New Exhaust Law in California

**AustinK** · 01-09-2019

Originally Posted by cashcorn

^^^ Maybe register in another state?

This is an option that I've researched fairly extensively, to avoid emissions standards and taxes. You can easily register your car in South Dakota via a service like America's Mailbox, and it's apparently common. CHP specifically prohibits this and targets it with a program called Cheaters, so it's not fully legal and clear. Also, CHP tends to apply vehicle laws even to those registered out of state, so this may not exempt the vehicle from the exhaust law. But it would be an interesting route to explore, especially for a weekend/pleasure car (since part of the Cheaters law is effectively enforced by how often the vehicle is driven and spotted by CHP).

Anyone on here done something like this before?

**dave6666** · 01-09-2019

lol we'll all be dead by the time self driving cars impact our lives. At least in the non communist states.

**99RT10** · 01-09-2019

Originally Posted by AustinK

This is an option that I've researched fairly extensively, to avoid emissions standards and taxes. You can easily register your car in South Dakota via a service like America's Mailbox, and it's apparently common. CHP specifically prohibits this and targets it with a program called Cheaters, so it's not fully legal and clear. Also, CHP tends to apply vehicle laws even to those registered out of state, so this may not exempt the vehicle from the exhaust law. But it would be an interesting route to explore, especially for a weekend/pleasure car (since part of the Cheaters law is effectively enforced by how often the vehicle is driven and spotted by CHP).

Anyone on here done something like this before?

I would like to see them enforce the 2 plate rule. My state issues one plate only and if the rules that govern my state are adhered to, they might be able to ticket, but AL won't enforce it. Plus I would never go back to that Nazi state.

**Coloviper** · 01-11-2019

Most people, cops included rarely see a Viper, let alone hear one. All Viper exhaust is hidden in the sills so hard to visual. Three (3) easy rules here.

1. Remove your fancy polished aftermarket tips and put on factory type tips so it looks stock.
2. Know where and when to open it up, ie step on the gas. It’s not at 2am in a quiet neighborhood nor in a group of idiots.
3. Do not engage in street racing nor the fast and furious crowd BS.

Beyond that running catless was already illegal as an off road option only. Most have been driving around a rolling violation anyway. I believe the law is more for fart cans in the back, stupid whistle exhaust and people running a straight pipe from headers back with no muffler. While police will have more leeway in the wording, if you are not really asking for it, you will not get it. Do 130 in a 60 zone and chances are they are going to find anything and everything to nail you with including a loud exhaust.

Think about it, if the state really cared that much they would check you dB at smog test and fail you if too loud so you could not register. It’s not Vipers they are targeting but the Honda Civic family car with some stupid loud exhaust and street racing.

**nrs1** · 01-11-2019

Originally Posted by 99RT10

You guys that voted dummycrat stay in that screwed up state and take it. We don't need your idiotic voting in the other 49 states. WA, CO and OR are already lost.

Yes...and AZ is turning colors due in part to blues trying to get away from the idiocracy, but bringing their views to our state.

**AustinK** · 01-11-2019

SEMA just published a resource that clears up this law. It contains three notable points:

Exhaust noise level: The 95 dbA level is not new, and it did not change. This has been around since 2003.
Aftermarket exhaust legality: It is perfectly legal to modify and install aftermarket exhaust, so long as it does not exceed the 95 dbA level.
$1,000 fine: There's more to the story. While it looks like the $1,000 fine is possible, it doesn't start there. From SEMA: "According to the Judicial Council of California’s Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules for 2019, the suggested base fine/fee for a first conviction is $25 with a total fee of $193."

I find the "base fine of $25 with a total fee of $193" to be a hilarious example of the shear size, scale, and inefficiency of California's corrupt bureaucracy, but I digress...

Originally Posted by nrs1

Yes...and AZ is turning colors due in part to blues trying to get away from the idiocracy, but bringing their views to our state.

This really frustrates me. People in the Bay Area complain all the time about the cost of living, taxes, barriers to opening and running a company, and limits on personal freedoms here. They rant and rave about how "cheap" and "open" states like Texas are. Then they move there...and vote exactly the same way they did in California.

**JonB ~ PartsRack** · 01-11-2019

The Euro Union has many new noise laws coming, and some aimed at those crappy-sounding, or silent EV and Hybrid Supercars who pipe-in extra decibels of manufactured sound! Several tuners making plug-n-play digital exhaust tracks. My experience was with BMW i-8.

I look for the tactic to hit USA: "We give you tax credits for not polluting CO2, but instead you add decibel pollution!"

Humming Simon/Garfunkle now: "sound of silence"

**Solid Red 98** · 01-15-2019

http://blog.chiltondiymanuals.com/ne...KKp8VwBLHdt2M8

Here is the short version:The internet has been very active recently with rumors of all sorts regarding a change to the way California enforces the excessive exhaust noise laws regarding motor vehicles. Bloggers, YouTube video makers, forum pundits, and social media commentators are all up in arms about the state, California Highway Patrol, and local police forces coming for their mufflers and cat back systems, and slapping them with $1,000 fines. We reached out to anyone and everyone we could find to try to get to the bottom of this for you, including representatives from Borla, Magnaflow, DynaMax, CHP, AAA, SEMA and even a local legislator in West Virginia who helped draft the law that California’s was based on. What follows is what we have found so far, and it will get updated when we know more.

Almost none of the rumors are true. You can still install aftermarket exhaust systems without breaking the law, and if you do get pulled over for your car being loud, contrary to widespread claims, it is not an automatic, mandatory $1,000 fine, and you won’t have to put your car back to 100% stock.

The only law pertaining to exhaust system noise that changed in California on January 1st, 2019, is that now it is a fine and an order to visit a referee station to have the noise level measured. Instead of a fine, before the first of the year, you would pay a filing fee of $25, and get an law enforcement authority to sign off that it had been fixed/quieted.

The law governing what is excessive noise has not changed and dates back to 2003, it is based on a simple test done at idle speed with the car parked. A dB sound meter (you can download an app for your phone) about 20″ away from the exhaust tip, and 45 degrees away from directly behind it, can read no more than 95 dB. This law was written and passed in several states (not just California) with input from SEMA and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to replace a vague law that dated back to the 1970s. SEMA Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald had this to say about it when it passed:
“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. 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.”

quad exhaust tipsUnder the old system, you would be given a “fix-it” ticket based on the whim of the officer issuing the citation. There was no official testing procedure or sound limit that was deemed “quiet enough” by law. If you failed to correct the violation and file the paperwork within 30 days, a “failure to appear” ticket would be issued which carried a fine of hundreds of dollars and a mandatory court appearance.

The law now in place set a standard of 95dB for a car at idle and has been on the books since 2003. This is also the federal DOT standard that motorcycles have been required to pass for decades. If you do get a ticket you are directed to take your car to a “referee station” to perform the sound test and give you a certificate of compliance. The certificate, filed with the court, will negate the citation, and it is not a moving violation so there are no points involved. It is assumed that if you test and do not meet the noise limit you will have to pay the fine, but it is not known if you can pay the fine and not fix the noise violation.

The fines start as low as $25 and can run to nearly $200, not including the fee you would pay the referee station to test your car for compliance.

We downloaded a free dB sound meter for an Android smartphone and tested the loudest car we had on hand, a Camaro ZL-1 with aftermarket system. The fifth generation Camaro registered well below the legal limit at idle (81dB), and even when revved to a reasonable degree was well within compliance (89dB). If you wish to test your car, download an app and follow this procedure.

**harley56** · 01-15-2019

Originally Posted by Solid Red 98

http://blog.chiltondiymanuals.com/ne...KKp8VwBLHdt2M8

Here is the short version:The internet has been very active recently with rumors of all sorts regarding a change to the way California enforces the excessive exhaust noise laws regarding motor vehicles. Bloggers, YouTube video makers, forum pundits, and social media commentators are all up in arms about the state, California Highway Patrol, and local police forces coming for their mufflers and cat back systems, and slapping them with $1,000 fines. We reached out to anyone and everyone we could find to try to get to the bottom of this for you, including representatives from Borla, Magnaflow, DynaMax, CHP, AAA, SEMA and even a local legislator in West Virginia who helped draft the law that California’s was based on. What follows is what we have found so far, and it will get updated when we know more.

Almost none of the rumors are true. You can still install aftermarket exhaust systems without breaking the law, and if you do get pulled over for your car being loud, contrary to widespread claims, it is not an automatic, mandatory $1,000 fine, and you won’t have to put your car back to 100% stock.

The only law pertaining to exhaust system noise that changed in California on January 1st, 2019, is that now it is a fine and an order to visit a referee station to have the noise level measured. Instead of a fine, before the first of the year, you would pay a filing fee of $25, and get an law enforcement authority to sign off that it had been fixed/quieted.

The law governing what is excessive noise has not changed and dates back to 2003, it is based on a simple test done at idle speed with the car parked. A dB sound meter (you can download an app for your phone) about 20″ away from the exhaust tip, and 45 degrees away from directly behind it, can read no more than 95 dB. This law was written and passed in several states (not just California) with input from SEMA and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to replace a vague law that dated back to the 1970s. SEMA Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald had this to say about it when it passed:
“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. 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.”

quad exhaust tipsUnder the old system, you would be given a “fix-it” ticket based on the whim of the officer issuing the citation. There was no official testing procedure or sound limit that was deemed “quiet enough” by law. If you failed to correct the violation and file the paperwork within 30 days, a “failure to appear” ticket would be issued which carried a fine of hundreds of dollars and a mandatory court appearance.

The law now in place set a standard of 95dB for a car at idle and has been on the books since 2003. This is also the federal DOT standard that motorcycles have been required to pass for decades. If you do get a ticket you are directed to take your car to a “referee station” to perform the sound test and give you a certificate of compliance. The certificate, filed with the court, will negate the citation, and it is not a moving violation so there are no points involved. It is assumed that if you test and do not meet the noise limit you will have to pay the fine, but it is not known if you can pay the fine and not fix the noise violation.

The fines start as low as $25 and can run to nearly $200, not including the fee you would pay the referee station to test your car for compliance.

We downloaded a free dB sound meter for an Android smartphone and tested the loudest car we had on hand, a Camaro ZL-1 with aftermarket system. The fifth generation Camaro registered well below the legal limit at idle (81dB), and even when revved to a reasonable degree was well within compliance (89dB). If you wish to test your car, download an app and follow this procedure.

Thank You - Well said, and accurate.

**v10viperbox** · 01-15-2019

I am would be amazed if anyone actually got grief over this from a cop. Mine is 121-127 dB at 5 foot away and the cops give me thumbs up. With a end cap silencer it would be in the low 100's. But I don't drive like a lunatic on the street.

If you saw what they were dealing with up in LA you would understand they are actually going after the take over events. It is stop and frisk if it is anything but they legalized it.

**Trick** · 01-18-2019

Originally Posted by AustinK

This is an option that I've researched fairly extensively, to avoid emissions standards and taxes. You can easily register your car in South Dakota via a service like America's Mailbox, and it's apparently common. CHP specifically prohibits this and targets it with a program called Cheaters, so it's not fully legal and clear. Also, CHP tends to apply vehicle laws even to those registered out of state, so this may not exempt the vehicle from the exhaust law. But it would be an interesting route to explore, especially for a weekend/pleasure car (since part of the Cheaters law is effectively enforced by how often the vehicle is driven and spotted by CHP).

Anyone on here done something like this before?

I do it in Montana for a fee

**GTS Dean** · 01-18-2019

Originally Posted by BLRDViper

If you need to have a ground shaking window rattling exhaust system then you will be the one that forces the change in the laws.

My 383 Challenger R/T was awesome back in the 80's! It had good mufflers, but didn't have resonators. With the Holley's idle jets adjusted optimally, it would vibrate the crap out of the windows in my college apartment complex as I slowly and carefully idled through.

**drewsss** · 01-18-2019

Originally Posted by 99RT10

Maybe not all, but willing to bet most are. Hope it bite those that are in the ass............. hard.

Nah. Most aren’t, actually.

I’ll take my fine toasty state, even with a few dummycraps, over that far western state of fruits, nuts and flakes, any day of the week.

**Solid Red 98** · 01-20-2019

Originally Posted by drewsss

Nah. Most aren’t, actually.

I’ll take my fine toasty state, even with a few dummycraps, over that far western state of fruits, nuts and flakes, any day of the week.

Excellent! One less person crowding things. I wish more felt this way. lol

**drewsss** · 01-20-2019

Originally Posted by Solid Red 98

Excellent! One less person crowding things. I wish more felt this way. lol

You are most welcome. We still plan to come over during the summer and pay those inflated gas prices, unnecessary tolls and litter your beach, but then return back home to sanity. Thanks for the hospitality, my friend. LOL.

**Solid Red 98** · 01-20-2019

Originally Posted by drewsss

You are most welcome. We still plan to come over during the summer and pay those inflated gas prices, unnecessary tolls and litter your beach, but then return back home to sanity. Thanks for the hospitality, my friend. LOL.

Don't mention it. Understandable that you can't stay away. I'll be rolling through Arizona's endless hectares of desiccated "kitty litter" in the Spring, and will return the favor, assuming I can find a worthy beach in the land of the locked. Looking forward to the same "hospitality." LOL

**drewsss** · 01-21-2019

Originally Posted by Solid Red 98

Don't mention it. Understandable that you can't stay away. I'll be rolling through Arizona's endless hectares of desiccated "kitty litter" in the Spring, and will return the favor, assuming I can find a worthy beach in the land of the locked. Looking forward to the same "hospitality." LOL

Come on by anytime.

While you’re here enjoying our beautiful spring weather, lifting a pinkie at one of our fine coffee shops, and enjoying a nice, regulation-free, gun-law free environment, check out an actual VOA membership. LOL.

**Bryan Savage** · 01-21-2019

Originally Posted by drewsss

come on by anytime.

While you’re here enjoying our beautiful spring weather, lifting a pinkie at one of our fine coffee shops, and enjoying a nice, regulation-free, gun-law free environment, check out an actual voa membership. Lol.

Oh SNAP!!!

**ViperRyan** · 01-21-2019

Man, sounds like I/We have it good over here in WI...……..minus the winter lol.

No real db level restriction that I am aware of, no emissions you have to take or pass, every cop I have seen in my area when I am in one of the cars, usually says "lets hear it" followed by a smile and thumbs up.

Question, isn't there a hobbyist, or special car registration you could potentially use where this wouldn't apply. For example, I know some people have Pagani Zonda's, the earlier model, which isn't legal in the use, and they registered it under a hobbyist/special registration. The miles driven are limited, but then you wouldn't have to worry, right? I could be completely wrong, just an idea.

**Solid Red 98** · 01-21-2019

Originally Posted by drewsss

Come on by anytime.

While you’re here enjoying our beautiful spring weather, lifting a pinkie at one of our fine coffee shops, and enjoying a nice, regulation-free, gun-law free environment, check out an actual VOA membership. LOL.

Oooooooooo, sure told me......lol

**Atari_Prime** · 01-23-2019

Well this thread got political very quickly.

No idea if my exhaust is considered loud. Mine is a 98' GTS with the optional Sneaky Pete exhaust from Dodge. I believe it is a Corsa system. It seems loud but not overly so. Most fun when rumbling down a hill while using the engine to brake.

**98RedGTS** · 01-23-2019

Originally Posted by Atari_Prime

Well this thread got political very quickly.

No idea if my exhaust is considered loud. Mine is a 98' GTS with the optional Sneaky Pete exhaust from Dodge. I believe it is a Corsa system. It seems loud but not overly so. Most fun when rumbling down a hill while using the engine to brake.

That should be borla if it is from Dodge and has the Sneaky Pete logo on the tips.

**Solid Red 98** · 01-24-2019

Originally Posted by Atari_Prime

Well this thread got political very quickly.

No idea if my exhaust is considered loud. Mine is a 98' GTS with the optional Sneaky Pete exhaust from Dodge. I believe it is a Corsa system. It seems loud but not overly so. Most fun when rumbling down a hill while using the engine to brake.

If it is a factory exhaust, I wonder if they can hassle you. I really do think this law is focused on the side-show idiots out there. The cops tend to know who they are dealing with. Older guys driving exotics are rarely involved in side-shows, so they might give us a break, unless we are really ripping up the town. I haven't heard of anyone in our "demographic" getting the shaft, yet. I don't want to be the first, though......oh well.