Virginia Bill Introduced to Protect Enthusiasts From Unfair Citations

You may use the following points in your message:
 

• S.B. 5029 would change certain traffic infractions from primary offenses to secondary offenses, including suspected exhaust noise and excess window tint violations. If enacted, police may only issue these citations if they have stopped a motorist for another offense.
   
• S.B. 5029 endorses the fact that that the current system unfairly targets car enthusiasts for minor infractions. 
   
• S.B. 5029 recognizes the need for an improved enforcement standard for suspected exhaust noise violations, including an objective measure of a vehicle’s muffler sound.
   

Overview: SAN-supported legislation (S.B. 5029) has been introduced in Virginia which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary offenses to secondary offenses. Current law includes the following traffic infractions as primary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate, with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films, and with certain objects suspended in the vehicle. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another, separate offense. The bill currently awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Transportation. 
 

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