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View Full Version : Can you get nicked for a loud exhaust?



Ripper
02-02-2003, 20:54
I'm not into loud systems but I've got one and that's that.

Bloke I know got pulled for this and speeding at the same time.

They asked if he had a hole in it (yes, apart from at the back....) and when he said 'no' they had him for doing 92 or some such cobblers.

But COULD you get done for having an excessively noisey one?

Jezz_S13
02-02-2003, 20:59
Yes.

Wak
02-02-2003, 21:03
Yes, someone on here, or someone they know was given a ticket for an exhaust that was too loud

Jezz_S13
02-02-2003, 21:07
Not sure but I think you'd usually just get a producer and a correction notice to be signed by your local friendly MOT dude.

GT
02-02-2003, 21:08
Depends on the local police policy on such things, or some other cobblers. Never had a problem with mine yet, tis very, very loud, easily drowns out Hipers and Nurs at full chat. Oddly, I've driven past loads of cops locally, usually on the pedal so to speak, never got more than a casual look from them. Depends on how they're feeling and I suppose Novas and Paxos with big tailpipes get more attention.

thejames
02-02-2003, 21:12
Untill someone gives you a more comprehensive answer here's a bit re: motorcyle exhaust legislation...

http://www.hants.gov.uk/regulatory/busadvice/mcycle.html

tallpaul
02-02-2003, 21:36
I think the law that relates to cars is not very clear cut. The way I understand it, if the copper decides your car makes more noise than standard, you are committing an offence. He doesnt need a noise meter or any other technical measure. He just needs to decide it is louder than a standard car to book you:eek:

thejames
02-02-2003, 21:39
Originally posted by tallpaul
I think the law that relates to cars is not very clear cut. The way I understand it, if the copper decides your car makes more noise than standard, you are committing an offence. He doesnt need a noise meter or any other technical measure. He just needs to decide it is louder than a standard car to book you:eek:

Aren't we "Mr. the class is half empty"...! :eek: :D

tallpaul
02-02-2003, 21:42
Originally posted by thejames
Aren't we "Mr. the class is half empty"...! :eek: :D

Experience / life made me that way!!:D :D

Ripper
02-02-2003, 22:07
Mine seems to be getting louder (:rolleyes: )! Not exactly my cup of tea but sounds knobtastic if you drive under a bridge, through a tunnel or on a road with walls either side!

I thought of asking the question because Mrs.Ripper can hear me turn up.......from the back room!!!

Now THAT is too loud.:(

Chimp
02-02-2003, 23:33
I got escorted home once by a policeman, who after pulling me,followed me with his flashing lights going to make sure i took the car home and left iut off the road. It was too loud. :o

marty_t3
03-02-2003, 00:31
There was a huge thread on Scoobynet about this.

If you change your exhaust and it is louder than the OEM exhaust, the police can do you for it "if they believe it is to loud". It's entirely down to the opinion of the officer who stops you. You can still be done even if your exhaust is within MOT dB noise limits.

Ripper
03-02-2003, 02:12
Originally posted by marty_t3
There was a huge thread on Scoobynet about this.

If you change your exhaust and it is louder than the OEM exhaust, the police can do you for it "if they believe it is to loud". It's entirely down to the opinion of the officer who stops you. You can still be done even if your exhaust is within MOT dB noise limits.

That's logical.....:rolleyes:

GT
03-02-2003, 02:49
Originally posted by marty_t3
There was a huge thread on Scoobynet about this.

If you change your exhaust and it is louder than the OEM exhaust, the police can do you for it "if they believe it is to loud". It's entirely down to the opinion of the officer who stops you. You can still be done even if your exhaust is within MOT dB noise limits.

I might be wrong, but I didn't think there was an MOT db limit?

Keith_C
03-02-2003, 08:39
Originally posted by GT
I might be wrong, but I didn't think there was an MOT db limit?

There isn't.

TBH, I think it's down to the looks of the car. A car that looks fast is allowed to sound fast. i.e. extremely little that is FWD is allowed to make any more noise than a gnat farting, whereas the likes of us can get away with a sonic boom.

Nathan_200sx
03-02-2003, 09:16
A guy got done in hemel for having no mot,insurance and an exhaust that was to loud. I think he may have given the police a bit of lip when they stopped him so they were out to get him for what they could. moral of story, be nice to coppers when they stop you.
I usualy back off when I see them and they never seem to bother or even look. Mind you there's a TVR in hemel that drowns out mine when he hit's the gas :eek: :eek: :eek:

marty_t3
03-02-2003, 10:08
You might want to check this thread on SN.

Scoobynet exhaust noise thread (http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?ThreadID=143974)

(most of the legal stuff is on page 5 of the thread)

It contains most of the legal stuff about dB levels and what you can and can't do along with what the police can do about it if they find you have a "louder than standard exhaust"

As for the MOT limit for noise level... the limit is set down in Road Traffic Act 1988, under Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use Regulations). It is not tested during the MOT test itself but your car must compy or the tester is within his rights to fail your car.

limits for UK spec road cars are 77dB. (very quiet).
SVA tested cars must meet 101dB

Vez
03-02-2003, 15:01
The Ultima is 4 times louder than the legal limit :D

StuyMac
03-02-2003, 15:04
Wonder If Id get away with just throwing the "bung" in :D :D

Keith_C
03-02-2003, 16:13
Originally posted by StuyMac
Wonder If Id get away with just throwing the "bung" in :D :D

Only if it's the copper in question you're bunging ;)

dobergoose
03-02-2003, 20:43
So far I've had no bother but that'll be because my towns full of Corsas that sould like fukced top fuellers even though their only travelling at 3mph:D