CRX: Future California Noise Laws

[Lee & Tracy Grimes]

Just a little FYI for you Cali CRXers, I got this bit of info from an electronic newsletter from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association), the main trade association of performance car part makers.   I haven't followed the story but from my read it looks like a testing procedure to let you get a certificate showing your car does not break a state law sound level.  Previously sound laws weren't really measurable so it was up to the cop's discretion as to what was too loud.  Maybe this is a chance to defend against a cop's bad ears, bad attitude or just dislike for your or your car.   Lee   ----------------------------------------------------- 6. SEMA CALIFORNIA EXHAUST NOISE BILL PASSES ASSEMBLY By a 68-8 vote, the SEMA-sponsored bill to provide for a statewide exhaust noise-testing program cleared a significant hurdle when it was approved by the California Assembly. The bill passed despite the opposition of the California Department of Finance. The measure previously passed in the full Senate by a 31-3 vote. The bill authorizes Smog Check referee stations to issue certificates of compliance for vehicles when tests of their exhaust systems demonstrate that the systems emit no more than 95-decibels, under SAE test procedure J1169. The bill also allows courts to dismiss citations for compliant exhaust systems. Fees charged to motorists for the certificates of compliance would pay for the testing program. The measure now moves back to the Senate for a vote of concurrence on the Assembly amendments and then to the governor for his signature.