Michigan Bill Would Ban Most Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

[Jeeperz-Creeperz]

Michigan Bill Would Ban Most Aftermarket Exhaust Systems
A bill (H.B. 5543) to ban vehicles equipped with replacement exhaust systems that differ from the design specifications of the original muffler has been introduced in Michigan by Rep. Rick Jones (rickjones@house.mi.gov). H.B. 5543 would also prohibit the sale and use of exhaust systems that exceed an 80-decibel limit at a distance of 50 feet. The bill has been referred to the Michigan House Transportation Committee for consideration.

In some states, noise limits for modified exhaust systems are established by a SEMA model bill and applicable to an easy to administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.
To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.

We Urge You to Call or E-mail Rep. Jones and Members of the House Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose H.B. 5543

H.B. 5543 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.

H.B. 5543 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.

H.B. 5543 would make it impossible for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.

The SAE J1169 test is performed in a controlled environment that limits the amount of ambient sound (e.g. from other cars) that might skew the results.

DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the Michigan House Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 5543. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.

House Transportation Committee Members
Philip LaJoy, Committee Chair
Phone: 517-373-2575
E-mail Address: phillajoy@house.mi.gov

David Law, Committee Vice-Chair
Phone: 517-373-1799
E-mail Address: davidlaw@house.mi.gov

Robert Gosselin
Phone: 517-373-1783
E-mail Address: robertgosselin@house.mi.gov

Tom Meyer
Phone: 517-373-0476
E-mail Address: tommeyer@house.mi.gov

Tom Casperson
Phone: 517-373-0156
E-mail Address: tomcasperson@house.mi.gov

Neal Nitz
Phone: 517-373-1796
E-mail Address: nealnitz@house.mi.gov

Lorence Wenke
Phone: 517-373-1787
E-mail Address: lorencewenke@house.mi.gov

Tim Moore
Phone: 517-373-8962
E-mail Address: timmoore@house.mi.gov

Phil Pavlov
Phone: 517-373-1790
E-mail Address: phillippavlov@house.mi.gov

Tom Pearce
Phone: 517-373-0218
E-mail Address: tompearce@house.mi.gov

Glenn Anderson
Phone: 517-373-2576
E-mail Address: glennanderson@house.mi.gov

Pam Byrnes
Phone: 517-373-0828
E-mail Address: pambyrnes@house.mi.gov

Michael Murphy
Phone: 517-373-0826
E-mail Address: michaelcmurphy@house.mi.gov

Kathleen Law
Phone: 517-373-0855
E-mail Address: kathleenlaw@house.mi.gov

Morris Hood III
Phone: 517-373-3815
E-mail Address: morrishood3rd@house.mi.gov

John Gleason
Phone: 517-373-7557
E-mail Address: johngleason@house.mi.gov

Gabe Leland
Phone: 517-373-6990
E-mail Address: gabeleland@house.mi.gov

[95geo]

how are they going to enforce it?

anyone heard anyhting on the $500 tinted windows ticket bill that was introduced a few months back?

[lgottler]

I have no problem with a noise limit. I lived on Van Dyke about 30' from it! I know how annoying the guys with duals and I swear no muffler at all are when they hammer it from a stop. Deafening! Almost as bad as the loud bass is at stop lights, makes me want to drive over their car just to stop the rattling trunk!!!

I do have issues with telling me what exaust I can put on!

Lucas

[rtikql8]

When they say vehicles, I would assume they would include motorcycles in that category. Does anyone belong to, or know anyone in motorcycle clubs, maybe try to get that user group involved too?

[Jeeperz-Creeperz]

Michigan Representative Decides Not to Move Forward With Bill to Ban Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

Michigan State Representative Rick Jones has alerted SEMA that he will no longer pursue, in its current form, legislation (H.B. 5543) to ban vehicles equipped with replacement exhaust systems that differ from the design specifications of the original muffler. H.B. 5543 would also have prohibited the sale and use of exhaust systems that exceed an 80-decibel limit at a distance of 50 feet.

In its place, Representative Jones is considering SEMA model legislation that provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded. To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.

Thanks to all the Michigan car clubs and councils, individual enthusiasts and members of the SEMA business community who worked so tirelessly to derail this bill. Thanks also to Representative Jones for listening to his constituents and for making the proper response.

Thanks again!

[kb8ymf]

Just a FYI, the 20" @ 45* is the standard that Great Lakes convienced the DNR to use @ Silver Lake for noise level enforcement over 5 years ago. The big difference is Silver Lake is @ 2500 RPM for gas engines and diesels @ 2000. The state proposal @ 3/4 rated HP would be 4200 RPM @ todays typically rated HP numbers. My experience is that we already were on the ragged edge when it came to passsing @ 2500. The failure rate @ the higher RPM will be much greater.
For those who are interested, I have my noise level meter at most every meeting and carry it with me in the motor home if you'd like your vehicle tested.
jim-kb8ymf

[Jarhead]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kb8ymf &#064; Feb 6 2006, 01&#58;57 PM) 9697</div>

Just a FYI, the 20" @ 45* is the standard that Great Lakes convienced the DNR to use @ Silver Lake for noise level enforcement over 5 years ago. The big difference is Silver Lake is @ 2500 RPM for gas engines and diesels @ 2000. The state proposal @ 3/4 rated HP would be 4200 RPM @ todays typically rated HP numbers. My experience is that we already were on the ragged edge when it came to passsing @ 2500. The failure rate @ the higher RPM will be much greater.
For those who are interested, I have my noise level meter at most every meeting and carry it with me in the motor home if you&#39;d like your vehicle tested.
jim-kb8ymf
[/b]

4200 rpm&#39;s is ridiculous, who’s running at 4200 rpm’s for any length of time?

Wind that sucker up and git “r” done&#33; :stole-it:

[kb8ymf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(95geo &#064; Feb 3 2006, 11&#58;27 AM) 9589</div>

how are they going to enforce it?

anyone heard anyhting on the &#036;500 tinted windows ticket bill that was introduced a few months back?
[/b]

In Committee still:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(zwn1aarpm1q...ueryid=12645169 (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(zwn1aarpm1qlqk45dd5pdl55)/mileg.aspx?page=BillStatus&objectname=2005-SB-0786&queryid=12645169)

j-kb8ymf


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jarhead &#064; Feb 6 2006, 03&#58;11 PM) 9701</div>

4200 rpm&#39;s is ridiculous, who’s running at 4200 rpm’s for any length of time?
[/b]

Don&#39;t disagree, it stems from the motorcycle standards of testing. Their @ 1/2 rated HP. Their testing rpm is usually 4500 to 6000.
The real question is: will it be enforced? As it stands today, I don&#39;t think the lift law has been enforced much after the first few months and neither has the mud flaps covering the tire.

j-kb8ymf

[Shakr]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MuddyPaws &#064; Feb 4 2006, 11&#58;36 AM) 9643</div>

They will never mess with the motorcycle people...Harleys would never pass any noise limits...

What about Jake brakes...they are louder than any car exhaust.
[/b]


Hey Hey now I have baffels on my harely pipes ...you can read the news paper thru them but there are baffels .

[phittie1100]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kb8ymf &#064; Feb 6 2006, 01&#58;57 PM) 9697</div>

The state proposal @ 3/4 rated HP would be 4200 RPM @ todays typically rated HP numbers.[/b]

4200? I hope it&#39;s a really short test, otherwise there would be connecting rods and oil everywhere after I am done.

[RockyTop]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lgottler &#064; Feb 3 2006, 12&#58;46 PM) 9593</div>

I have no problem with a noise limit. I lived on Van Dyke about 30&#39; from it&#33; I know how annoying the guys with duals and I swear no muffler at all are when they hammer it from a stop. Deafening&#33; Almost as bad as the loud bass is at stop lights, makes me want to drive over their car just to stop the rattling trunk&#33;&#33;&#33;

I do have issues with telling me what exaust I can put on&#33;

Lucas
[/b]

You cut a congreeman slackin one direction, he&#39;ll take more than you want. I understand that you live close to Van Dyke, but consider the ramifications.

RT

[joe_jeep]

[quote]
They will never mess with the motorcycle people...Harleys would never pass any noise limits...

What about Jake brakes...they are louder than any car exhaust.


jake brakes are federally mandated safety equipment and mandatory equipment on all semi trucks built after model year 2004 (2005 and newer). i drive a big rig and its alot safer witha jake on the truck. i know they are loud but its your life we are saving more often than not.


and are u gonna tell the hells angles the gotta get quiet pipes for their bikes?? no&#33; loud pipes save lives.


[quote]
They will never mess with the motorcycle people...Harleys would never pass any noise limits...

What about Jake brakes...they are louder than any car exhaust.


jake brakes are federally mandated safety equipment and mandatory equipment on all semi trucks built after model year 2004 (2005 and newer). i drive a big rig and its alot safer witha jake on the truck. i know they are loud but its your life we are saving more often than not.


and are u gonna tell the hells angles the gotta get quiet pipes for their bikes?? no&#33; loud pipes save lives.

[RockyTop]

[quote]
[quote]
They will never mess with the motorcycle people...Harleys would never pass any noise limits...

What about Jake brakes...they are louder than any car exhaust.


jake brakes are federally mandated safety equipment and mandatory equipment on all semi trucks built after model year 2004 (2005 and newer). i drive a big rig and its alot safer witha jake on the truck. i know they are loud but its your life we are saving more often than not.


and are u gonna tell the hells angles the gotta get quiet pipes for their bikes?? no&#33; loud pipes save lives.

Holy double post Batman&#33;

Loud pipes on Harley&#39;s are a nuisance. I wish they&#39;d do what the Myrtle Beach PD do in S.C. &#036;1,000 fine per offense. Why would I agree to this? It appears our State and Federal Govt. deems our roads "worthy", we know they suck. Put the "fine money" towards the roads exclusively.

RT

[Jeeperz-Creeperz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MuddyPaws &#064; Feb 12 2006, 04&#58;52 PM) 10183</div>


jake brakes are federally mandated safety equipment and mandatory equipment on all semi trucks built after model year 2004 (2005 and newer). i drive a big rig and its alot safer witha jake on the truck. i know they are loud but its your life we are saving more often than not. [/b]

They may make things safer, but they shouldn&#39;t be used as the exclusive braking system. I see trucks all the time going 25-35 mph through town on flat roads and they use the jake to slow down in traffic. It&#39;s stupid. There isn&#39;t any reason the thing should be used at slow speed. Then you have the cowboys that use the compression brakes to shift :rolleyes:[/b]
Some cities have ordinances that do not allow the use of the jake brake within city limits.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MuddyPaws &#064; Feb 12 2006, 04&#58;52 PM) 10183</div>


and are u gonna tell the hells angles the gotta get quiet pipes for their bikes?? no&#33; loud pipes save lives.[/b]

HAHAHA....hmmm....I would like to see some hard data on that. How many quiet bikes get run over as apposed to a louder bike. Maybe it&#39;s just me, but I see far more stupid bike drivers with loud pipes...maybe they should start driving better and then they wouldn&#39;t need the loud pipes.
[/b]
I think that you just notice the bikes with loud pipes more than you notice the quiet ones (for obvious reasons).

[Jeeperz-Creeperz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MuddyPaws &#064; Feb 12 2006, 06&#58;22 PM) 10200</div>

Yea, I notice the loud bikes more than the quiet ones as they drive down the dashed lines between cars... :rolleyes: I normally don&#39;t hear them till they are passing the window so by then they would be run over if I was going to run them over.
[/b]
:D

Wait, so you&#39;re louder than the bikes? :o

[Boss302man]

Im from the MTU fourwheelers and am putting together a presentation for a class about Off Roading and current issues. If you could post a link or links to the Bill you quoted it would be very helpfull.
Thanks

[kb8ymf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boss302man &#064; Mar 13 2006, 09&#58;00 PM) 11985</div>

Im from the MTU fourwheelers and am putting together a presentation for a class about Off Roading and current issues. If you could post a link or links to the Bill you quoted it would be very helpfull.
Thanks
[/b]

First off, welcome yooper&#33;
Here&#39;s your best source for that type of info
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(p21klxfxe4t...me=2006-HB-5543 (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(p21klxfxe4t0oq4545jgjoz4)/mileg.aspx?page=BillStatus&objectname=2006-HB-5543)

Next there are other issues facing offroader today. A few can be found such as SB847 and HB4659 First being under 16 yrs of age in a competitive event not required to have a safety certificate, HB allows 60yrs and older to access forest roads utilizing vehicle. You can get the specifics by using the .gov website.
Jim-kb8ymf

[Zookeeper]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boss302man &#064; Mar 13 2006, 06&#58;00 PM) 11985</div>

Im from the MTU fourwheelers and am putting together a presentation for a class about Off Roading and current issues. If you could post a link or links to the Bill you quoted it would be very helpfull.
Thanks
[/b]

:hello:

I work in the state Senate. If you need help navigating through the gibberish of what&#39;s going on with some legislation, drop me a line and I&#39;ll try to help you out.

[joe_jeep]

" I see trucks all the time going 25-35 mph through town on flat roads and they use the jake to slow down in traffic"
this is a quote from muddy paws.

and to an extent hes right. we use our jakes as brakes. thats what there there for. the reason for a jake is to slow the vehicle while not using the service brakes. service brakes on big trucks get over heated very easily and when they over heated they dont work&#33; (no brakes) also they are air actuated, u can run out of air suprisingly quickly. i drove quite a few big trucks and never saw a jake that would turn on at less than 35 mph. they just dont work going that slow. because they need rpms to be effective. below about 1200 rpms there worthless. the really loud and annoying jakes on big trucks are when u remove the mufflers and put on 6 or 7 inch stacks. this practice is illegal&#33; big trucks have emission laws now, and sound regulations to follow just as a car would. your right its annoying&#33;&#33; but they are a mandated piece of equipment now just like seat belts. and its for the safety of others not us&#33;
i have a muffler on my truck and a 4 in stack, u can barely hear my jake at all. but alot of truckers like to annoy people by getting loud pipes and laying on the jake they think its cool. i dont know why???

and i have heard harleys coming b4 i see them many times. its also annoying&#33;&#33;&#33; but it could save a few lives&#33;
i dont like the idea any more than u guys, loud is not cool&#33;&#33; your right the bikers that drive stupid are the one that get the loudest pipes usually, cause there the ones that will spend the money to get a few extra horses.

i hear alot of pickups with annoyingly loud exhaust systems too. so i guess were all at fault&#33;

my jeep, my super duty, and my taurus are all real quiet.

[Boss302man]

I think aftermarket exhaust systems are fine. Muffler companies are one of the few american products left as well as suspension components and kits. Without the ever growing off road industry, the economy would just be more on the downfall. Its the 90s chev with straight pipes that sounds like a mountain lion atacking a supercharged popcorn machine for example that bugs most people. Otherwise let it rumble.
My 2 cents

Thank you for helping with the information. I was having trouble finding good sources.