Hawaii Reintroduces Bill to Protect Enthusiasts from Unfair Exhaust Noise Citations

You may use the following points in your message:
 

• S.B. 376 supplies inspectors with an enforcement standard, replacing a system that relies on subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system amplifies the noise emitted by the motor vehicle.  
   
• S.B. 376 recognizes that the best way to address this issue is by establishing a fair and reasonable exhaust noise decibel limit.
   
• S.B. 376 recognizes the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
   
• S.B. 376 represents a real effort by legislators and hobbyists to enact reasonable legislation by allowing factory exhaust systems to be replaced with more durable, better performing options.  
   
• S.B. 376 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
   

Overview: SAN-supported legislation (S.B. 376) has been introduced in Hawaii that would allow the use, sale, alteration, or installation of car mufflers that meet a 95-decibel noise limit. Under the current law, no person can sell, alter, or install a muffler which will noticeably increase a vehicle’s noise. This bill provides an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective decibel limit under a fair and predictable test. The bill currently awaits consideration in the Senate Committees on Transportation and Judiciary, which is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, February 16.