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Committee reviews cleanup to noise statute targeting high‑output exhaust systems
Summary
Senator Russ Tempel presented Senate Bill 264, a cleanup measure aimed at strengthening enforcement of a 95‑decibel threshold for certain aftermarket exhaust systems. Lawmakers questioned enforceability and unintended consequences; no vote was taken.
Senator Russ Tempel, sponsor of Senate Bill 264, told the House Transportation Committee the bill removes a statutory provision that had allowed defendants to avoid conviction if they reasonably believed the vehicle was not operated in violation of the statutory standard. Tempel characterized that language as effectively a "get out of jail free" provision that weakened enforcement for excessive‑noise vehicles.
Tempel said the bill is a cleanup requested by constituents and law‑enforcement officers and clarified it is not meant to address factory equipment. "Anything coming from the factory today is far under that [95 decibel] level," he said, and testified the change is aimed at non‑original‑manufacturer equipment such as glass‑pack or modified exhausts.
Committee members raised enforcement questions. Representative Byrne asked whether law enforcement has equipment to measure noise at a consistent distance for charging purposes; Tempel acknowledged officers may not carry such devices but said habitual offenders could be taken to locations where vehicles are monitored. Representative Hinkle asked whether a vehicle would be criminally liable if a catalytic converter was stolen and increased exhaust noise without the owner's knowledge; the sponsor replied such a vehicle could fall under the statute if the owner continued to drive it without repair.
Vice Chair Baum and others noted the practical problem posed by aftermarket diesel modifications that substantially raise noise levels. No proponents or opponents were recorded in the hearing packet beyond the sponsor; committee members expressed general support for giving public‑safety officers more enforcement options but also raised concerns about measurement standards and the availability of testing stations.
The committee closed the hearing on Senate Bill 264 with no recorded vote. The bill sponsor asked for a "green vote" from committee members in closing remarks; committee staff confirmed no opponents or informational witnesses were present during the hearing.
The record shows questions for follow‑up: clarifying the noise standard's application to different vehicle types (trucks, motorcycles), equipment and testing protocols for law enforcement, and how the statute interacts with existing emissions or inspection programs.
