OFF THE WIRE
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15943096 Lawmakers pass bill to quiet motorcycles By Robin Hindery
Associated Press
Posted: 08/30/2010 03:57:11 PM PDT Updated: 08/30/2010 03:57:12 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO -- California lawmakers want to put a plug in the earsplitting roar from modified motorcycles.
The state Senate today voted 21-16 to pass SB435. The bill makes it a crime to operate a motorcycle manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013, that fails to meet federal noise-emission control standards.
Motorcyclists whose vehicles lack the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency label would be subject to a fine.
Supporters say many motorcycle owners modify their bikes to make them much louder, which in turn creates a public nuisance. Those modifications also allow the motorcycle to produce more harmful emissions.
Opponents of the bill say many aftermarket exhaust systems meet emission standards but aren't labeled, meaning law-abiding riders could be unfairly ticketed.
The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who owns multiple motorcycles.
