Well, another eventful night at some sort of spot doing a whole lot of nothing in the wrong spot when I'm pulled and accused of having dipped into the aftermarket for my exhaust which is visually undistinguishable from stock, possibly because it is pretty damn stock with the exception being this time I was actually cited for it. Does anyone have any sort of experience fighting this type of ticket or know any officers in the area that could verify that my car is running a stock exhaust system?

 

you mean you got a ticket for the stock exhaust

what is next tickets for stock front mount intercoolers

 

call the number on the ticket and say u want to take it to court. when u go to court, take a few pics of stock exhausts, even ones at the dealership, and show the judge that is how the car came. u should get out of it w/o any ticket.

 

Actually, it shouldn't even be necessary to "Prove" your exhaust is aftermarket.. (Even though I know your system is virtually stock)

**IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO REPLACE YOUR EXHAUST WITH AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST** If you were cited for an equipment violation, "Loud Exhaust" for example, they need to PROVE that the volume of your exhaust is louder than the legal volume at whatever speed they test it at..

However since your exhaust is stock, You need to bring documentation from a dealer which shows a diagram of the stock system, and a photo (of the underside of your car with the license plate in view if possible) of your exhaust..

In New York State, it is not Illegal to replace your entire exhaust system as long as it is "Legal" that is, it does not render the emissions controls non-functional.

There is one caveat, Federal Law (and in most states) IT IS ILLEGAL to remove the stock catalytic converter, Even if its replaced with an aftermarket converter. There is an exception, if the catalytic converter is damaged from an accident or debris (or becomes nonfunctional because its old) it can be replaced, however there is actual documentation that needs to be filled out (sort of like a Death Certificate for your stock catalytic converter)

I was fortunate, My car was in a rear-end accident and the exhaust had to be replaced, I keep that document with me.

But let me reiterate, AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST IS NOT ILLEGAL! The only exception are states like California which has CARB certification, which in that case if its not certified, it is not allowed. This is not the case on Long Island.

The truth is, I've been out on Deer Park Avenue lately, There are countless hondas, camaros, mustangs, etc. drag racing eachother in traffic, and driving wrecklessly.. Unfortunately Suffolk County (and most of Long Island) seems to think that Harassment and Selective enforcement will solve the problem...

The solution to the problem is **ALLOWING CRUISING** Even encouraging it.. and allowing parking in designated lots, HOWEVER it should be near Zero tolerance for things such as Wreckless Driving, Racing, blatent safety violations, and noise (Loud Music or screaming/yelling that could disturb local residents)

A Strong police presence is not a bad thing, it promotes safety and should prevent some of the stupidity from going on.. But Harassment, Road Blocks, Passing Ordinences and laws preventing loitering WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, It will ultimately make things worse, Travelling wolfpacks of racers harassing drivers in performance cars at random locations is not what I would consider a desirable result of this enforcement.

I wish the town leaders and police would actually listen to our input.. There are DOZENS of people who know who I am.. and Know where I hang out.. and everyone who knows me can say that these places are comfortable, friendly, social environments where there's virtually never any problems (with the exception of occasional police harassment or a few "Crashers" who show up but are still tolerated and if their nice, welcomed)

Oh well, I'm done with my rant..

and Mike.. We were out from about 9pm to 10:30, but got bored and left..

If you guys are planning on cruising around Long Island, finding things to do, come to www.longislandstreetscene.com We're relying on contributors to keep the the scene going and up to date, what everyone needs is new cruise spots, tolerant locations, etc.. thats what that site is for..

 

Thanks for the replies guys, the pure absurdity of the ticket I got is beyond me but its kind of guilt by association I guess, and on DPA its kind of expected.

 

Speaking of Deer Park Ave.. Who has the Silver Evo that I was playing with last night?? I would have tried to get the guy to stop and chat for a bit, but I needed to get home..