California muffler law passed.

[roadrunner]

I know this issue has been posted before but I just wanted to give an updated on an article I recieved. Here is the artical I got this morning:

New California Law “Muffles” Motorcycles 180 September 29, 2010 | By : Patrick Garvin | Categorized Under : Announcements Earlier this week, California Governor (and motorcyclist) Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act (SB 435), originally introduced by state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica).

What does this bill mean to bikers in California? It means that all motorcycles produced after January 2013 will be required to have a visible EPA stamp that ensures the exhaust is clean burning and doesn’t exceed a noise level of 80 decibels. For those bikes not displaying the stamp, fines of $100 for the first infraction and $250 for subsequent violations will be imposed.

“The noise caused by illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality-of-life issue across the state,” Sen. Pavley said. “Basic common sense and decency dictates that when a motorcycle drives by and sets off every car alarm on the street, it’s too loud.”

It’s interesting that motorcycles are the only target in the bill’s 80-decibel limit (which is roughly as loud as a vacuum cleaner). A point could be made that an equal amount of noise is generated on a regular basis from car alarms, police and news helicopters and loud car exhausts. Is this a case of motorcyclists being unfairly targeted again — or is it a matter of a few morons racking up their pipes in residential neighborhoods and tarnishing the reputation rest of the motorcycle community?

Regardless of how you feel about the new law, it will ensure that the state’s 800,000-plus registered motorcycle owners adhere to both noise and air pollution standards. Please leave your comments here. We’d love to hear what the motorcycle community has to say.




They want to know what we think and how we feel, then we need to let them know.

[Dodsfall]

The law doesn't cover motorcycles built before 2013, but what's to stop a cop from pulling over a rider on a 1980 model and asking them to prove it's not a 2013? It sounds like a good excuse to pat the rider down and check for ID.

[cbdallas]

Unless they pass an addendum to cite riders of pre-2013 bikes for excessive noise (and develop a way for cops to test it), they're wasting their time and solving no problems in the here and now.

[Dodsfall]

Most localities and/or states have laws on the books regulating noise. The universal trend is to develop new laws rather than enforcing the ones already on the books. That makes it look like the legislators are actually doing something besides raising money for re-election.

[rexmitchell]

As I said before, yet another reason I will never live in California

[The Tourist]

For me, this is kind of a "been there, done that" sort of law. For example, nationwide there are 22,000 firearms laws. I cannot think of ten examples right off the top of my head. Neither can the cops.

In reality, California cannot even control spiraling state debt, over-extended schooling costs and numerous 'banger gangs.

With 911-calls and Amber alerts, how many Chippies will be doing "decibel duty" in six months?

Edit: Wisconsin has a handlebar height law. I've seen a bike with huge apes parked right next to a Sheriff Department Motor Officer. In fact, I don't even think Harley's Cross Bones bike makes the law requirements.

[roadrunner]

We have a handle bar height law, but it is one of those things that no one pays much attention to unless you do something that is just stoopid or you make a cop mad and (if the knows about it) he can write you up for it.