California Exhaust Noise Testing Program Proves Overwhelming Success

WASHINGTON (Jan. 14, 2004) — The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) reports that approximately 90 percent of the nearly-600 vehicles that have undergone the state's new exhaust-noise test have been certified to be in compliance with California law. BAR began operation of the motor vehicle exhaust noise-testing program in late summer 2003. The program, the product of a SEMA-sponsored law, allows California hobbyists to prove their vehicles comply with state noise standards.

"This information validates our long-held contention that a vast majority of citations written for violation of California's exhaust noise laws are, in fact, erroneous," said SEMA Senior Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “For years, the enforcement policy used by police officers has deemed nearly all exhaust system modifications illegal, even when the noise levels met state standards.”

The law also allows courts to dismiss citations for exhaust systems that have been tested and for which a certificate of compliance has been issued. The 40 Smog Check stations that provide referee functions are performing the test. These referee stations are issuing certificates of compliance for vehicles when tests of their exhaust systems demonstrate that they emit no more than 95decibels under SAE test procedure J1169. However, only those vehicles that have received a citation for an exhaust noise violation are permitted to submit their vehicle for the test.

“Motorists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and performance prefer aftermarket exhaust systems,” McDonald added. “By establishing this evenhanded testing process, this program is proving to benefit consumers who favor these state-of-the-art products, the aftermarket industry which markets them and even police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.”

BAR has yet to issue a regulation to provide for the cost to consumers for performing the test. Tests are currently being performed at no cost to consumers. BAR has established a toll free number (800/622-7733) to accept phone calls from motorists who have received citations for excessive exhaust noise and wish to have the test performed. BAR officials have asked that cited motorists have the citation and vehicle registration information available when calling.

SEMA represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has 5,222 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

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Image (1) available at: www.sema.org/images/32266.jpg

CAPTION (1): Approximately 90 percent of the nearly-600 vehicles that have undergone California’s new exhaust-noise test have been certified to be in compliance with California law.

Image (2) available at: www.sema.org/images/32267.jpg

CAPTION (2): California Bureau of Automotive Repair technicians use the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169 to check that a vehicle’s exhaust noise is no more than 95decibels specified by California law