Motorcyclists Divided on Noise Laws

Motorcyclists are split on whether anti-noise laws are a good thing

According to a recent article in the New York Times, motorcyclists are split on whether anti-noise laws for motorcycles are a good thing. Two motorcycle groups have recently helped citizen groups to devise a method of testing motorcycles for noise and have also helped to draft anti-noise laws.

Those groups, the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association, are helping with the laws in order to prevent even stricter laws from becoming popular across the country, such as the law that was passed in California last year. However, many motorcyclists have been upset about the groups’ involvement in anti-noise legislation. Recently, the standards proposed by the M.I.C. were passed in Maine. The standards are less stringent than the California laws, because they do not require mandatory testing for motorcyclists during vehicle inspection or registration. Instead, if a motorcycle has loud exhaust pipes, a police officer can issue a ticket. As a defense, the motorcyclist can have a technician test the motorcycle’s sound level, which can be used as a defense in court.

Starting in 2013, under California law, all new motorcycle exhaust systems must have a stamp certifying that it meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal sound requirements. Those who disagree with the law point out that for small motorcycle manufacturers, qualifying for the sticker would be a huge expense, perhaps as much as $250,000. Even if motorcycles are sold with the sticker, motorcycle owners can remove a portion of the exhaust system in order to make the motorcycles louder.

Do you have any questions about California motorcycle laws? If so, contact Don Sjaarda, California motorcycle accident attorney, at 714-963-8216 to learn more.