Massachusetts Exhaust Noise Laws - Legislation Update
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Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2005
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From: TORRANCE, CA
Massachusetts Exhaust Noise Laws - Legislation Update
A state bill that threatened to ban sales of all aftermarket exhaust systems in the State of Massachusetts has been tentatively delayed from proceeding forward.
This is very good news for those that live in the North East, which has some of the strictest exhaust noise laws in the country.
From the SEMA SAN network:
Original Article can be found here:
http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62105
Most vehicles from the factory have exhaust systems that have noise output that ranges from 86-92db under SAE testing. Our Medalion Touring and Concept G exhaust systems are SAE tested to operate under 93db at all RPMs.
Most states exhaust system noise laws limit noise output from a vehicle to not exceed a very reasonable 95db. (Every 2db represents a doubling in audible volume) Some states in the Northeast do not allow ANY exhaust systems that alter the sound of the car to be installed, regardless of whether they are no louder than factory or not. We feel this is unjustified and enforcement is targetted specifically towards certain types of enthusiasts, while the actual law is so broad and generalized that any and all muffler shops, or those who receive service at such shops (Midas, private repair shops, etc.) could technically be prosecuted. It does not take into account that factory exhaust systems degrade and change in tone over time. We would like to see these laws revised, or repealed.
Many enthusiasts have been getting ticketed in these states under these highly questionable laws, which in some cases carry fines of hundreds of dollars, are uncorrectable, and add points to the enthusiast's record.
Tanabe Racing Development USA, Inc. is a long-time SEMA member and is a manufacturer of several lines of quiet "Under 93db" exhaust systems (See Medalion Touring) to help ensure that auto enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy high quality performance upgrades, without running afoul of local laws and ordinances. While we strongly support all aspects of law enforcement to promote safe driving and responsible motoring, some states still have very draconian laws regarding aftermarket exhaust systems, which we feel demand further attention and scrutiny.
We highly recommend ALL ENTHUSIASTS to join SEMA's "Sema Action Network" which helps promote lawful and fair legislation for automotive enthusiasts.
For additional information about SEMA SAN and to join, please go to www.semasan.com
The collective support of the end user enthusiast networks, manufacturers, and SEMA's push for legislation can help, not hurt our beloved hobby.
Please help support our push for fair and just legislation by informing fellow enthusiasts of the information within this thread.
This is very good news for those that live in the North East, which has some of the strictest exhaust noise laws in the country.
From the SEMA SAN network:
Aftermarket Exhaust System Ban Silenced in Massachusetts
The bill to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” was not considered by the Massachusetts State House of Representatives before the legislature adjourned for the year. Like previous efforts in Massachusetts, the bill ignored the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions; did not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation; and would have made it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options. The bill had been revised from last year’s version to exclude limited-use “antique motor cars.” Though unlikely, the bill could be revived in special session later this year. We will keep you updated as events warrant.
The bill to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” was not considered by the Massachusetts State House of Representatives before the legislature adjourned for the year. Like previous efforts in Massachusetts, the bill ignored the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions; did not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation; and would have made it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options. The bill had been revised from last year’s version to exclude limited-use “antique motor cars.” Though unlikely, the bill could be revived in special session later this year. We will keep you updated as events warrant.
Original Article can be found here:
http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62105
Most vehicles from the factory have exhaust systems that have noise output that ranges from 86-92db under SAE testing. Our Medalion Touring and Concept G exhaust systems are SAE tested to operate under 93db at all RPMs.
Most states exhaust system noise laws limit noise output from a vehicle to not exceed a very reasonable 95db. (Every 2db represents a doubling in audible volume) Some states in the Northeast do not allow ANY exhaust systems that alter the sound of the car to be installed, regardless of whether they are no louder than factory or not. We feel this is unjustified and enforcement is targetted specifically towards certain types of enthusiasts, while the actual law is so broad and generalized that any and all muffler shops, or those who receive service at such shops (Midas, private repair shops, etc.) could technically be prosecuted. It does not take into account that factory exhaust systems degrade and change in tone over time. We would like to see these laws revised, or repealed.
Many enthusiasts have been getting ticketed in these states under these highly questionable laws, which in some cases carry fines of hundreds of dollars, are uncorrectable, and add points to the enthusiast's record.
Tanabe Racing Development USA, Inc. is a long-time SEMA member and is a manufacturer of several lines of quiet "Under 93db" exhaust systems (See Medalion Touring) to help ensure that auto enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy high quality performance upgrades, without running afoul of local laws and ordinances. While we strongly support all aspects of law enforcement to promote safe driving and responsible motoring, some states still have very draconian laws regarding aftermarket exhaust systems, which we feel demand further attention and scrutiny.
We highly recommend ALL ENTHUSIASTS to join SEMA's "Sema Action Network" which helps promote lawful and fair legislation for automotive enthusiasts.
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is an organization of more than 5,727 manufacturers, distributors and retailers of specialty products used by hobbyists to restore, maintain or improve their vehicle's appearance, speed and performance. On behalf of our industry and our consumers, we are fighting to preserve the rights of enthusiasts to restore, personalize and enjoy their vehicles.
The collective support of the end user enthusiast networks, manufacturers, and SEMA's push for legislation can help, not hurt our beloved hobby.
Please help support our push for fair and just legislation by informing fellow enthusiasts of the information within this thread.
Im a member of semasan living in ny where any modification of the exhaust is illegal. The concept blue turboback is under 93 decibals? Mass. has been trying to pass this law for quite some time now. I hope for their sake it doesn't and wish the law would change here in ny.
That's good news. I was pulled over tonight for apparantly no reason; going 40 in 40 zone. Then, the cop asked me if I have an aftermarket exhaust. Thanks to the stock-looking RSR exmag, I was free to go after answering a few more stupid q's from the cop. 
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: TORRANCE, CA
The Concept G Blue is def. not under 93db and is a full race turboback with optional cat-delete, with no resonators. It is without a doubt "Off Road Use" only. 
On the other hand, our catback exhausts, the Concept G and Medalion Touring, are on the opposite side of the spectrum operating under 93db, without needing any silencers. We developed our quieter exhausts, specifically the quieter Medalion Touring, with the idea that additional mods can be done to the car, while still playing by the "rules".
In California, the laws have actually been relaxed due to the sheer volume of erroneous tickets that have been issued in years past. I believe SEMA quoted the amount of erroneous tickets issued in California to be in the range of 60%. We now have referee stations that can certify noise compliance, as well as special training for officers to identify equipment that should or shouldnt be on a car. Over here the police are much more savvy, which keeps things reasonably fair.
The only way laws can be changed is if users like yourself take action, by joining groups like SEMASAN or by starting homegrown campaigns to push your local governments into taking corrective action.
On the other hand, our catback exhausts, the Concept G and Medalion Touring, are on the opposite side of the spectrum operating under 93db, without needing any silencers. We developed our quieter exhausts, specifically the quieter Medalion Touring, with the idea that additional mods can be done to the car, while still playing by the "rules".
In California, the laws have actually been relaxed due to the sheer volume of erroneous tickets that have been issued in years past. I believe SEMA quoted the amount of erroneous tickets issued in California to be in the range of 60%. We now have referee stations that can certify noise compliance, as well as special training for officers to identify equipment that should or shouldnt be on a car. Over here the police are much more savvy, which keeps things reasonably fair.
The only way laws can be changed is if users like yourself take action, by joining groups like SEMASAN or by starting homegrown campaigns to push your local governments into taking corrective action.
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Interesting... I just got wrote up for a ticket on the megan catback yesterday for the purpose of amplifying sound and the statie told me he is not telling me what to do to my car but it will be 3 points on my insurance.... Does he not know about the ban on this or is it still in process or whats the deal?
(Every 2db represents a doubling in audible volume)
from wikipedia:
A 3 dB increase in the level of continuous noise doubles the sound power, however experimentation has determined that the response of the human ear results in a perceived doubling of loudness for approximately every 10 dB increase (part of Stevens' power law).
from wikipedia:
A 3 dB increase in the level of continuous noise doubles the sound power, however experimentation has determined that the response of the human ear results in a perceived doubling of loudness for approximately every 10 dB increase (part of Stevens' power law).
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