An amended version of a SEMA-sponsored bill to remove vague and subjective provisions from the state’s exhaust noise law became law without the governor’s signature. Under previous law, New Hampshire deemed illegal all modifications which increased noise levels above that emitted by the vehicle’s original muffler. The original SEMA-drafted legislation required law enforcement authorities to prove that an exhaust system modification resulted in a noise level in excess of 95-decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169 before issuing a citation. Deeming the 95-decibel limit too restrictive, the Legislature simply deleted provisions in the law which referenced the noise levels of the original muffler.
