California passes new law; exhausts must pass federal noise limits

[Bob]

California has passed a new statewide law, that requires all street-use motorcycles registered in the state to have an exhaust system meeting federal sound limits.

The new law makes it a crime to operate any motorcycle registered in the California built on or after 1st January 2013 without a federal Environmental Protection Agency exhaust system sound emissions label. The law extends to all aftermarket exhausts made on or after the same date.

Anyone found riding a bike that does not pass the new law faces a fine of up to US$100 for a first offence, then up to US$250 for each subsequent offence. However, police cannot stop a bike just because they think it is too loud. California upholds a strict 80 decibel noise limit.

[Gremlin]

I don't think sportbikes meet an 80db limit already... so a little ironic?

I suppose if it passes the stamp (even if its over) it's ok? Poor aftermarket guys...

[NordieBoy]

The GSXR600 pipe on the DR is 85dB/1,500rpm so about twice the Kalifornia legal limit!

The stock DR pipe is rated at 82dB/3,200rpm and it whispers.

[onearmedbandit]

On gixxer.com the guys seem to view it as a pretty toothless law, claiming there are already laws relating to noise that are widely ignored by the law, unless you are being a prat.

[Scuba_Steve]

What a boring place Cali must be...

[onearmedbandit]

What a boring place Cali must be...

No two strokes. Not even weed eaters.

[Motu]

On gixxer.com the guys seem to view it as a pretty toothless law, claiming there are already laws relating to noise that are widely ignored by the law, unless you are being a prat.

Used to be the same here - a completely ignored law.Until......

[AllanB]

Not surprised.

From the US forums it appears most Harleys runs loud pipes and the aftermarket has done little to lower the racket. In addition heaps of Jap riders run unbaffled pipes.

80db is bloody quiet.

[Bob]

Not surprised.

From the US forums it appears most Harleys runs loud pipes and the aftermarket has done little to lower the racket. In addition heaps of Jap riders run unbaffled pipes.

80db is bloody quiet.

80db... 80db is sufficient to cause ear damage. Take a while mind, but it will do it. 85db is the level at which Factory Workers must be given earplugs by law.

Review of Howard Leight Laser Lite earplugs, contains a link to research by Seabrook Audiology

Having ridden a couple of Harleys recently, on stock pipes they're relatively quiet. But the aftermarket Vance & Hines ones that were on the 1200 Sportster I rode? Dear Lord above, nothing prepares you for the sheer cacophany. Even the most hard of hearing police officer would have trouble ignoring them.