Bill Reintroduced to Protect West Virginia Hobbyists from Unfair Exhaust Noise Citations

• H.B. 4193 would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard.  Under the standard, exhaust noise could not exceed a sound reading of 95-decibels under a fair and predictable test. 
   
• H.B. 4193 would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. 
   
• H.B. 4193 would remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust system modifications are considered illegal, even where noise levels are not excessive or unusual.  This policy leaves enthusiasts, exhaust system manufacturers and dealers without recourse.
   
• H.B. 4193 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are more durable, are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions and offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc. 
   
• H.B. 4193 challenges the erroneous assumption that enthusiasts who equip their vehicles with modified exhaust systems are involved in illegal street racing.
   

Overview:  Legislation (H.B. 4193) that would allow West Virginia’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was reintroduced by Delegate Gary Howell (gary.howell@wvhouse.gov) for the 2016 legislative session.   Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent.