[derbo]

Certain vehicle exhaust violations no longer correctable (AB 1824, Committee on Budget): A
fine will become mandatory, not correctable, when loud motor vehicles and motorcycles are cited.
Previously, a driver or motorcyclist who was cited for modified or excessively loud exhaust or
muffler systems could correct the violation to avoid a fine.

https://www.chp.ca.gov/PressReleases..._laws_2019.pdf



EDIT:

Originally Posted by SEMA

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Exhaust
Beginning January 1, 2019, a motorist cited for violating the current California exhaust noise law can receive an immediate fine. Previously, motorists received what is known as a “fix-it” ticket, which allowed for 30 days to correct the violation.

The Issue

California Assembly Bill (A.B.) 1824 was signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown in June of 2018 as part of the state’s budget process. The legislation amended how California law enforcement officials may issue a citation for exhaust noise violations.

The bill has generated significant concern within the industry and enthusiast community, along with some misinformation. This document seeks to clarify the matter. Most notably, enactment of A.B. 1824 did not change existing laws pertaining to exhaust noise or the sale and installation of aftermarket exhaust systems in California. Here are the facts.

Were California’s exhaust noise rules changed?

No. Since 2003, exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, may not exceed a sound level of 95-decibels when tested under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169 (May 1998). This was not changed by A.B. 1824.

Is it now illegal to install an aftermarket exhaust system on my vehicle?

No. The sale and installation of an aftermarket exhaust system remains legal in California so long as it does not exceed a sound level of 95-decibels when tested under SAE J1169 and complies with all other exhaust and safety laws and regulations.

If exhaust noise laws didn’t change, what did?

Beginning January 1, 2019, a motorist cited for violating the current California exhaust noise law can receive an immediate fine. Previously, motorists received what is known as a “fix-it” ticket, which allowed for 30-days to correct the violation.

What are my options if I get a ticket?

Consumers in receipt of a ticket still have the option of seeking a certificate of compliance from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) demonstrating that their exhaust emits no more than 95-decibels. This SEMA-sponsored program allows courts to dismiss citations for exhaust systems that have been tested and for which a certificate of compliance has been issued. BAR does not currently issue preemptive certificates of compliance.

If I get pulled over, will I receive a $1,000 fine?

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’ve still got questions?

Please contact Christian Robinson, SEMA’s Director of State Government Affairs & SEMA PAC, at stateleg@sema.org.

Resources:
https://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2019...aust-noise-law Thanks codinge90
https://jalopnik.com/why-people-are-...s-e-1831620651 thanks MaximusB

[IanMan]

Thank you Commiefornia Liberals. Just tax the shit out of everybody. No wonder companies are leaving in droves.

[D22M2]

According to a CHP friend of mine no loud aftermarket exhaust system will be legal in CA - it’s an automatic $1000 fine and must be fixed within a specified amount of time .


“HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Ca., (KIEM)- Starting in 2019 the California Highway Patrol will be enforcing some new roadway safety laws. One of them is the modified exhaust systems.

January first exhaust violations will no longer be correctable. A fine will become mandatory.

Therefore, you have to pay the fine and get the issue fixed. Before if you were cited you had time to get it corrected in order to avoid the fine.”

[Timujin]

Cool

[codinge90]

That $1000 fine has been flying around social media but I'm actually very surprised no one has noticed that legit within the first 5 seconds of the video the cop says that it is a state referee ticket. State Ref tickets are around $1000 but a normal exhaust violation will not result in a state ref unless the cop wants to be a dick. I got an non correctable exhaust ticket last year and it was a $200 fine.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by codinge90

That $1000 fine has been flying around social media but I'm actually very surprised no one has noticed that legit within the first 5 seconds of the video the cop says that it is a state referee ticket. State Ref tickets are around $1000 but a normal exhaust violation will not result in a state ref unless the cop wants to be a dick. I got an non correctable exhaust ticket last year and it was a $200 fine.

That's what I'm wondering too. Are they changing it to force state ref tickets? or just a fine/violation?

[GerardzM]

Yup sounds about right, and we'd be silly to not see this coming.

One of the many reasons I 'fled' from California lol

[MR_M2]

Is M performance exhaust counted as aftermarket?

[aus]

Originally Posted by derbo

https://www.chp.ca.gov/PressReleases..._laws_2019.pdf

I saw an IG story saying it was $1000 fine. edit: ($1000 might be just for state referee fines as codinge90 pointed out. Normal exhaust fines can be lower. )


Fun. I do believe it is related specifically to modified exhaust that make them exceed sound limits. California sound limits is 95dB per SAE J1169 testing which I believe sets the dB measuring device around 0.5m(20ft) at a 45 degree angle from the flow axis of the exhaust tail pipe and rev to half the max RPM.

Is that 95dB at 0.5m, which is 1.6 feet or 20 ft distance?
Thanks for the heads up.

What a bunch of crap from Kommifornia.
.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by aus

Is that 95dB at 0.5m, which is 1.6 feet or 20 ft distance?
Thanks for the heads up.

What a bunch of crap from Kommifornia.
.

My fault. I meant 20in. 😂

[ItsGary]

Originally Posted by aus

Is that 95dB at 0.5m, which is 1.6 feet or 20 ft distance?
Thanks for the heads up.

What a bunch of crap from Kommifornia.
.

Looks like it doesn't matter anymore for you guys, if its modified you're getting a hefty ticket. No change.org petitions are going to help either. You guys can blame all the skids doing takeovers for it. "Hurrdurr so cool to block traffic and destroy police cars"

[MahiC]

At least we don't live in countries where you have to pay 2-3x for an ///M e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, Australia. We take most of our current freedoms in CA for granted, don't waste your time complaining about this, epa, or other relatively minor things. Just keep a watch out for cops, that easy.

[randrews15]

And this is why I live in Florida. Keep those Kommiefornias there please.

[noventa]

I received a fix-it ticket mid December in North Hollywood, CA.
The cop stated it wasn’t state referee and I only had to pay a fine.

This week I received a letter from court stating the fine was only $25, but I had to provide proof by March 2019 the exhaust was “fixed” aka signed off by an officer.

[D22M2]

Originally Posted by MR_M2

Is M performance exhaust counted as aftermarket?

It should be fine unless it’s excessively loud - you may get a ticket anyways and will have to prove no other modification was done

[Altra]

What qualifies as loud? Or is that subject to the officer's sense of hearing?

[D22M2]

Originally Posted by Altra

What qualifies as loud? Or is that subject to the officer's sense of hearing?

Probably - further testing is you plan to fight it

[D22M2]

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 by Stats. 1977, Ch. 558.)

27150.1. No person engaged in a business that involves the selling of motor vehicle exhaust systems, or parts thereof, including, but not limited to, mufflers, shall offer for sale, sell, or install, a motor vehicle exhaust system, or part thereof, including, but not limited to, a muffler, unless it meets the regulations and standards applicable pursuant to this article. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, nonoriginal exhaust equipment.
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 569, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

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 by Stats. 2002, Ch. 569, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)

27150.3. (a) A person may not modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle with a whistle-tip.
(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle if that vehicle’s exhaust system is modified in violation of subdivision (a).
(c) A person may not engage in the business of installing a whistle-tip onto a motor vehicle’s exhaust system.
(d) For purposes of subdivisions (a) and (c), a “whistle-tip” is a device that is applied to, or is a modification of, a motor vehicle’s exhaust pipe for the sole purpose of creating a high-pitched or shrieking noise when the motor vehicle is operated.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 432, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

27150.5. Any person holding a retail seller’s permit who sells or installs an exhaust system, or part thereof, including, but not limited to, a muffler, in violation of Section 27150.1 or 27150.2 or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall thereafter be required to install an exhaust system, or part thereof, including, but not limited to, a muffler, which is in compliance with such regulations upon demand of the purchaser or registered owner of the vehicle concerned, or to reimburse the purchaser or registered owner for the expense of replacement and installation of an exhaust system, or part thereof, including, but not limited to, a muffler, which is in compliance, at the election of such purchaser or registered owner.
(Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1769.)

27150.7. A court may dismiss any action in which a person is prosecuted for operating a vehicle in violation of Section 27150 or 27151 if a certificate of compliance has been issued by a station pursuant to Section 27150.2, or if the defendant had reasonable grounds to believe that the exhaust system was in good working order and had reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle was not operated in violation of Section 27150 or 27151.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 569, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2003.)

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.)

27152. The exhaust gases from a motor vehicle shall not be directed to the side of the vehicle between 2 feet and 11 feet above the ground.
(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

27153. No motor vehicle shall be operated in a manner resulting in the escape of excessive smoke, flame, gas, oil, or fuel residue.
The provisions of this section apply to motor vehicles of the United States or its agencies, to the extent authorized by federal law.

[D22M2]

[PackPride85]

Sounds like if you change the exhaust for the original one that was on the car when registered, its a fine....even if its an OEM part. I guess if you have the M Perf. exhaust put on when you take delivery of the car it should be ok?

[aus]

What kind of exhaust do you guys have who are getting these fix it tickets?
Ferrari and Mustang stock exhausts are LOUD. Harley bikes are LOUD.
Not may aftermarket exhaust as as loud as these stock exhausts.
Beside, it's got to pass sound at Laguna Seca!
.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by aus

What kind of exhaust do you guys have who are getting these fix it tickets?
Ferrari and Mustang stock exhausts are LOUD. Harley bikes are LOUD.
Not may aftermarket exhaust as as loud as these stock exhausts.
Beside, it's got to pass sound at Laguna Seca!
.

F80 with MPE can't even pass Laguna..let alone a stock 997 GT3. 90dB and 92dB are absurd levels of strict sound. I'm happy with my OEM exhaust mod but I just thought I made a thread just for the others with catless, etc etc.