Bill
S 1716
Defines illegal exhausts by noise thresholds and prohibits modifications, expanding inspections and penalties to curb excessive vehicle noise.
Status and procedural history
- Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate by Sen. Jason M. Lewis (filed 1/16/2025; printed as S.1716). Petitioners include Jason M. Lewis, Brian W. Murray, James C. Arena-DeRosa, James B. Eldridge, and Rodney M. Elliott.
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (5/12/2025). Hearing scheduled 6/26/2025. Recorded as “COMMITTED TO RULES” (6/13/2025) among other committee actions noted in the docket.
- The bill would amend multiple provisions of chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws (motor vehicle law), specifically sections 1, 7A, 16 and 20.
Purpose and intent
- To define and prohibit “illegal exhaust systems” on motor vehicles, expand inspection requirements, authorize enforcement tools for police, require RMV guidance for noise measurement devices, and establish civil penalties for owners and repair shops that create or operate vehicles with illegal exhaust systems. Goal is to reduce excessive vehicle noise and ensure exhaust systems meet federal (EPA) standards.
Key provisions
- New definition (chapter 90, §1): An exhaust system is “illegal” if modified to amplify exhaust sound beyond:
- 75 decibels (dB) for vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ≤ 6,000 lbs; or
- 80 dB for vehicles with GVWR > 6,001 lbs.
- Decibel measurements are to be made with a certified device at 50 feet from the center of the lane. Also illegal if the system bypasses, eliminates, or alters any manufacturer-installed muffler or noise reduction device.
- Inspection requirements (§7A): State inspectors must perform visual and emission tests on cars and motorcycles during Massachusetts State Inspection, including cars manufactured before 1997 and diesel vehicles manufactured before 2008, and verify exhaust components meet applicable EPA standards.
- Prohibition on operation and modification (§16): Prohibits operating a vehicle or having an auto body/repair shop modify a vehicle so it has an illegal exhaust system.
- Enforcement and measurement (§16, additional language): Police may issue citations, use handheld decibel meters at 50 feet, or rely on accepted scientific/professional methods and audible observations. The RMV must publish guidelines for calibration, maintenance, and use of decibel meters to ensure consistent measurements.
- Penalties (§20):
- Individuals: $300 (1st), $600 (2nd), $1,000 (3rd); 4th+ offense triggers vehicle registration suspension until compliance.
- Auto body/repair shops: $500 (1st), $1,000 (2nd), $2,000 (3rd); 4th+ offense within 18 months — $5,000.
Who would be affected
- Vehicle owners/operators (especially those with modified exhausts or older/diesel vehicles).
- Auto repair/body shops (prohibitions and higher fines for repeat violations).
- State inspection stations and inspectors (expanded testing obligations).
- Law enforcement agencies (training, equipment for noise measurement).
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (responsible for metric guidance and oversight).
- Indirectly, residents exposed to vehicle noise and communities near high-traffic areas.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Enforcement: Requires RMV guidance and police training; consistent calibration and measurement protocols will be important to avoid disputes.
- Compliance costs: Vehicle owners and repair shops may face costs to restore or maintain compliant exhaust systems; municipal and state agencies may need to procure decibel meters and train personnel.
- Public benefits: Aims to reduce excessive noise pollution and ensure exhaust systems comply with EPA-related standards.
- Legal/practical issues: Use of a single fixed distance (50 feet) and reliance on handheld meters and audible assessment may raise evidentiary or enforcement questions in practice.
Affected statutory sections
- Amends chapter 90: sections 1 (definitions), 7A (state inspection), 16 (operating/repair restrictions and enforcement), and 20 (penalties).
Note
- The bill text and docket entries are specific to Massachusetts; some sponsor metadata in the provided file appears inconsistent with the state-level authorship shown in the bill text. The primary legislative proponent in the bill text is Senator Jason M. Lewis.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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