A New Jersey bill attempts to prescribe a decibel limit to aftermarket mufflers: Virginia considers a ban on spinner wheels.

New Jersey Doesn’t Like Noise

Legislation (A.B. 3738) is a new bill that would require the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to prescribe a decibel limit on aftermarket mufflers sold in the state. The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Robert Gordon will require aftermarket mufflers to be certified by the state in order to be sold to consumers. Yet, the bill does not state what the certifiable decibel limit should be.

In some states, noise limits for modified Exhaust Systems are established by a SEMA model bill and applicable to an easy-to-administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.

To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia. New Jersey residents are strongly asked to contact the members of the New Jersey Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee and request their support for a 95-decibel limit under SAE J1169. You can also contact Assemblyman Gordon and members of the New Jersey Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee immediately by phone at (609) 292-5135 or e-mail to request their support of the 95-decibel limit under SAE J1169.

The SEMA model removes subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard. Under the standard, exhaust noise could not exceed a sound reading of 95-decibels under a fair and predictable test. This would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.

The SEMA model would also remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust system modifications are considered illegal, even where noise levels are not excessive or unusual. This policy leaves enthusiasts, exhaust system manufacturers and dealers without recourse, despite having the law on their side. This model recognizes that aftermarket Exhaust Systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions and it removes authority for the calculation of a decibel limit from state regulators and puts it back in the hands of your elected representatives.

 

Glad I live in Pa.

 

I live in northern NJ and traveled the roads every day, for decades. I hardly ever notice mufflers that are too loud or offensive, accept maybe on a few motorcycles or teeny bopper ricers.

With all the problems in this state, if 'muffler noise' is a priority among the states legislators, then, they truly have their heads screwed on backwards.

 

In this state I wouldn't doubt if the legislators have a brother in the muffler business. They're all corrupt. There's only one good politician in this state of either party, Brent Schundler. The rest are crooks.

I too don't see how loud CAR mufflers are such a big problem here. This is a clear indication of nothing better to do.

 

Wow, a ban on spinner wheels - what a shame that'd be...

What will all the pimps and ricers do???

 

 

A ban on spinner wheels

hmmmm.... actually that might not be such a bad idea.

 

i think there should be a ban on modified import/tuner/ricer cars

 

I agree Schundler is a good man (should be our governor), but don't forget Cris Smith, He's a stand up guy too.

Tom

 

Fine by me. I had no intentions of putting any spinners on my Vette anyway. But if they try to ban Corsas, let's just say, that this part of the South WILL RISE AGAIN!

 

No doubt. Sometimes I wonder if they live in the same state.

 

Spinners are already outlawed at NJ Racetracks and soon to be on the highway.

The decibal level in NJ is 76 I believe, but Raceway Park has been grandfathered in at 91 decibels. People fight it everyday.

I have a coworker who is Frank Pallone's nephew. I told him anytime he hears of some stupid anti car bill coming up to just toss it out.

Of course with congressman, the bottom line is the voters and they are likely to go with the bigger group.

Before they go and enforce the db laws, they should do something about the soccer moms putting on makeup, reading a book and talking on the phone while they cut me off in traffic.

 

On what grounds? Are they dangerous?

I don't want them on my car, but to ban them is ludicrous and sets a terrible precedent.

 

I heard some story about someone getting killed by some spinner rims when they went flying off the car. I don't know if I believe that... but I think I did hear something about they tell people with spinners not to go over a certain speed.

 

Ditto to that one

 

Spinners need to go! They were novelty for what, 30 seconds? Who here hasn't, if not for a split second, felt like some dumbass was pulling out in front of them point blank only to realize it was a douche bag with spinners? I cant stand that BS! I saw an elderly lady swerve wide and almost wreck because some ghetto sled with spinners looked like it was pulling out. I was glad I was behind her rather than beside her.

Now I certainly hope the db law steers clear of Texas or I might be in trouble.

 

None of you obviously read the Virgina bill, but apparently that doesnt stop ignorant remarks.

So this law restricts use of OEM hubcaps as well, so all of you break out the tire iron, and pop those hubcaps off of your daily beater.

 

The reason for the spinner ban in NJ is the fact that they are distracting other drivers. So the issue is not the safety of the car they are installed on, but the millions of other easily distracted drivers on the road.

 

I get distracted by big brown trucks. Actullay parking is a problem in my neighborhood and I was wondering if you had an extra truck around that I could borrow, Frank. I can park that anywhere and get away with it

I hate love laws. Thats all these are. Pass laws to protect people from themselves. This is where gov't oversteps its bounds. And Frank, you are absolutely right on about the soccer moms in their SUV's. And lets not forget the business paople talking on the phone, checking their adgendas, writing notes, reading some sort of documents, and..oh yeah, driving. If people are that easily distracted by something like "spinner" hubcaps, maybe they should stick to driving a tractor on the farm or back country roads throught the corn fields.

Isn't Schundler the mayor of Jersey City? If it is the same guy I am thinking of, you're right, he should be your govenor. He did a hell of a job cleaning that rat hole up.

Just my $.02

Bob

 

they banned loud radios in the city where i live over certain db's. mostly i think rules such as this are used so cops can have a "reason" to pull over a suspicious person or car.

as much as i agree spinners are fairly ugly and have had their 15 minutes of fame, and if they are too distracting to people, maybe they just shouldn't be driving.

i don't worry or concern myself with stupid legislation anymore... no sense in getting stressed over something we will never have control over.