Ticketed for modified exhaust
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: colorado
Ticketed for modified exhaust
Okay as the title states, about 2-weeks ago I was pulled over and ticketed for a modified exhaust.
I am in Colorado and for as long as I can remember have never been pulled over for a modified exhaust. I have had the Invidia on my EVO9 for 3-years with no issues. Definitely not too loud (but louder than stock) and stock appearing (same size tip as stock). Now out of nowhere I get pulled over and ticketed. I realize the officer is just trying to make quota for the month.
My question, is there noise testing stations in Colorado or cheap db meters to test my exhaust noise levels. Every meter I found on the Internet is about $100 or more and my ticket is a non-moving violation with a $40 fine. I figure how will the courts prove I have a modified exhaust system if my car is not excessively loud, but I still have to prove it.
Yeah, I know pay for it and get it over with, but I also know this won't be the last. So, what ya'll think.
I am in Colorado and for as long as I can remember have never been pulled over for a modified exhaust. I have had the Invidia on my EVO9 for 3-years with no issues. Definitely not too loud (but louder than stock) and stock appearing (same size tip as stock). Now out of nowhere I get pulled over and ticketed. I realize the officer is just trying to make quota for the month.
My question, is there noise testing stations in Colorado or cheap db meters to test my exhaust noise levels. Every meter I found on the Internet is about $100 or more and my ticket is a non-moving violation with a $40 fine. I figure how will the courts prove I have a modified exhaust system if my car is not excessively loud, but I still have to prove it.
Yeah, I know pay for it and get it over with, but I also know this won't be the last. So, what ya'll think.
i got pulled over few times for exhaust...i think the CO state law is, any modification or change of muffler/exhaust is subject to a Ticket/fine. That's what the cop told me, you also have to see what kind of mood the cop is in, if he is in the bad mood, he can pull u over just cause he can. I passed by a cop that pulled me over be4 tonight and he didn't bother to follow me.
Last edited by Kdash106; Apr 12, 2009 at 10:55 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: colorado
acct918, I'll try radioshack tomorrow. Kdash106, that's what the officer told me as well and after looking up colorado enforcement codes (very general), I think the only way to win this is to prove the muffler does not exceed the allowed 80db for Colorado.
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From: Richmond VA
@TS: Did the cop say that it sounded too lound or did he say it's an illegal after market exhaust?
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If you know someone with an iPhone there is an application you can buy for $3 on the iphone that measures the DB accurately. I have it on my phone but you're a bit far 
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Denver, CO
Kdash is right...
It depends on the city ordinances for tickets, but you're kind of at the mercy. There are options however. Just having it appear to be modified he will need proof. If you fight the ticket (and they never expect you to fight for just $40) and prove that you still have a stock exhaust that is unmodified, you can win... unless he has proof that it was otherwise (like a description or statement from you stating it was modified).
As for noise, you cannot get a ticket for noise unless it was metered at the time you were pulled over. Cops do have metering devices (not all do), so if he metered you at the time of violation, he would have written it on the ticket. If he didnt, and he marked down the ticket for a noise ordinance you can fight it for lack of proof. Once again, its safe to have the stockers on your car.
It depends on the city ordinances for tickets, but you're kind of at the mercy. There are options however. Just having it appear to be modified he will need proof. If you fight the ticket (and they never expect you to fight for just $40) and prove that you still have a stock exhaust that is unmodified, you can win... unless he has proof that it was otherwise (like a description or statement from you stating it was modified).
As for noise, you cannot get a ticket for noise unless it was metered at the time you were pulled over. Cops do have metering devices (not all do), so if he metered you at the time of violation, he would have written it on the ticket. If he didnt, and he marked down the ticket for a noise ordinance you can fight it for lack of proof. Once again, its safe to have the stockers on your car.
Kdash is right...
It depends on the city ordinances for tickets, but you're kind of at the mercy. There are options however. Just having it appear to be modified he will need proof. If you fight the ticket (and they never expect you to fight for just $40) and prove that you still have a stock exhaust that is unmodified, you can win... unless he has proof that it was otherwise (like a description or statement from you stating it was modified).
As for noise, you cannot get a ticket for noise unless it was metered at the time you were pulled over. Cops do have metering devices (not all do), so if he metered you at the time of violation, he would have written it on the ticket. If he didnt, and he marked down the ticket for a noise ordinance you can fight it for lack of proof. Once again, its safe to have the stockers on your car.
It depends on the city ordinances for tickets, but you're kind of at the mercy. There are options however. Just having it appear to be modified he will need proof. If you fight the ticket (and they never expect you to fight for just $40) and prove that you still have a stock exhaust that is unmodified, you can win... unless he has proof that it was otherwise (like a description or statement from you stating it was modified).
As for noise, you cannot get a ticket for noise unless it was metered at the time you were pulled over. Cops do have metering devices (not all do), so if he metered you at the time of violation, he would have written it on the ticket. If he didnt, and he marked down the ticket for a noise ordinance you can fight it for lack of proof. Once again, its safe to have the stockers on your car.
contest it...it is your right for the police officer/court to show you on paper where the state law states what you did is a violation. If shown pay and leave it...if not fight and follow by sueing the state and police.
WA State Law says they can ticket you for the exhaust being "not of original design or specification". So technically, they can ticket you for bending it differently.
Scott
Scott
