California V.C. 27151 - Loud exhaust = Instant $1000 fine.

**BrandonHall10** · 01-10-2019

I'm sure everyone here has heard by now, but for those who haven't; California passed a new law (California V.C. 27151) that took effect January 1st 2019. The law states:

DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES [24000 - 28160] ( Division 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) CHAPTER 5. Other Equipment [27000 - 28160] ( Chapter 5 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

ARTICLE 2. Exhaust Systems [27150 - 27159] ( Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

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.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 92, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Basically, any vehicle with a GVW under 6k (excluding motorcycles) that is louder than 95 dbA, could be subject to a fine up to $1000. No more "fix it" ticket.

I'm a little torn on this one... I love the sound of a healthy V8, supercharger whine and turbo spool. Those fart can cars all belong at the bottom of a lake though. Kinda bugs me that motorcycles are exempt. Loud pipes do not save lives. I've only ever heard a motorcycle roaring away. If loud pipes saved lives, they would be facing forward.

Looks like I will not be road tripping the S10 though California anytime soon.

**Scottydoggs** · 01-10-2019

saw a vid on lin eof someone getting this ticket, cop said its to kill off st racing,,,,,a durrr. thats not gonna stop cause you need a muffler now lol

**Mitch R** · 01-10-2019

The motorcycle exemption has always rubbed me the wrong way. What makes them so special that I get the luxury of hearing them from across town. There's a guy that works second shift at one of places in the industrial park not far from us and every night @ 10:15 he comes roaring past our house. Woke the kids up one night.