Steve Grodin

California Exhaust Noise Testing Program Open for Business

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has begun operation of
the state‚s motor vehicle exhaust noise testing program. The program, the
product of a SEMA-sponsored law, will equip California automobile
hobbyists to fight unfair exhaust noise citations issued by state law
enforcement officers. Motorists can now prove their vehicles comply with
state noise standards. The law also allows courts to dismiss citations for
exhaust systems that have been tested and for which a certificate of
compliance has been issued.

Approximately 40 Smog Check stations that provide referee functions are
performing the test. These referee stations, located across the state, will
issue certificates of compliance for vehicles when tests of their exhaust
systems demonstrate that they emit no more than 95 decibels, under
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169 (May 1998).
However, only those vehicles that have received a citation for an exhaust
noise violation will be permitted to submit their vehicle for the test. Later
this year, BAR will issue a regulation to provide for the cost to consumers
for performing the test. Tests performed prior to the official establishment
of the testing fee will be performed at no cost to consumers.

According to BAR officials, to have a cited vehicle tested at a state
referee center, motorists must make an appointment by calling a toll-free
number. Cited motorists should have the citation and vehicle registration
available when calling.

"The new law forces compliance with an objectively measured standard
in a fair and predictable test," said SEMA Senior Director of Government
Affairs Steve McDonald. "Through this procedure, cited motorists who
drive vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems can confirm
that those vehicles comply with California‚s exhaust noise standards.

"For years, the enforcement policy used by police officers deemed nearly
all exhaust system modifications illegal, even where the noise levels were
not excessive or unusual," McDonald added. "That policy left exhaust
system manufacturers, dealers and their customers without recourse."

Hobbyists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and
performance "prefer aftermarket exhaust systems," McDonald said. "By
establishing this evenhanded testing process, this program should serve
to benefit consumers who favor these state-of-the-art products, the
aftermarket industry which markets them, and even police officers who
are charged with enforcing the law."

bigvette1

The intent of the law has merit. A question I have is the cost to administer this, process in court, retest etc worth the overall gain? Are cars the only target for the new law or does it include the Harley's with the open pipes that are about 125db??????

adamdinat

A lot of the bikers are interested in this as well. One of our local police departments has bought some measurement equipment. The local HOG representative made a statement in the paper that people are going to be surprised because most of the bikes will pass. I am not sure how much he has studied this but my experience has been that what you perceive as loud does not necessarily read high on the decibel meter as you expect. It should be interesting.

Personally I enjoy the noise. It is part of the bike and muscle car experience. I cannot say the same for my neighbor whose pool abuts my garage and driveway. There is always something noisy going on there in my yard. :lol: :lol:


[Modified by adamdinat, 9:40 AM 10/10/2003]

The Dude

95dB how? At idle? WOT? Some predetermined RPM? And at what distance? With a microphone shoved in the pipe? 5 feet? 10 Feet? 20?

It sure would be nice if the Gub'mint would try to "help" somebody else for a change.

Steve Grodin

The process goes like this: The testing is done outdoors in a parking lot,
with a decibel meter placed at a set distance away from the exhaust tip.
The sound meter is placed 20 inches away from the
source, at a 45-degree angle from the source, and 8 inches off the
ground. With the vehicle stationary, the engine is revved to a speed that
represents three-quarters of maximum horsepower output.

03ki11er

I have a question thats a little off the subject, sorry. How old does your car have to be to bypass the smog test?

rainman69

'Cause my ears are 8" off the ground... :crazy:

Don't they remember that sound waves are different lengths?

I wonder how loud my car is... :skep:

Surfer69

Does setting off neighbors car alarms all the time mean I'm over 95db? :lol: