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HB 6151

Vehicles: automobiles; noise limitations; modify. Amends secs. 707d, 732 & 907 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.707d et seq.) TIE BAR WITH: HB 6152'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Hoskins and 4 co-sponsors

The bill tightens vehicle noise enforcement, expands fines and penalties for muffler/exhaust violations, and requires courts to report violations to the Secretary of State with sta

bill electronically reproduced 06/30/2026
#vehicles:automobiles #vehicles:equipment
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Bill Summary · HB 6151

Summary of HB 6151 (2025-2026, Michigan)

Purpose and intent

  • HB 6151 amends the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300) to modify provisions related to vehicle noise limits, offenses, penalties, and administrative reporting requirements. The bill updates sections 707d, 732, and 907, with changes designed to clarify enforcement, penalties, and the reporting of court records to the Secretary of State. It ties to HB 6152 for potential joint consideration.

Key provisions and changes

  • Noise-related offenses and penalties (Sec. 707d)

    • Classification of violations:
    • Violations of certain muffler/exhaust provisions (707b or 707c(1)/(3)) generally carry civil infractions.
    • Violations of other subsections (707c(2), (4)-(6)) can be misdemeanors with escalating fines:
      • First violation: $500
      • Second or subsequent violations: $1,000
    • Installation of noncompliant exhaust systems:
    • If a muffler/exhaust exceeding decibel limits is knowingly installed, the violator must pay at least $100 to the affected party, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.
    • Prima facie evidence:
    • Excessive noise (as measured by designated decibel levels) is prima facie evidence of a violation.
    • Dealer violations:
    • Violations by a licensed dealer of certain subsections create prima facie evidence of fraud under another section.
    • Pre-trial proof remedies:
    • If a defendant proves before appearance that the vehicle is no longer in violation, fines may be reduced or avoided (varies by subsection).

  • Abstract reporting to the Secretary of State (Sec. 732)

    • Courts (municipal judges and clerks) must maintain records of violations and forward abstracts to the Secretary of State within specified timeframes.
    • Timeframes:
    • Generally: within 5 days after conviction, bail forfeiture, civil infraction determination, or default judgment.
    • Immediate reporting for certain serious offenses (e.g., specific traffic or environmental offenses or certain drug/serious violence-related cases).
    • Required contents of abstracts include identifying information, vehicle details, date of violation and disposition, license status, and immobilization/forfeiture information.
    • Additional reporting requirements apply for juvenile proceedings, and for cases involving certain enumerated offenses.
    • The Secretary of State may discard or retain abstracts consistent with defined exceptions (e.g., certain non-moving violations may be discarded).
    • Certification and reporting:
    • Clerks must certify and periodically report completion to the Secretary of State.
    • Public access:
    • Abstracts are generally public, with exceptions as outlined.

  • Civil fines, costs, and procedures (Sec. 907)

    • Civil infraction framework remains, but the section lays out detailed fine ranges and costs for various violations, including:
    • General civil infraction cap: up to $100, with potential increases in specific moving violations or violations tied to other sections.
    • Moving violations causing at-fault collisions: additional $25, not to exceed $100 total.
    • Specific sections with higher fines (examples): certain safety/vehicle equipment sections may have fines from $15 to $2,750 (variable by offense).
    • Commercial vehicle-related fines: up to $250 for certain civil infractions involving commercial operation.
    • Costs and programs:
    • Courts may order costs up to $100, and may require participation in treatment/education/rehabilitation programs.
    • District court schedules:
    • Local districts may adopt schedules for fines/costs, publicly posted.
    • Justice system assessment:
    • A $40 justice system assessment applies to most civil infractions, with exceptions (e.g., parking or very low totals).
    • Funds go to the state justice system fund.
    • Waivers:
    • Some waivers are possible for specific violations (e.g., 710d child seating violations, insurance proofs, etc.), under defined conditions and timelines.
    • Exclusions:
    • Moving violations arising in the context of commercial Quadricycles carry a separate cap (up to $500).
    • Expungement and reporting:
    • In general, abstracts reportable to the Secretary of State cannot be expunged; reversals on appeal may be updated.

  • Effective date and legislative tie-in

    • Enacting section states the act takes effect 90 days after enactment.
    • Enactment is contingent on the passage of Senate Bill or House Bill 6152 (House and Senate tie-in).

Who would be affected

  • Vehicle owners and operators:
    • Potentially liable for civil infractions or misdemeanors based on noise violations or muffler/exhaust infractions.
  • Dealers and manufacturers:
    • Provisions create or amplify evidentiary standards and potential fraud considerations for dealer-installed exhaust equipment.
  • Courts and clerks:
    • Expanded duties to record, certify, and transmit case abstracts to the Secretary of State; administration of fines, costs, and possible treatment programs.
  • Secretary of State:
    • Manages master driving records with new reporting obligations and public access rules, plus handling of suspensions/revocations tied to certain felonies or “motor vehicle used” offenses.
  • Public and road safety:
    • Changes aim to strengthen enforcement of noise limits and related safety provisions, potentially affecting enforcement intensity and penalties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective 90 days after enactment.
  • The bill is a tie-in with HB 6152; both would need to become law for the changes to take full effect.
  • Administrative processes (reporting abstracts, waivers, and schedules) involve coordination between courts, local jurisdictions, and the Secretary of State.

If you’d like, I can compare these provisions to the current law in Michigan to highlight specific changes side-by-side, or provide a plain-language FAQ for the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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