Bill > SB264

This bill modifies Montana's existing vehicle noise statute (section 61-9-435) by eliminating a previous legal defense for individuals charged with operating a vehicle that produces excessive exhaust noise. Currently, a person could avoid conviction if they had "reasonable grounds to believe" their vehicle was not violating the noise standard, which limits vehicle exhaust noise to 95 decibels as measured by the Society of Automotive Engineers' standard J1169. The bill removes this defense, meaning that individuals can now be convicted for excessive vehicle noise regardless of whether they believed their vehicle was compliant. The bill also makes a minor technical change by renumbering the subsections, and it maintains an existing exemption for motorcycles and quadricycles, which are governed by a separate statute. By eliminating the "reasonable grounds" defense, the bill appears intended to make it easier to enforce vehicle noise restrictions and reduce loud exhaust noise from vehicles.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0244