Calif Noise Law as of 2019, really long sorry.

[Moto One]

California Vehicle Exhaust Noise Laws

Many car enthusiasts decide to modify their car’s exhaust system, but there are laws governing the noise limit your vehicle can produce. The section below outlines relevant laws and legislation pertaining to car exhaust noise laws in California.

California Vehicle Code § 27150 – 27153 (2017)

Vehicle Code 21750. 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.

Vehicle Code 27151. Modification of exhaust systems

(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.

In summary, all cars and other motor vehicles in California must be equipped with a muffler, and any exhaust modifications must not be designed to increase the exhaust noise above 95 dbA.

There are additional regulations as well so we recommend reviewing the California Vehicle Code for important sections related to exhaust noise levels. For example Section 2115.3 prohibits installing “whistle-tip” or similar devices which emit a high pitched or shrieking noise when the vehicle is in operation.

Furthermore certain vehicles can get special exemptions from these laws while participating in an organized racing or competitive events (27150.c). Additionally motorcycle exhaust noise levels depend on the year of manufacture, where motorcycles manufactured before 1970 can have up to 92 dbA, and after 1985 up to 80 dbA (full table in Section 27202 in Article 2.5 linked below).

More on:

California Vehicle Code Division 12 Chapter 5 Article 2 (Exhaust Systems)
California Vehicle Code Division 12 Chapter 5 Article 2.5 (Noise Limits)
New exhaust laws since January 2019:

Assembly Bill 1824 went into effect in January 2019. This new legislation does not make California vehicle exhaust noise laws more strict. Instead, the Bill only makes it mandatory for police officers to issue immediate tickets to offenders.

AB 1824 enables law enforcement to issue immediate fines for violating exhaust levels. Prior to 2019 police officers issued so-called “fix it” tickets, enabling you to fix your vehicle’s exhaust system within 30 days, provide proof, and avoid paying paying fines. As of 2019 fines are mandatory, and can range upwards of $1,000.

California Vehicle Exhaust Noise FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about California exhaust noise laws!

How do cops determine exhaust noise level?

95 dbA is the legal limit for vehicle exhaust noise in California. Police officers can “exercise their judgment” in determining if your exhaust noise is over the legal limit. Most factory-installed exhaust systems even on powerful sports cars don’t exceed 75 decibels.

Are all exhaust modifications illegal in California?

Exhaust modifications are illegal only if noise emitted is over 95 decibels. Keep in mind California smog laws or other legislation may still make your custom exhaust modifications illegal.

All vehicle exhaust systems must have mufflers. Any bypass, cutouts, and especially whistle tips are not permitted.

What happens if I get ticket for too loud exhaust?

If your vehicle exhaust is too loud, you will be ordered to take it to an official Referee Center – Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Referee Program.

First step of this process is to make your vehicle’s exhaust compliant with laws.
Next, schedule an appointment with California Referee Center. You will need your traffic ticket, and vehicle registration information for this.
At this point the Referee Center will conduct an exhaust noise test:
If Referee Center’s test determines your vehicle is still not within legal noise limits, you will be required to repair it before attempting another test.
If your vehicle is under 95 dB, you will be issued a “Certificate of Compliance”. This certificate must be presented in traffic court.
More information about this process can be found on California Bureau of Automotive Repair website (BAR). BAR does not issue preemptive compliance certificates.

There will be financial costs incurred even if your vehicle is compliant. It’s best to avoid getting a traffic ticket altogether. In case the Referee Center determines your vehicle’s exhaust noise is not over the legal limit, the court can dismiss your citation.

How much are exhaust ticket fees?

Penalties for illegal exhaust depend on type of exhaust modifications and your location. Minimum fine for a first conviction is $25, with a total fee of $193. Fees can climb up to $1,105 in some cases.

You can view exact fines and penalties for unlawful exhaust modifications in California’s Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules (PDF document; see page 26).

Are mufflers required in California?

California Vehicle Code 27150. (a) requires all vehicles to be equipped with a muffler at all times. If you can keep your vehicle’s exhaust noise low enough you may be able to avoid attention from police. However, if you do receive a ticket you will be required to install a muffler before your vehicle can be compliant with California exhaust laws.

How loud is 95 decibels?

For comparison, vacuum cleaners or chainsaws operate at about 70 dB. 95 db is an approximate sound of:

a lawn mower
the inside of a subway car
plane flyover at 1000 feet
food blender less than 3 feet away
car horn at 10 feet
You can do a quick decibel test using a phone app. Decibel X for iPhone and Sound Meter for Android are some of the more popular ones. Note: we have not reviewed these apps are are not affiliated with them in any way.

Noise meters for phones are generally not very accurate, but can be helpful in determining approximate noise levels. For accurate noise level meter you can see BAFX Decibel Meter on Amazon. Unfortunately it costs $20, but it’s a small price to pay for avoiding a $1000 traffic ticket.

[Moto One]

The Calif Laws regarding Noise/Exhaust Systems.

VEHICLE CODE - VEH
DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES [24000 - 28160] ( Division 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 5. Other Equipment [27000 - 28160] ( Chapter 5 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

ARTICLE 2. Exhaust Systems [27150 - 27159] ( Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

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.
(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 739.)

27153.5. (a) No motor vehicle first sold or registered as a new motor vehicle on or after January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevation of less than 4,000 feet any air contaminant for a period of more than 10 seconds which is:
(1) As dark or darker in shade as that designated as No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart, as published by the United States Bureau of Mines, or
(2) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer’s view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in paragraph (1) of this subdivision.
(b) No motor vehicle first sold or registered prior to January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevation of less than 4,000 feet any air contaminant for a period of more than 10 seconds which is:
(1) As dark or darker in shade than that designated as No. 2 on the Ringelmann Chart, as published by the United States Bureau of Mines, or
(2) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer’s view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in paragraph (1) of this subdivision.
(c) The provisions of this section apply to motor vehicles of the United States or its agencies, to the extent authorized by federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 1973, Ch. 216.)

27154. The cab of any motor vehicle shall be reasonably tight against the penetration of gases and fumes from the engine or exhaust system. The exhaust system, including the manifold, muffler, and exhaust pipes shall be so constructed as to be capable of being maintained and shall be maintained in a reasonably gastight condition.
(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

27154.1. (a) The flooring in all motor vehicles shall be substantially constructed, free of unnecessary holes and openings and shall be maintained so as to minimize the entrance of fumes, exhaust gases, or fire.
(b) Floors shall not be permeated with oil or other substances likely to cause injury to persons using the floor as a traction surface.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 451, Sec. 54. (SB 491) Effective January 1, 2016.)

27155. No motor vehicle shall be operated or parked upon any highway unless the filling spout for the fuel tank is closed by a cap or cover of noncombustible material.
(Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 453.)

27156. (a) No person shall operate or leave standing upon a highway a motor vehicle that is a gross polluter, as defined in Section 39032.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) No person shall operate or leave standing upon a highway a motor vehicle that is required to be equipped with a motor vehicle pollution control device under Part 5 (commencing with Section 43000) of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code or any other certified motor vehicle pollution control device required by any other state law or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to that law, or required to be equipped with a motor vehicle pollution control device pursuant to the National Emission Standards Act (42 U.S.C. Secs. 7521 to 7550, inclusive) and the standards and regulations adopted pursuant to that federal act, unless the motor vehicle is equipped with the required motor vehicle pollution control device that is correctly installed and in operating condition. No person shall disconnect, modify, or alter any such required device.
(c) No person shall install, sell, offer for sale, or advertise any device, apparatus, or mechanism intended for use with, or as a part of, a required motor vehicle pollution control device or system that alters or modifies the original design or performance of the motor vehicle pollution control device or system.
(d) If the court finds that a person has willfully violated this section, the court shall impose the maximum fine that may be imposed in the case, and no part of the fine may be suspended.
(e) “Willfully,” as used in this section, has the same meaning as the meaning of that word prescribed in Section 7 of the Penal Code.
(f) No person shall operate a vehicle after notice by a traffic officer that the vehicle is not equipped with the required certified motor vehicle pollution control device correctly installed in operating condition, except as may be necessary to return the vehicle to the residence or place of business of the owner or driver or to a garage, until the vehicle has been properly equipped with such a device.
(g) The notice to appear issued or complaint filed for a violation of this section shall require that the person to whom the notice to appear is issued, or against whom the complaint is filed, produce proof of correction pursuant to Section 40150 or proof of exemption pursuant to Section 4000.1 or 4000.2.
(h) This section shall not apply to an alteration, modification, or modifying device, apparatus, or mechanism found by resolution of the State Air Resources Board to do either of the following:
(1) Not to reduce the effectiveness of a required motor vehicle pollution control device.
(2) To result in emissions from the modified or altered vehicle that are at levels that comply with existing state or federal standards for that model-year of the vehicle being modified or converted.
(i) Aftermarket and performance parts with valid State Air Resources Board Executive Orders may be sold and installed concurrent with a motorcycle’s transfer to an ultimate purchaser.
(j) This section applies to motor vehicles of the United States or its agencies, to the extent authorized by federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 325, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)

[Moto One]

The rest of the Law.
27156.1. The installation, prior to January 1, 1974, of an auxiliary gasoline fuel tank for use on a 1973 or earlier model year motor vehicle, which vehicle is required, pursuant to Part 5 (commencing with Section 43000) of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code or the National Emission Standards Act (42 U.S.C., Secs. 1857f-1 to 1857f-7, inclusive), to be equipped with a fuel system evaporative loss control device, shall not be deemed a violation of Section 27156 of this code. As used in this section, the term “auxiliary gasoline fuel tank,” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 43834 of the Health and Safety Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 957.)

27156.2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle operated by a peace officer, as defined in Section 830 of the Penal Code, any authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165 and used for fighting fires or responding to emergency fire calls pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) or pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d) of that section, and any publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle used by an emergency medical technician-paramedic, as defined in Section 1797.84 of the Health and Safety Code, is exempt from requirements imposed pursuant to California law and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto for motor vehicle pollution control devices.
(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 595, Sec. 1.)

27156.3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any motor vehicle of mosquito abatement, vector control, or pest abatement districts or agencies, any authorized emergency vehicle as defined in Section 165, except subdivision (f) thereof, and any ambulance used by a private entity under contract with a public agency, is exempt from requirements imposed pursuant to California law and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto for motor vehicle pollution control devices.
(Added by renumbering Section 27156.2 (as added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 669) by Stats. 1982, Ch. 466, Sec. 116.)

27157. The State Air Resources Board, after consultation with, and pursuant to the recommendations of, the commissioner, shall adopt such reasonable regulations as it determines are necessary for the public health and safety regarding the maximum allowable emissions of pollutants from vehicles upon a highway. Such regulations shall apply only to vehicles required by Part 5 (commencing with Section 43000) of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code or any federal law or regulation to be equipped with devices or systems to control emission of pollutants from the exhaust and shall not be stricter than the emission standards required of that model year motor vehicle when first manufactured.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 373.)

27157.5. The State Air Resources Board, after consultation with, and pursuant to the recommendations of, the commissioner, shall adopt such reasonable standards as it determines are necessary for the public health and safety for the emission of air pollutants from the exhaust of motor vehicles of 1955 through 1965 model years. These standards shall be based on the normal emissions of such cars when the timing and carburetor are in proper adjustment and the spark plugs are in proper operating condition.
(Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1095.)

27158. After notice by a traffic officer that a vehicle does not comply with any regulation adopted pursuant to Section 27157, no person shall operate, and no owner shall permit the operation of, such vehicle for more than 30 days thereafter unless a certificate of compliance has been issued for such vehicle in accordance with the provisions of Section 9889.18 of the Business and Professions Code or unless the department has checked the vehicle and determined that the vehicle has been made to comply with such regulation adopted pursuant to Section 27157. A certificate of compliance issued for such vehicle shall, for a period of one year from date of issue, constitute proof of compliance with any regulations adopted pursuant to Section 27157 provided that no required pollution control device has been disconnected, modified, or altered or has been adjusted by other than a licensed installer in a licensed motor vehicle pollution control device installation and inspection station subsequent to the issuance of the certificate of compliance. The provisions of this section shall apply to the United States and its agencies to the extent authorized by federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 769.)

27158.5. After notice by a traffic officer that a motor vehicle does not comply with any standard adopted pursuant to Section 27157.5, no person shall operate, and no owner shall permit the operation of, such motor vehicle for more than 30 days thereafter unless a certificate of compliance has been issued for such vehicle in accordance with the provisions of Section 9889.18 of the Business and Professions Code or unless the department has checked the vehicle and determined that the vehicle has been made to comply with such standard adopted pursuant to Section 27157.5. A certificate of compliance issued for such vehicle shall, for a period of one year from date of issue, constitute proof of compliance with the standards determined pursuant to Section 27157.5.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 769.)

27159. Any uniformed member of the California Highway Patrol may order a vehicle stored when it is located within the territorial limits in which the member may act if requested by a representative of the State Air Resources Board to remove the vehicle from service pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 44011.6 of the Health and Safety Code. All towing and storage fees for a vehicle removed under this section shall be paid by the owner.
(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1433, Sec. 24.)

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Moto One

(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.

(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.)

The referenced test appears to be obsolete and superseded by J1492, but here's what J1169 says: "SAE J1169 is a legacy test that specifies ¾ maximum rated engine speed (MRES) as the test condition."

https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j1169_199805/

That would lead me to believe an engine with a 6,000 RPM redline would be tested at 4,500 RPM. There is nothing in the summary document I saw which showed testing distance (obviously a critical factor in SPL measurement), but presumably the SAE standard document(s) would dictate that. I'm not willing to spend $81 to download the document.

[FWB]

another case to move......

[dacobb]

No offense, but if you like cars, California sucks.

[hauss]

More laws just what we need! Stop liberalism it is a mental disorder.

[pgermond]

Originally Posted by dacobb

No offense, but if you like cars, California sucks.

No offense taken. The only thing that doesn't suck in California is the weather and the ocean, the rest of it makes me puke!

[Ron61]

I see more houses with For Sale signs in front of them daily around here. I have been looking at places in other states for the past year but at my age and with my health I can't afford to get into a bit payment situation. If I was still working I would have been gone from this stupid state years ago.

Ron

[Moto One]

I think the scary thing about this is that it will spread into other states, just like our smog regulations. Leaving this up to the judgment of the officer could lead you to a day of chasing around getting your "stock exhaust" certified at referee station, or not depending on how the system is judged on our specialty built cars.

I have asked my CHP bud's, and they said you would have to be driving like a jerk, ect to get the hammer dropped on you.

Mark.

[dacobb]

Originally Posted by pgermond

No offense taken. The only thing that doesn't suck in California is the weather and the ocean, the rest of it makes me puke!

The shame is that California was ground zero for the hot rod car craze. It's still that way in many respects, but the fools that run that state will kill it off, eventually. Another freedom lost.

[Lou1119]

Originally Posted by pgermond

No offense taken. The only thing that doesn't suck in California is the weather and the ocean, the rest of it makes me puke!

Have to agree on the weather; ocean so so if you live inland. However all of the other absurdities cancel that out big time. The latest a fine for restaurants using disposable cups. The legislators must stay s awake at night dreaming up this s--t. If you have family ties here as I do you are almost held hostage to this insanity. There is not a good solution other than to grin and bear it.

[desgros@vtlink.]

Unfortunately Vermont is becoming much like CA in so many ways including cars.


John
ERA Slabside #3010 289 BRG

[rodneym]

Every state will get there sooner or later.
The tipping point is when you reach a certain amount of 'takers' vs 'givers'. That's when elected intelligence placates with handouts.

California was once the land of opportunity. Visit San Francisco and see what has happened to one of the nation's most beautiful cities.

To think that the 'powers that be' thought this was important enough to make into a law?

I know, how about a new tax! We sell it as "for our children's education" and put into the teachers pension fund!!!! And then we'll do it again. And again...

[BOBOCobra]

The issue is things like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZD-ADArwXo

If you have a classic and it is reasonable CHP will leave you alone. It is people that do things like these whistler tips that cause an overreaction. So, in order to make sure it is not targeting a certain product or people they come up with a catch all.

I pop out my tubes all the time and the CHP gives me a thumbs up.

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by BOBOCobra

The issue is things like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZD-ADArwXo

If you have a classic and it is reasonable CHP will leave you alone. It is people that do things like these whistler tips that cause an overreaction. So, in order to make sure it is not targeting a certain product or people they come up with a catch all.

I pop out my tubes all the time and the CHP gives me a thumbs up.

Those people need to make better use of their time.

Any wonder the rules need to be tough, to help stop wankers like this.

Gary

[Ron61]

They have never bothered me here but I don't get in town and just rev the engine to see if I can shake the windows either. I live right next to our police station and the only thing they have ever did was stop by to look at the cars. There always seems to be a few idiots that ruin things for everyone.

Ron

[tortuga]

Originally Posted by pgermond

No offense taken. The only thing that doesn't suck in California is the weather and the ocean, the rest of it makes me puke!

Being able to drive to the coast on a temperate winter day is great, but the rest of it, the cost, the crowding, the politics...ugh

Three more years and we’re outa here. And once gone hide my status as a native Californian like a herpes blister...

Steve H

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Ron61

They have never bothered me here but I don't get in town and just rev the engine to see if I can shake the windows either. I live right next to our police station and the only thing they have ever did was stop by to look at the cars. There always seems to be a few idiots that ruin things for everyone.

Ron

Agreed. I have pretty much been ignored by police, other than positive feedback. My view is they don't view old guys in classic cars as the problem - it's the young punks with their 'fast and furious' cars and attitudes they're watching.

Cars that have been dropped / lowered, ridiculous amounts of negative camber, 'stretched' tires/wheels, blacked-out windows and 'fart can' mufflers get far more attention than a Cobra replica, even one with side pipes.

Huh.

[Moto One]

I'm going to say that it's not so much the "stance style guys" or most of us "Cobra/classic" car folks. With the popularity YouTube videos of Lambos, McLarens, Ferraris cruising and bouncing the rev limiter shoot flames, and the "Side Show groups". The increased enforcement of the noise/modified exhaust laws was bound to happen. I remember an older cousin getting ticked back in the late 50s for his flame thrower exhaust (spark plugs at the end of the tail pipes) cruising East 14th (Bay Area cruse back then). He also got tagged for cheery bomb mufflers, his cut outs, and being too low. Like styles in clothing all things from the past circle around.

Mark.