 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 19, 2002) - Thanks to a new SEMA-sponsored law, California automobile hobbyists are now better equipped to fight unfair exhaust noise citations issued by state law enforcement officers. Legislation recently signed into law by Governor Gray Davis to provide for a statewide exhaust noise testing program will allow motorists to prove they comply with state noise standards.

The new law requires smog check stations that provide referee functions to perform the test. These referee stations will issue certificates of compliance for vehicles when tests of their exhaust systems demonstrate that they emit no more than 95-decibels, under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169. Only those vehicles that have received a citation for an exhaust noise violation will be permitted to submit their vehicle for the test.

The law also allows courts to dismiss citations for exhaust systems that have been tested and for which a certificate of compliance has been issued. Fees charged to motorists for the certificates of compliance will pay for the testing program.

"The new law forces compliance with an objectively measured standard in a fair and predictable test. Through this procedure, motorists who drive vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems can confirm that they comply with California's exhaust noise standards," said SEMA Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For years, the enforcement policy used by police officers deemed nearly all exhaust system modifications illegal, even where the noise levels were not excessive or unusual. That policy left exhaust system manufacturers, dealers and their customers without recourse."

Last year, Governor Davis signed into law another SEMA-sponsored bill to compel law enforcement officials to tie exhaust system noise citations to the 95-decibel limit and to make clear that aftermarket modified exhaust systems are legal if they comply with the standard. However, exhaust noise citations were still primarily prosecuted solely based on the officer's subjective judgment. The new law should go far toward improving motorists' odds of beating the ticket in court.

"Motorists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and performance prefer aftermarket exhaust systems," McDonald added. "By establishing this evenhanded testing process, this law will serve to benefit consumers who favor these state-of-the-art products, the aftermarket industry which markets them and even police officers who are charged with enforcing the law."

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $26 billion specialty automotive industry. The trade association has approximately 4,500 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles.

For more information, contact
SEMA
1575 S. Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA. 91765-3914
call 909 396 0289 or
visit http://www.sema.org or http://www.enjoythedrive.com

 

[Defiant]

You'll probably have to go to court and show the judge that paper. He may want you to get re-tested, as mufflers tend to get louder with age.
I don't think a loud muffler can be signed-off, but call the local CHP office and ask the watch officer.
I'll try to remember to ask at work today. It will probably depend on what VC section you were cited under.

 

[mattp_65]

You'll probably have to go to court and show the judge that paper. He may want you to get re-tested, as mufflers tend to get louder with age.
I don't think a loud muffler can be signed-off, but call the local CHP office and ask the watch officer.
I'll try to remember to ask at work today. It will probably depend on what VC section you were cited under.

The VC section is 27151 so I still don't know what to do. Is there a way to sign it off because I really don't want to hassle with this. Thanks for the help.

 

[Defiant]

"

Modification of Exhaust Systems

27151. (a) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is not in compliance with the provisions of Section 27150 or exceeds the noise limits established for the type of vehicle in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200). No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified.

(b) For the purposes of exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dbA or less, when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998, complies with this section. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, nonoriginal exhaust equipment."

Of course, the SAE testing method has to be paid for to read. Nice racket.

Call your CHP office there
RIVERSIDE
8118 Lincoln Ave.
Riverside 92504-4316
951-637-8000
Or, just stop by. They'll advise if you need to go to court. Take your earlier test papers with you. Did they X the "Infraction" box on your ticket?

 

[mattp_65]

"

Modification of Exhaust Systems

27151. (a) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is not in compliance with the provisions of Section 27150 or exceeds the noise limits established for the type of vehicle in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200). No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified.

(b) For the purposes of exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dbA or less, when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998, complies with this section. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, nonoriginal exhaust equipment."

Of course, the SAE testing method has to be paid for to read. Nice racket.

Call your CHP office there
RIVERSIDE
8118 Lincoln Ave.
Riverside 92504-4316
951-637-8000
Or, just stop by. They'll advise if you need to go to court. Take your earlier test papers with you. Did they X the "Infraction" box on your ticket?

There is an X on "traffic" box. And I just looked at my ticket and it said 1995 Mitsubishi Talon. Ok I will probably be do that later this week. thanks alot.

 

[Defiant]

Yeah, crap. From what the guys told me, if that box is checked, it'll have to go before a judge. Which may be better for you, if you have that paper. He won't be walking outside to listen like the cops at the office would.
Call them on the phone and ask. Ask for the watch officer, he's stuck in there answering this and tint questions all day. Oh, and deciphering what the child seat laws are, this week.

 

[mattp_65]

Yeah, crap. From what the guys told me, if that box is checked, it'll have to go before a judge. Which may be better for you, if you have that paper. He won't be walking outside to listen like the cops at the office would.
Call them on the phone and ask. Ask for the watch officer, he's stuck in there answering this and tint questions all day. Oh, and deciphering what the child seat laws are, this week.

Sorry I am confused on what should I do. Should I supoena the officer to go to trial? Also the ticket date is due on the 18th of Jan. Should I make an extension?
THanks For the help

 

[Defiant]

Call the court (that'll be fun, I hope you like voicemail) and set up a court date. The court will take care of subpoenaing the officer. If the officer doesn't show, move for dismissal on the grounds that prosecution has no witness to testify against you. If the judge wants to set a new date for the officer to show, object on the grounds that the judge is showing bias in giving the prosecution time beyond that set for the trial. Take your paper with you and ask the judge to dismiss the ticket, and go from there. He may want you to re-test (since that cert is nine years old), and he'd better know where you can get that done.

 

[c5chris]

Call the court (that'll be fun, I hope you like voicemail) and set up a court date. The court will take care of subpoenaing the officer. If the officer doesn't show, move for dismissal on the grounds that prosecution has no witness to testify against you. If the judge wants to set a new date for the officer to show, object on the grounds that the judge is showing bias in giving the prosecution time beyond that set for the trial. Take your paper with you and ask the judge to dismiss the ticket, and go from there. He may want you to re-test (since that cert is nine years old), and he'd better know where you can get that done.

That's too much work!!!

I would just take the darn exhaust off and put the stocker. I love modifying cars but California is not a conducive state to do it.

Save for an S class AMG Benz and call it a day. Im serious.

 

[eklypse]

Just to add my Lincons:

I work with SDPD and LAPD officers on drill weekends on base. Pretty much, they told me that ANY modification to your exaust system is illegal no matter if you have the sticker or not...BUT in order for them to find out how loud is is is based on how they hear it....so it might not sound like 95db to you, but to them it could be like 200db you know..?

Hell, I've seen cops try to give a Stock Evo 8 AND a 350Z tickets for parts that come with the car from the factory, ..!

 

[laynbdyon20s]

its a fix it ticket, not a ref inspection right? Get it signed off, pay the 10 bucks at the court and your on your way... I know a cool cop that does it all the time "H8VTEC". Hit him up on LADSM.com

 

[mattp_65]

its a fix it ticket, not a ref inspection right? Get it signed off, pay the 10 bucks at the court and your on your way... I know a cool cop that does it all the time "H8VTEC". Hit him up on LADSM.com

Well I made an extension on my court date and it is sometime in March, so hopefully I can get it fixed or fight it.

Also Please PM me this kind of information because this is a public forum and some people may get in trouble.
Thanks for the info

 

[wimploki]

Well I made an extension on my court date and it is sometime in March, so hopefully I can get it fixed or fight it.

Also Please PM me this kind of information because this is a public forum and some people may get in trouble.
Thanks for the info

Very True!

laynbdyon20s - Please think before you reply. This is after all a public forum.

 

[The_EE]

If you dont have your stock exhaust and you need one to borrow, I still have mine. Just hit me up and let me know, its at my friends house.

 

[mattp_65]

If you dont have your stock exhaust and you need one to borrow, I still have mine. Just hit me up and let me know, its at my friends house.

Hey thanks for helping me out, I will probably need to borrow it. But I don't know when yet I know that my court date is on March 19th so sometime before then.

Also is it a fix it ticket? But first I will try if my paper that has less than 95dBs ans show it to a cop and see if he/she can sign it off.
thanks

 

[Eastwood95]

I had a fix it ticket back in 2002 when I lived in Oceanside, CA and drove a stupid honda. I got pulled over and got hit with "modified exhaust" and "tail light not amber". I fixed the taillight, but I couldn't find a stock exhaust to throw in to get it signed off. I ended up having to pay like $450 since I never got it fixed.

 

[mattp_65]

I had a fix it ticket back in 2002 when I lived in Oceanside, CA and drove a stupid honda. I got pulled over and got hit with "modified exhaust" and "tail light not amber". I fixed the taillight, but I couldn't find a stock exhaust to throw in to get it signed off. I ended up having to pay like $450 since I never got it fixed.

Hey Peeps,
I just went to court today about my exhaust and I got it dismissed I went to the referee last friday to get it measured and I received 93.2 db which was to close to call...
Well I just wanted to let you tuners know that an exhaust can be legal if you go to the ref. and pass the test, it is just a hassle to go to court and tell the judge that I passed the sound level test.
Well hit me up with any comments or questions...

 

[eklypse]

whats the legal db limit in Cali?

 

[The_EE]

whats the legal db limit in Cali?

If you had read the second post in the thread ( my post ) you would have known it was 95db's

I know brother, it was a lot of reading.

 

[Defiant]

Good job. I'm sure it's a better State because you're complying.



might even be a bit better if you biff some open-piped Harley out of commission.

Idiot laws.