URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT
Massachusetts Bill to Ban the Sale/Installation of Aftermarket Exhaust Systems Is Back . . . Again
After being stalled for the last several years, a bill (H.B. 3574) to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” has been reintroduced by Rep. Liz Malia (Rep.LizMalia@hou.state.ma.us).
The bill excludes limited-use “antique motor cars” from its scope - a clear attempt by the bill’s sponsor to divide the automobile hobby in an effort to gain clearer sailing for this restrictive and damaging piece of legislation. H.B. 3574 has been referred to the Joint Transportation Committee.
We Urge You to Contact the Members of the Joint Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to H.B. 3574
H.B. 3574 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
H.B. 3574 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
H.B. 3574 would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.
H.B. 3574 does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation.
H.B. 3574 would only exclude “antique motor cars” defined as those vehicles over 25-years old which are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc.
how does this affect those with aftermarket equiptment already installed on their vehicles. They grandfathered in or do they need to go back to stock. Only way I can see them SEMI-enforcing this, and I am not sure how Mass works DMV wise, but if an annual or bi-annual vehicle inspection is required like in NJ, that is where they'll be pinched. F that.
The subjective part bothers me the most. We have that with the window tint law in PA. It the cop "thinks" its too dark you are getting a ticket the law states 70% pass, but the cop does not have to measure. (I know I just went to court over this and lost)
The subjective part bothers me the most. We have that with the window tint law in PA. It the cop "thinks" its too dark you are getting a ticket the law states 70% pass, but the cop does not have to measure. (I know I just went to court over this and lost)
And the subjective part of it means it's up to the cop who got up on the wrong side of the bed and doesn't like the cut of your jib that day. Bad stuff in my opinion.
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