A coalition of Massachusetts SEMA Action Network car clubs, individual enthusiasts, custom exhaust manufacturers and vehicle supply companies helped successfully kill Massachusetts legislation (H.B. 3593) that sought to prohibit the sale or installation of "an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust."
The bill effectively died when the Massachusetts legislature adjourned its regular session for the year. (While lawmakers may still meet in informal sessions before December 31st, it would take an unprecedented act by the legislature to approve the bill.) Hopefully, we've given the sponsor second thoughts about reintroducing the bill in 2003.
Had H.B. 3593 become law hobbyists would have found it difficult to replace factory exhaust systems with better performing, more durable and stylish models. In addition, H.B. 3593 would not have provided Massachusetts police with a clear enforcement standard, allowing them to make purely subjective judgments about whether a custom exhaust is legal or not.
SEMA would like to highlight the efforts of Massachusetts SEMA Action Network clubs such as the Bearing Burners, Massachusetts Cruisers Auto Club, Ty-Rods, Massachusetts Association of Automobile Clubs, Spindles Auto Club of Weymouth, Dominators Car Club, Massachusetts Cruisers Club, and the Bay State Classic Chevy Club in opposing this legislation. Without their help, aftermarket and custom exhausts might have been completely banned from Massachusetts' roads.