Exhaust Noise Law Causes Outcry From Californians
Pro-hobby legislation (A.B. 390) has been introduced to repeal the 2018 law (A.B. 1824) that amended how California law enforcement officials issue citations for exhaust noise violations.
A recent exhaust noise law in California has caused a significant stir, especially with online communities. Concern and misinformation spread rapidly throughout enthusiast circles as well as the industry. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) quickly assembled a “Fact vs. Fiction” webpage seeking to clarify the matter. Thankfully, the saga doesn’t end there.
California Assembly members Jim Frazier and Tim Grayson have since introduced pro-hobby legislation (A.B. 390) to repeal the 2018 law (A.B. 1824) that amended how California law enforcement officials issue citations for exhaust noise violations. Both Assm. Frazier and Assm. Grayson are members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and have previously attended the SEMA Show. Assm. Frazier is the Chair of the Committee on Transportation.
Signed by then-Governor Jerry Brown in June of 2018, A.B. 1824 amended how excess exhaust noise violations are treated by law enforcement. Pursuant to the law, a vehicle cited for violating exhaust noise laws no longer receives what is known as a “fix-it” ticket. Instead, violations now result in an immediate fine. A.B. 390 would re-institute law enforcement’s discretion to issue “fix-it” tickets.
In California, exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, may not exceed a sound level of 95 decibels when tested under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1492 (formerly J1169). This would be unchanged by A.B. 390.
At the time of publication, A.B. 390 is awaiting committee assignment in the Assembly. Legislation introduced in the state must undergo a 30-day waiting period before they may be considered by the legislature.
Please share the news with others. As you know, supporters can stay informed on this and other issues by signing up for the SAN. There is no cost or obligation to receive updates on the bill’s progress and how to shape its future.
For more information, visit www.semaSAN.com/alerts: “Fact vs. Fiction: California’s New Exhaust Noise Law.”
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SEMA SAN Strike Force
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