Motorcyclists are proud of their bikes and the engines that make them go. Those powerful engines can give off some satisfying roars when revved up. Those sounds can also make riders the unfair targets of noise ordinances and exhaust regulations.
It’s important that all riders know the laws California has in place regarding motorcycle exhaust noise. Riders should also be aware of recent changes in what happens when riders get stopped for a noise violation.
California Motorcycle Noise Ordinances
The upper-level on decibels your motorcycle is allowed to produce depends on when your motorcycle was manufactured. The guidelines are laid out in California Vehicle Codes:
- Manufactured after 1969, and before 1973 — 88 dbA
- Manufactured after 1972, and before 1975 — 86 dbA
- Manufactured after 1974, and before 1986 — 83 dbA
- Manufactured after 1985 – 80dbA
Proper testing for these decibels levels is under the Department of the California Highway Patrol with guidance from the Society of Automotive Engineers. Critics point out that it’s unclear how these decibel levels are gauged in the field. Motorcycle advocates also say that testing is unreliable and different tests can come up with different results for the same motorcycle.
California Exhaust System Restrictions for Motorcycles
California Vehicle Code 27150.3. details the prohibited use of whistle-tip type modifiers for exhaust systems.
A whistle-tip is defined as such by California Law:
“…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.”
A rider may not modify a motor vehicle with a whistle-tip or operate a business installing the devices. Owners aren’t allowed to sell motorcycles with these modifications either.
Exhaust systems on motorcycles must also stay in compliance with federal law:
“(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not park, use, or operate a motorcycle, registered in the State of California, that does not bear the required applicable federal Environmental Protection Agency exhaust system label pursuant to Subparts D (commencing with Section 205.150) and E (commencing with Section 205.164) of Part 205 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.”
Recent Change to Motorcycle Noise Violation Traffic Stops
California had required officers to hand out immediate tickets to motorcyclists they believed to be in violation of exhaust noise laws. That was changed in late 2019.
Officers are now allowed to issue a “fix-it” ticket that permits the motorcycle owner a month to fix the issue and show proof to avoid a hefty fine. This change to vehicle statutes allows riders to avoid paying an immediate fine of almost $200 and instead gives them a chance to rectify the issue in court.
If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in California…
No matter when and where you ride, California motorcyclists are always at risk of an accident when careless drivers are nearby. Unfortunately, car insurance providers often attempt to blame riders for accidents no matter the circumstances. You should trust a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney to make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed for a crash and unfairly burdened with recovery costs.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works hard to see that motorcyclists are never blamed for an accident that wasn’t their fault. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn the financial support you need to pay hospital bills and get back on your bike again.
