What is the maximum permitted Noise level from Motor Vehicle?

Question

what is the maximum permitted Noise level from motor vehicles exhaust when conducting a stationary in-service test

Answer 1

SUMMARY

According to a January 2004 report compiled by the Motorcycle Industry Council, an industry trade association, seven states (Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, and Washington) have lower motorcycle noise standards than Connecticut. Other states have standards that are similar to or higher than Connecticut’s, or do not have such standards. However, many states bar excessive motorcycle noise in general, or prohibit altering motorcycle exhaust systems to cause excessive noise. Finally, these standards are for motorcycle operation, and may differ from the maximum noise standards applicable to the sale or lease of new motorcycles in a particular state.

MEASURING NOISE LEVELS

A decibel (dB) is the basic measurement unit for sound. State motor vehicle laws measure sound using the dBA scale, which most closely approximates sound as heard by the human ear. Decibel measurements are made on a logarithmic scale, which means that an increase of 10 decibels approximates a perceived doubling of the noise level. A noise source measuring 70 dBA is therefore 10 times louder than a source measuring 60 dBA and 100 times louder than a source reading 50 dBA. The average background noise in a typical home is between 40 and 50 dBA.

CONNECTICUT MOTORCYCLE NOISE STANDARDS

The maximum permissible noise level on a paved surface for a motorcycle manufactured after January 1, 1979 is 80 dBA at 35 miles per hour (mph) or less and 84 dBA at speeds greater than 35 mph. The maximum permissible noise level for motorcycles produced before that date is 82 dBA at a speed of 35 mph or less and 86 dBA at speeds greater than 35 mph (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 14-80a-4a). Please see OLR Report 2003-R-0676 for more information on Connecticut motorcycle noise standards.

STATES WITH LOWER MOTORCYCLE NOISE STANDARDS

The following table indicates the maximum motorcycle noise levels for Connecticut and the other seven states at speeds of less than 35 mph, between 35 mph and 45 mph, and greater than 45 mph. We should note that five of the states require that later-model motorcycles meet progressively more stringent noise standards. For example, California permits motorcycles manufactured before 1970 to produce a maximum noise level of 92 dBA, but gradually tightens that requirement so that motorcycles manufactured after 1985 must not exceed 80 dBA. The noise levels in this table apply to motorcycles manufactured after the date listed in parentheses after the state’s name.

Answer 2

It varies by state and local regulations. Contact your local police department to find out the limits in your area.

Answer 3

Call and find out.