Bill > H3091

This bill aims to further regulate motorcycle exhaust sound levels by establishing new maximum sound limits for motorcycles intended for highway use in the commonwealth. It defines key terms such as "A-weighted sound level" (sound measured using a specific weighting network on a sound meter, denoted as dB(A)), "decibel (dB)" (a unit measuring sound volume), "motorcycle" (a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle with specific exclusions), "person" (including individuals and organizations), and "registrar" (the registrar of motor vehicles). The bill specifies that no person shall operate a motorcycle that produces a sound level exceeding 92 decibels (dBA) at idle, 96 dBA at 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm) or 75% of maximum engine speed for motorcycles with fewer than three or more than four cylinders, and 100 dBA at 5000 rpm or 75% of maximum engine speed for motorcycles with three or four cylinders. These measurements are to be taken according to the SAE International Recommended Practice SAE J2825. Additionally, a 2 dBA reduction is allowed for motorcycles with exhaust systems certified to meet Federal EPA noise emission requirements, provided the system has not been modified or tampered with.