WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Bureau of Automotive
Repair (BAR) announced that it has begun operation of the state's motor
vehicle exhaust noise testing program. The program, the product of a SEMA-
sponsored law, will equip California automobile hobbyists to fight unfair
exhaust noise citations issued by state law enforcement officers. Motorists
can now prove their vehicles comply with state noise standards. The law also
allows courts to dismiss citations for exhaust systems that have been tested
and for which a certificate of compliance has been issued.
Under the program, approximately 40 Smog Check stations that provide
referee functions are performing the test. These referee stations, located
across the state, will issue certificates of compliance for vehicles when
tests of their exhaust systems demonstrate that they emit no more than
95 decibels, under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169
(May 1998). However, only those vehicles that have received a citation for an
exhaust noise violation will be permitted to submit their vehicle for the
test. Later this year, BAR will issue a regulation to provide for the cost to
consumers for performing the test. Tests performed prior to the official
establishment of the testing fee will be performed at no cost to consumers.
According to BAR officials, to have a cited vehicle tested at a state referee
center, motorists must make an appointment by calling a toll-free number.
Cited motorists should have the citation and vehicle registration available
when calling.
"The new law forces compliance with an objectively measured standard in a
fair and predictable test. Through this procedure, cited motorists who drive
vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems can confirm that those
vehicles comply with California's exhaust noise standards," said SEMA Senior
Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For years, the enforcement
policy used by police officers deemed nearly all exhaust system modifications
illegal, even where the noise levels were not excessive or unusual. That
policy left exhaust system manufacturers, dealers and their customers without
recourse."
"Motorists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and
performance prefer aftermarket exhaust systems," McDonald added. "By
establishing this evenhanded testing process, this program should serve to
benefit consumers who favor these state-of-the-art products, the aftermarket
industry which markets them, and even police officers who are charged with
enforcing the law."
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the
$27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade
association has 5,222 member companies. It is the authoritative source of
research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the
specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance,
performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars,
minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information,
contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call
909/396-0289; or visit http://www.sema.org or http://www.enjoythedrive.com .
SOURCE SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
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Related links:
http://www.sema.org
http://www.enjoythedrive.com
CONTACT:
Steve McDonald, of SEMA, +1-202-783-6007,
ext. 31, stevem@sema.org
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