Utah -- MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE EMISSION 2010 law proposal

[MotoCreations]

first -- I'm not posting this as I make custom exhausts and it affects me -- I'm posting it because it is a stupid.  Imagine if we all had to ride around with stock Ducati exhaust systems that make our Ducati's sound like damaged sewing machines?  No more Termi's, Zard's, Arrows, RoadRacing, Conti's, etc.  Only factory approved exhausts or replacement systems that are certified replacements in terms of sound and EPA rules.  (note: the guys who run my BoomTubes without ANY baffles -- I have no clue how they do it -- none are sold that way and they remove themselves later -- way way too loud for street use in this configuration)

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UTAH STATE LEGISLATURE -- First Substitute S.B. 106 -- Senator Patricia W. Jones proposes the following substitute bill:

General Description:
             10          This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code by amending provisions relating to noise
             11      suppressing system standards for exhaust muffler systems on motor vehicles.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This bill:
             14          .    provides that a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler that:
             15              .    is installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified or
             16      meets specifications equivalent to the muffler installed by the original
             17      manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified; and
             18              .    is in compliance with federal law;
             19          .    provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle which produces excessive or
             20      unusual noise on a highway; and
             21          .    makes technical changes.


link --> http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillint/sb0106s01.htm

For those of you in Utah, it wouldn't be a bad idea to contact your senator / representative and let them know your feelings...

[mitt]

I have dp carbon exhaust, so I am guilty, but my bike is maybe 100db's.  Yet, I almost support some sort of stricter penalties due to all the dumb-asses that are running 140db straight pipes on big cc twins - I can hear them from 4 or 5 blocks away.   What is the right answer?


mitt

[Howie]

We were able to fight similar legislation (bike specific) in NYC.  Since NYC's legislation was based on the federal regulation noise label on the exhaust we were able to fight the bills based on the truth that neither the EPA nor the manufacturers complied with the regulation and the label was only required to be on the bike for one year.  Unfortunately, your case not identical and the fight may be more difficult.  Most important is to organize, meet with your legislators and show up at hearings.  Oh, "loud pipes save lives" will not work.   If, for instance, Utah's proposed law is more stringent than the Federal law you may have something to work with.  You might want to visit our website, http://www.nycmag.org to get some ideas.  Hit "FORUM" and look through "Jane's Corner" and "Legislation". 

<threadjack>
Payment has been sent for the rose, sorry the payment is late, I did send payment as soon as I received the invoice, or so I thought, but the payment did not go though.  The rose is absolutely incredible

[ID_DUC_MON]

We have had that same wording on our books for years here in Idaho. How many bike have you seen with ID plates that were loud as heck?...

...I guess this difference for us it that it is not enforced unless you are being a dick to a cop and he starts picking you over (I only know one who has ever gotten this ticket and she was being a biatch to the cop). We have done several training events with our local LEO moto cops and they could give two squirts about what kind of cans, or lack of, we have on our bikes.

I am just guessing Utah's experience will be quite similar.

[Duck-Stew]

             13          This bill:
             14          .    provides that a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler that:
             15              .    is installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified or
             16      meets specifications equivalent to the muffler installed by the original
             17      manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified; and
             18              .    is in compliance with federal law;
             19          .    provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle which produces excessive or
             20      unusual noise on a highway; and
             21          .    makes technical changes.

link --> http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillint/sb0106s01.htm

Makes technical changes in regard to what?  Just the exhaust, or are they now after the people who put on CycleCat top triples to fit SBK forks?!?

[Porsche Monkey]

Who'd want to live in Utah anyway?  Seriously though some bikes are way too loud.  Not saying mine is quiet but Ive had hardleys several car lengths in front of me drown out my bike entirely. 

[ID_DUC_MON]

Who'd want to live in Utah anyway?  Seriously though some bikes are way too loud.  Not saying mine is quiet but Ive had hardleys several car lengths in front of me drown out my bike entirely. 

Deep HD's aren't the ones that bother me, it's the I4 Japanese bikes with loud exhausts that drive me batty. I got stuck next to an R1 with open pipes (drag bike) in a group ride once. My ears actually hurt after that one. IMHO, even 600's with aftermarket cans aren't much better.

[Privateer]

i saw this in the changes also:

    (ii) operate a motor vehicle which produces excessive or unusual noise on a highway.


Who gets to decide what is "excessive or unusual?"  I didn't see any kind of db maximum.

[muskrat]

this is bullshit.  I highly doubt the state will have the funds to buy the proper equipment, or at least I hope. 

[Raux]

in germany it's kinda simple. you have to keep it under a certain db that conforms to a test they have. i think it's 89 at 1m at 45 degrees from the bike at the level of the exhaust. but don't quote me. AND the exhaust has to have a E3 stamp or better on it. mind you i had pipes that had E3 on it and even with db killers in were above that. but i never got stopped even with them out. but no way i would pass inspection. so i'll keep stock around for that.

when i build the new system i won't be changing any stock pipes or mounting points permanently so i can put the stock system on for inspection.

occasionally, in certain well known riding areas on high traffic days, the motocops will be out and they will be carrying a db meter. you don't pass you get a ticket. i've heard they could take the bike on the spot, but never heard of them actually doing it.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/tra/rpt/2003-r-0676.htm

either way. a solid db number with a defined testing procedure should be what a law is, that way too strict interpretation of what excessive is by a overzealous inspector or police officer cannot happen.


one should use things like db charts and comparative normal circumstances to fight this.

[ducpainter]

i saw this in the changes also:

    (ii) operate a motor vehicle which produces excessive or unusual noise on a highway.


Who gets to decide what is "excessive or unusual?"  I didn't see any kind of db maximum.

wording like that will make it easier to fight passage.

[KRJ]

   Expect to see a whole lot more of these laws being created, here in Colorado the LEO have really gotten out of control,citing any equipment modifications as "unsafe vehicle". I have a '78 chevy P.U. with a roll cage and five point harnesses, was told I was in violation for lack of original equip belts. any modification to the factory product can put You in trouble, exhausts, handlebars, foot controls, lighting, can all be claimed to create an "unsafe" condition. Let's face it, States need revenue and this is an easy way to get some. People have to stand up and shout, or this crap will steamroll right over the top of Us!! Not only with Our bikes, but much more.....

[ducpainter]

   Expect to see a whole lot more of these laws being created, here in Colorado the LEO have really gotten out of control,citing any equipment modifications as "unsafe vehicle". I have a '78 chevy P.U. with a roll cage and five point harnesses, was told I was in violation for lack of original equip belts. any modification to the factory product can put You in trouble, exhausts, handlebars, foot controls, lighting, can all be claimed to create an "unsafe" condition. Let's face it, States need revenue and this is an easy way to get some. People have to stand up and shout, or this crap will steamroll right over the top of Us!! Not only with Our bikes, but much more.....

...but we'll leave those discussions to other forums. 

[KRJ]

   I didn't mean to get that political...will cool it down

[Fergus]

Who'd want to live in Utah anyway?

I'm in Utah. It's not such a bad place. Great skiing, hiking, mountains, mtn biking, etc. There are some cultural challenges, but there are anywhere.

This is frustrating. As with most other states, we're facing some serious fiscal, water, healthcare, and energy challenges and these types of laws are a distraction. Yes, some vehicles are too loud, but in such a purportedly conservative state, you'd think they'd be a little further on the side of freedom.

I'll send some letters and hope this doesn't get passed as I'm working on cleaning up the back end of my bike and it'll get louder.