Bill > S1845

This bill establishes new regulations for motorcycle noise in Massachusetts, defining key terms like "A-weighted sound level" (sound measured with a specific weighting network, denoted as dB(A)), "decibel" (a unit for sound volume), "motorcycle" (including motorized bicycles but excluding certain vehicles like enclosed-cab trucks), "person" (including individuals and organizations), "registrar" (the registrar of motor vehicles), and "sound level" (weighted sound pressure level measured with a sound level meter). The core provision prohibits operating a registered motorcycle on public roads if it produces sound levels exceeding specific limits: 92 dBA when idling, 96 dBA at 2000 RPM (or 75% of maximum engine speed, whichever is less) for motorcycles with fewer than three or more than four cylinders, and 100 dBA at 5000 RPM (or 75% of maximum engine speed, whichever is less) 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.