The Thousand Oaks Police Department strives to promote traffic safety within the community. In an effort to recognize certain hazards while driving, the Traffic Bureau is continuing a monthly traffic awareness reminder program, addressing a traffic topic each month. While we focus on a specific topic each month, it’s always imperative to constantly strive to follow all rules of the road.
The month of February is dedicated to “Modification of Exhaust Systems.”
Modification of a vehicle’s exhaust system is becoming more and more popular. As much as it improves the performance of the vehicle, it is illegal and can disturb the peace and quiet of our community. Before modifying your vehicle’s exhaust system, here are some important laws you should know:
27150(a) of the vehicle code states, “Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.”
27151(a) of the vehicle code states, “No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is not in compliance with the provisions of Section 27150 or exceeds the noise limits established for the type of vehicle in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200).
No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified.” 27151(b) of the vehicle code states, “For the purposes of exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dbA or less, when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998, complies with this section. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, non-original exhaust equipment.” 27202 of the vehicle code states, “The following noise levels should apply to any motorcycle
manufactured:
1. After 1969 and before 1973 88dbA
2. After 1972 and before 1975 86dbA
3. After 1974 and before 1986 83dbA
4. After 1985…….. 80dbA”
The City of Thousand Oaks prides itself on being a great place to live. Let’s all do our part and respect our neighbor’s peace by not modifying our vehicle’s exhaust system. Together, we can continue to keep Thousand Oaks a peaceful and quiet community.
Prepared by: Sgt. Dennis Sliva
Nixle: Text your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and other public safety ALERTS and ADVISORIES. Visit www.vcsd.org/nixle.php to sign up and get alerts, advisories AND COMMUNITY MESSAGES IN TEXT AND EMAILS.
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