California Signs Anti- Noise Bill

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/1009_crup_california_signs_anti_noise_bill/index.html California Signs Anti- Noise Bill September 29, 2010 If you're a motorcyclist, the only news you cared about in yesterday's L.A. Times was the story about The Governator signing SB 435 - the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act. The law gives officials new ammunition to cite noise pollution violations under the California Vehicle Code, which means that if you're sporting loud, non-compliant aftermarket exhaust pipes - or even stock ones, for that matter - your chances of getting ticketed just got better. That the anti-noise law was signed by Schwarzenegger - a longtime FatBoy-riding enthusiast himself - wasn't lost on those of us in the industry, but the bigger issue is one of enforcement: the law has actually been around for over 25 years, but it now affects motorcycles and aftermarket parts from the 2013 model year on, and states that motorcyclists pulled over for other violations could also be cited for illegally noisy pipes. First-time offenders would be slapped with a fine of $50 to $100, but it'd be basically a fix-it ticket that could be dismissed once corrected. After that though, fines would go up progressively, to $100 - $250. SB 435 is called the Anti-Tampering Act because it mandates that motorcycles maintain their federally required emissions equipment on both original and aftermarket exhaust systems, including the EPA stamp that certifies compliance (meaning that the exhaust system is clean burning and doesn't exceed 80 decibels). The bill was opposed by the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association: both groups support the J-2825 standard instead. J-2825 is a stationary sound test developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, and it specifies the type of sound meter to be used. Looks like the next move is up to the manufacturers and aftermarket companies.