Got a ticket for a loud exhaust

Mega Man · 06-07-2009, 07:02 PM

1love, I would leave CA except I like the surf here. I prefer the surf in Hawaii, and Hawaii's a great place to visit. However, after living there for 3 straight years, you do get island fever and the idea that you are on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

If I didn't surf, I probably would GTFO California.

BerkTechnology · 06-10-2009, 06:12 PM

Do any of you guys have driving while talking on a cell phone ban as well? I just got nailed a few weeks ago for not using my headset. $140!!!

This CA budget thing is getting out of control. If it wasn't for the weather and the women I would be somewhere else.....

ronnyek · 06-11-2009, 09:37 AM

Actually unless stuff has changed... its not that you modified the exhaust (afaik you can run diff catback legally, you just cant exceed sound limits). Sound limits being x db at x feet at x rpms.

Obviously modifications to air intake, etc require carb numbers etc. Modifications to cats or anything along that nature, not allowable at all. Cant even replace it with a high flow.

I got busted with a "modified" exhaust they tested and determined it wasnt too loud, made sure cats were in tact and I was on my way.

I cant speak for rr exhaust, as I've never heard it in person, but so long as its not too loud, you may be able to fight it. I had to go see smog ref to make sure everythign else was in order (which cost me money) but it was nice knowing my car was infact legal.

Cops are a buncha douches... (and I believe in the laws, and that there should be people to enforce it... ) they got their little abuse the power badge and they like to be jackasses to everyone they encounter... so... what are you going to do.

Heinzftw · 06-11-2009, 11:16 AM

Alright first off, the exact same thing happened to me so I can help. Check
We live in the same state so I know exactly what to do also. Check!

Alright first off: All it is a fix it ticket, BUT you are now what is known as State Referee'd. Which means that a police officer can and will not sign off on your ticket. You need to now go to an official state referee to get a Decibel reading test. The maximum decibels is 93, if you believe that you are above that put your stock exhaust on for an hour. If you have no cats, they will red flag that.

Put back on your stock intake, as when you go there they open up your hood to look for ANYTHING else wrong with your car.

If you have any other questions you can reach me via pm. Best of luck!

ktdw · 06-11-2009, 11:54 AM

ok, so there are two applicable VC sections in California dealing with loud exhausts. The first relates to exceeding the 93 db limit, and the second is a subjective "adequate muffler requirement". I got hit with the second one:

27150. (a) 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.

Am I still state refereed? If so, that would mean that I need go back to stock to pass the tests

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I see three options:
1. Fight this shit.
2. Pay fine, and continue on my way.
3. Go back to stock.

Has anyone had success fighting these? I have no problem going through the process, but I agree I'd look kinda stupid fighting a fix-it ticket. If there isn't a problem, just get it signed-off, right? Unless, the costs of the referee and admin fees are pretty high...

Robert · 06-11-2009, 02:07 PM

Those harleys....

ronnyek · 06-11-2009, 03:10 PM

well at least they can be hit on stuff like that now, as harleys dont come with unmuffled exhaust any longer as far as I know.

deamon32 · 06-11-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktdw

ok, so there are two applicable VC sections in California dealing with loud exhausts. The first relates to exceeding the 93 db limit, and the second is a subjective "adequate muffler requirement". I got hit with the second one:

27150. (a) 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.

Am I still state refereed? If so, that would mean that I need go back to stock to pass the tests

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I see three options:
1. Fight this shit.
2. Pay fine, and continue on my way.
3. Go back to stock.

Has anyone had success fighting these? I have no problem going through the process, but I agree I'd look kinda stupid fighting a fix-it ticket. If there isn't a problem, just get it signed-off, right? Unless, the costs of the referee and admin fees are pretty high...

I am going to start fighting all my tickets. I have a tint ticket coming up where the CHP officer made the desicion that my tint was too dark because I had the windows rolled up not even 1/4". Then the officer said he could tell me exactly what level tint it was and after he guessed wrong we got into a small argument about it.

Either way, fight ALL tickets through the mail do not go to court. You have a much better chance of winning your speeding and fix it tickets if you fight it through the mail.

http://www.ticketassassin.com/ is a good resource for this.

ronnyek · 06-11-2009, 03:54 PM

you know, I dont know if I'd try and fight the tint ticket... I was busted recently here too, and was told that *ANY* tint whatsoever on front two windows and windshield is expressly forbidden and that no cars come with any sort of tinted glass from the factory whatsoever.

Even went on to say I could get a suction cup sun shield for the window... because some how thats going to be less obstructive then a real mild tint (I went for what the tintshop said was legal)

ktdw · 06-11-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deamon32

I am going to start fighting all my tickets. I have a tint ticket coming up where the CHP officer made the desicion that my tint was too dark because I had the windows rolled up not even 1/4". Then the officer said he could tell me exactly what level tint it was and after he guessed wrong we got into a small argument about it.

Either way, fight ALL tickets through the mail do not go to court. You have a much better chance of winning your speeding and fix it tickets if you fight it through the mail.

http://www.ticketassassin.com/ is a good resource for this.

I agree. I guess it's no real loss to try, but I can imagine the court would be suspicious of anyone who would fight a ticket that was correctable. Why would anyone fight a correctable ticket, unless they knew they couldn't get it signed-off? That said, I believe the rules of procedure still need to be followed. And if the officer doesn't respond or show up, the citation is must be dismissed.

The only reason I could give for wanting to fight this, is just the principle of not paying any more taxes than I should have to (even $10).

BerkTechnology · 06-11-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktdw

I agree. I guess it's no real loss to try, but I can imagine the court would be suspicious of anyone who would fight a ticket that was correctable. Why would anyone fight a correctable ticket, unless they knew they couldn't get it signed-off? That said, I believe the rules of procedure still need to be followed. And if the officer doesn't respond or show up, the citation is must be dismissed.

The only reason I could give for wanting to fight this, is just the principle of not paying any more taxes than I should have to (even $10).

I still believe for minor infractions you can have it signed off by a cop. We just had a chicken shit fix it ticket for a no front plate. Just call your local PD and ask. They're usually pretty good to talk to if the conversation isn't happening on the side of the road. GL!

ktdw · 07-25-2009, 12:17 PM

If anybody is interested, I'm just going to pay the $164 fine.

It was a correctable ticket, and could be signed off (without going to a referee), but I think it's easier and cheaper to do pay up. And I would just feel bad castrating my 135

WhiteOne · 07-26-2009, 12:23 AM

$164 every time the nice officer gives you another ticket?
Ouch! This could get expensive after a while.
I wish you the best of luck with your new friend. Really!

gargoyal · 07-26-2009, 07:13 PM

in CA that is a pay and a fix it ticket . if the Riss exhaust has a CARB # then you can fight it. If it doesn't have a CARB number then you lose.

Muffnbluff · 08-09-2009, 07:29 PM

Good God that is ridiculous. I've blasted by cops here in my STi with the EWG wide open and they could care less.

mattssi · 08-09-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1love

GTFO of CA. Best thing i ever did. Low taxes, less gas prices, less traffic practically everywhere else. And NO emissions check or gestapo police.

Yeah, CA has some perks I guess, but I'd rather visit. Moved from Detroit out here for the wife to go to school..sucks. 10.75% tax, everything is over priced, laws are ridiculous (at least around here every car is modified it seems, so I never had any issues), smog testing sucks, etc.

Anyway, I'd fight if if you can, then move

jeremyc74 · 08-09-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattssi

Yeah, CA has some perks I guess, but I'd rather visit. Moved from Detroit out here for the wife to go to school..sucks. 10.75% tax, everything is over priced, laws are ridiculous (at least around here every car is modified it seems, so I never had any issues), smog testing sucks, etc.

Anyway, I'd fight if if you can, then move

CA and VA are two states I'll never live in (again) because of their stance on cars, and when I'm considering a job offer in other states (back when there were jobs) , I'll look for a little more money if the state has an annual inspection or requires a front tag.

It sounds a little silly, but cars are a hobby for me, and if a state's going to make it more difficult to enjoy my hobby, I'm going to avoid living there.

AlBel1214 · 08-09-2009, 08:48 PM

I love driving by jersey cops coming the other direction and they don't see my front plate... one time one actually was about to blast a u-turn but must of seen my PA plate..

jeremyc74 · 08-09-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlBel1214

I love driving by jersey cops coming the other direction and they don't see my front plate... one time one actually was about to blast a u-turn but must of seen my PA plate..

I grew up in VA, and my parents still live there. They have front plates and inspection stickers, and I constantly get cops preparing to turn around on me when I'm there visiting. In my previous car I actually had one turn around, and then go ahead and pull me over anyway even after he'd realized I was on a FL plate. His excuse was "The car is too loud to be in VA and the windows are too dark".

It was a GTO with full emissions legal exhaust and JBA mufflers, and FL leagal tint. I asked him if he really expected me to change my exhaust and pull the tint off my windows every year before I came in for the holidays, and his response was "If you want to drive in VA you will."

Jaguar66 · 08-10-2009, 01:13 AM

!

ocinek · 08-10-2009, 02:02 AM

Hah good story; you should have won most of your tickets though. Trial by declaration after getting it extended and appealed... unless you have multiple 22348 b 100mph+ tickets like me.

06-07-2009, 07:02 PM	#23
Mega Man エアーマンが倒せない 271 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	1love, I would leave CA except I like the surf here. I prefer the surf in Hawaii, and Hawaii's a great place to visit. However, after living there for 3 straight years, you do get island fever and the idea that you are on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. If I didn't surf, I probably would GTFO California. __________________ 1ADDICT \| Black Shadowline Grills \| KW V2 \| CP-E Tow-Hook Plate \| CP-E Catback Exhaust \| Tow-Hook \| Evolution Racewerks Intercooler \| ER Charge Pipe \| HKS SQV IV \| ER Intercooler Shroud \| BMS Oil Catch Can \| COBB Access Port \| APEX ARC-8 \| EAS OE Performance Brake Upgrade \| SLeK Carbon Fiber Hood \|
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06-10-2009, 06:12 PM	#24
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Do any of you guys have driving while talking on a cell phone ban as well? I just got nailed a few weeks ago for not using my headset. $140!!! This CA budget thing is getting out of control. If it wasn't for the weather and the women I would be somewhere else.....
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06-11-2009, 09:37 AM	#25
ronnyek Captain 23 Rep 682 Posts Drives: 2010 Evo MR Touring Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: space iTrader: (1)	Actually unless stuff has changed... its not that you modified the exhaust (afaik you can run diff catback legally, you just cant exceed sound limits). Sound limits being x db at x feet at x rpms. Obviously modifications to air intake, etc require carb numbers etc. Modifications to cats or anything along that nature, not allowable at all. Cant even replace it with a high flow. I got busted with a "modified" exhaust they tested and determined it wasnt too loud, made sure cats were in tact and I was on my way. I cant speak for rr exhaust, as I've never heard it in person, but so long as its not too loud, you may be able to fight it. I had to go see smog ref to make sure everythign else was in order (which cost me money) but it was nice knowing my car was infact legal. Cops are a buncha douches... (and I believe in the laws, and that there should be people to enforce it... ) they got their little abuse the power badge and they like to be jackasses to everyone they encounter... so... what are you going to do.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-11-2009, 11:54 AM	#27
ktdw BMWCCA #401908 54 Rep 470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	ok, so there are two applicable VC sections in California dealing with loud exhausts. The first relates to exceeding the 93 db limit, and the second is a subjective "adequate muffler requirement". I got hit with the second one: 27150. (a) 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. Am I still state refereed? If so, that would mean that I need go back to stock to pass the tests Tell me if I'm wrong, but I see three options: 1. Fight this shit. 2. Pay fine, and continue on my way. 3. Go back to stock. Has anyone had success fighting these? I have no problem going through the process, but I agree I'd look kinda stupid fighting a fix-it ticket. If there isn't a problem, just get it signed-off, right? Unless, the costs of the referee and admin fees are pretty high... __________________ Vishnu PROcede v3, Vishnu Dual Cone Intake, Code3 FMIC, Riss Racing Downpipes, Riss Racing Exhaust, H&R Sport Springs Best 1/4 mile: 12.583 @ 117.609 mph
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06-11-2009, 02:07 PM	#28
Robert Major General 414 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Those harleys....
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06-11-2009, 03:10 PM	#29
ronnyek Captain 23 Rep 682 Posts Drives: 2010 Evo MR Touring Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: space iTrader: (1)	well at least they can be hit on stuff like that now, as harleys dont come with unmuffled exhaust any longer as far as I know.
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06-11-2009, 03:54 PM	#31
ronnyek Captain 23 Rep 682 Posts Drives: 2010 Evo MR Touring Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: space iTrader: (1)	you know, I dont know if I'd try and fight the tint ticket... I was busted recently here too, and was told that ANY tint whatsoever on front two windows and windshield is expressly forbidden and that no cars come with any sort of tinted glass from the factory whatsoever. Even went on to say I could get a suction cup sun shield for the window... because some how thats going to be less obstructive then a real mild tint (I went for what the tintshop said was legal)
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07-25-2009, 12:17 PM	#34
ktdw BMWCCA #401908 54 Rep 470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	If anybody is interested, I'm just going to pay the $164 fine. It was a correctable ticket, and could be signed off (without going to a referee), but I think it's easier and cheaper to do pay up. And I would just feel bad castrating my 135 __________________ Vishnu PROcede v3, Vishnu Dual Cone Intake, Code3 FMIC, Riss Racing Downpipes, Riss Racing Exhaust, H&R Sport Springs Best 1/4 mile: 12.583 @ 117.609 mph
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07-26-2009, 12:23 AM	#35
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	$164 every time the nice officer gives you another ticket? Ouch! This could get expensive after a while. I wish you the best of luck with your new friend. Really!
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07-26-2009, 07:13 PM	#36
gargoyal First Lieutenant 11 Rep 352 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	in CA that is a pay and a fix it ticket . if the Riss exhaust has a CARB # then you can fight it. If it doesn't have a CARB number then you lose. __________________ Crimson Red 135i, sport pkg ,blk leather delivered 6/27/08
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08-09-2009, 07:29 PM	#37
Muffnbluff Redline Addict 21 Rep 783 Posts Drives: '14 BMW 335 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	Good God that is ridiculous. I've blasted by cops here in my STi with the EWG wide open and they could care less.
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08-09-2009, 08:48 PM	#40
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	I love driving by jersey cops coming the other direction and they don't see my front plate... one time one actually was about to blast a u-turn but must of seen my PA plate.. __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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08-10-2009, 01:13 AM	#42
Jaguar66 M Power 41 Rep 1,469 Posts Drives: '09 ///M-Sport 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Rafael iTrader: (3)	! Last edited by Jaguar66; 04-10-2010 at 05:18 PM..
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08-10-2009, 02:02 AM	#43
ocinek Private 4 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Hah good story; you should have won most of your tickets though. Trial by declaration after getting it extended and appealed... unless you have multiple 22348 b 100mph+ tickets like me.
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