Bill > S1716

This bill aims to regulate illegal exhaust systems for motor vehicles in Massachusetts by establishing clear definitions and enforcement mechanisms. The bill defines an illegal exhaust system as one that amplifies sound beyond 75 decibels for vehicles under 6,000 pounds or 80 decibels for vehicles over 6,001 pounds, measured from fifty feet away, or any modification that bypasses or eliminates manufacturer-installed noise reduction devices. During state vehicle inspections, inspectors will now be required to perform visual and emission tests on all vehicles, including older models, to ensure exhaust systems meet EPA standards. The bill authorizes police officers to issue citations for illegal exhaust systems using decibel meters or other scientifically accepted sound measurement methods, and establishes a graduated fine structure for violations. For individual vehicle owners, fines start at $300 for a first offense and escalate to potential vehicle registration suspension for fourth offenses. Auto repair shops face even steeper penalties, with fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 for repeated violations, and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will develop guidelines for decibel meter usage to ensure consistent and accurate enforcement.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1716