Vehicles: exhaust systems.
The bill introduces requirements for courts handling noise violations to necessitate a certificate of compliance for affected vehicles. Should individuals fail to provide such a certificate within three months of a violation, the court must treat this as noncompliance. Consequently, the Department of Motor Vehicles will withhold the vehicle registration renewal until compliance is confirmed. This change could significantly affect vehicle owners, particularly those who own motorcycles which have historically had more leniency in exhaust system modifications.
Assembly Bill 2496, introduced by Petrie-Norris, amends several sections of the Vehicle Code with respect to vehicle exhaust systems and noise regulations. The bill mandates that all motor vehicles must be equipped with adequate mufflers to prevent excessive noise and prohibits modifications that would amplify engine noise beyond established limits. Notably, it eliminates exemptions for violations related to motorcycle exhaust modifications, thereby enforcing stricter compliance for all vehicles under this regulation.
The bill has received bipartisan support, reflected in its voting history, which resulted in a 76-0 vote in favor during its concurrence in Senate Amendments. Advocates argue that the stricter regulations will lead to quieter, more community-friendly environments while opponents are concerned about the implications for motorcycle enthusiasts and the potential for unfair penalties upon noncompliance with the new regulations.
One of the primary points of contention lies in the treatment of whistle-tips and similar modifications, which will now face stricter legal scrutiny. Opponents of the bill fear that motorcycle riders may be disproportionately affected, as they may not have previously faced the same level of enforcement as other vehicle owners. Enforcing the new compliance certificates and the mandatory checks by the DMV may also increase the administrative burden on local vehicle inspection stations.