So I went to the store tonight and was followed and pulled over for a "loud aftermarket exhaust...". No ticket, no isurance card needed, just had to present license. I am sure the main reason was to see where the guy in the old Buick was going.
Anyway I asked the cop what the db limit was and he didn't know and wasn't even sure what vehicle code it was which prompted me to look it up so that next time I know.
For the record I know the car is louder than most Buicks. TH Downpipe, 3" ATR Single Shot, Pitbull muffler and cutout in place of cat. I will be replacing with a new cat soon which should quiet it down a bit. It did in the old car. I wouldn't say it is any louder than the Mustangs or Camaro's with aftermarket exhaust running around.
Here is what I found from SEMA's site; (note; I am in CA but the CA VC is the same wording)
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT
Legislation to Establish Exhaust Noise Limit Introduced in New Jersey; to be Considered by Assembly Committee
Legislation (A.B. 3738) that would require the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to prescribe a decibel limit to which all aftermarket mufflers sold in the state would have to be certified to operate has been introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature. The bill, introduced By Assemblyman Robert Gordon, gives no instruction as to what the decibel limit should be.
In some states, noise limits for modified exhaust systems are established by a SEMA model bill (attached) and applicable to an easy to administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.
To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.
Contact members of the New Jersey Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (List to Follow) to request their support for a 95-decibel limit under SAE J1169
The SEMA model removes subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard. Under the standard, exhaust noise could not exceed a sound reading of 95-decibels under a fair and predictable test.
The SEMA model would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.
The SEMA model would remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust system modifications are considered illegal, even where noise levels are not excessive or unusual. This policy leaves enthusiasts, exhaust system manufacturers and dealers without recourse, despite having the law on their side.
The SEMA model recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
The SEMA model removes authority for the calculation of a decibel limit from state regulators and puts it back in the hands of your elected representatives.
CA VC;
Adequate Muffler Required
27150. (a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Amended Ch. 558, Stats. 1977. Effective January 1, 1978. Supersedes Ch. 579.
Regulations Governing Exhaust Systems
27150.2. (a) Stations providing referee functions pursuant to Section 44036 of the Health and Safety Code shall provide for the testing of vehicular exhaust systems and the issuance of certificates of compliance only for those vehicles that have received a citation for a violation of Section 27150 or 27151.
(b) A certificate of compliance for a vehicular exhaust system shall be issued pursuant to subdivision (a) if the vehicle complies with Sections 27150 and 27151. Exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds comply with Sections 27150 and 27151 if they emit no more than 95 dbA when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998.
(c) An exhaust system certificate of compliance issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall identify, to the extent possible, the make, model, year, license number, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle tested, and the make and model of the exhaust system installed on the vehicle.
(d) The station shall charge a fee for the exhaust system certificate of compliance issued pursuant to subdivision (a). The fee charged shall be calculated to recover the costs incurred by the Department of Consumer Affairs to implement this section. The fees charged by the station shall be deposited in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund established by Section 44062 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e) Vehicular exhaust systems are exempt from the requirements of Sections 27150 and 27151 if compliance with those sections, or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, would cause an unreasonable hardship without resulting in a sufficient corresponding benefit with respect to noise level control.
Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 92, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002.
Amended Sec. 3, Ch. 569, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.
Here is a link if you want to read more. Vehicle Code Index -E-
I hope this info can be of help to someone.
Anyway I asked the cop what the db limit was and he didn't know and wasn't even sure what vehicle code it was which prompted me to look it up so that next time I know.
For the record I know the car is louder than most Buicks. TH Downpipe, 3" ATR Single Shot, Pitbull muffler and cutout in place of cat. I will be replacing with a new cat soon which should quiet it down a bit. It did in the old car. I wouldn't say it is any louder than the Mustangs or Camaro's with aftermarket exhaust running around.
Here is what I found from SEMA's site; (note; I am in CA but the CA VC is the same wording)
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT
Legislation to Establish Exhaust Noise Limit Introduced in New Jersey; to be Considered by Assembly Committee
Legislation (A.B. 3738) that would require the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to prescribe a decibel limit to which all aftermarket mufflers sold in the state would have to be certified to operate has been introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature. The bill, introduced By Assemblyman Robert Gordon, gives no instruction as to what the decibel limit should be.
In some states, noise limits for modified exhaust systems are established by a SEMA model bill (attached) and applicable to an easy to administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.
To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.
Contact members of the New Jersey Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (List to Follow) to request their support for a 95-decibel limit under SAE J1169
The SEMA model removes subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard. Under the standard, exhaust noise could not exceed a sound reading of 95-decibels under a fair and predictable test.
The SEMA model would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.
The SEMA model would remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust system modifications are considered illegal, even where noise levels are not excessive or unusual. This policy leaves enthusiasts, exhaust system manufacturers and dealers without recourse, despite having the law on their side.
The SEMA model recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
The SEMA model removes authority for the calculation of a decibel limit from state regulators and puts it back in the hands of your elected representatives.
CA VC;
Adequate Muffler Required
27150. (a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Amended Ch. 558, Stats. 1977. Effective January 1, 1978. Supersedes Ch. 579.
Regulations Governing Exhaust Systems
27150.2. (a) Stations providing referee functions pursuant to Section 44036 of the Health and Safety Code shall provide for the testing of vehicular exhaust systems and the issuance of certificates of compliance only for those vehicles that have received a citation for a violation of Section 27150 or 27151.
(b) A certificate of compliance for a vehicular exhaust system shall be issued pursuant to subdivision (a) if the vehicle complies with Sections 27150 and 27151. Exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds comply with Sections 27150 and 27151 if they emit no more than 95 dbA when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998.
(c) An exhaust system certificate of compliance issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall identify, to the extent possible, the make, model, year, license number, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle tested, and the make and model of the exhaust system installed on the vehicle.
(d) The station shall charge a fee for the exhaust system certificate of compliance issued pursuant to subdivision (a). The fee charged shall be calculated to recover the costs incurred by the Department of Consumer Affairs to implement this section. The fees charged by the station shall be deposited in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund established by Section 44062 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e) Vehicular exhaust systems are exempt from the requirements of Sections 27150 and 27151 if compliance with those sections, or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, would cause an unreasonable hardship without resulting in a sufficient corresponding benefit with respect to noise level control.
Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 92, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002.
Amended Sec. 3, Ch. 569, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.
Here is a link if you want to read more. Vehicle Code Index -E-
I hope this info can be of help to someone.
