FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5494

C 293 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying noise laws for motor vehicles.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen and McAuliffe).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background:  In 1977, the Legislature enacted laws to make motor vehicle equipment requirements consistent with federal law.  Currently, every motor vehicle must be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Current law also prohibits modification of an exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a way which will make the engine noise louder than the noise emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.

Summary:  Modification of the exhaust system of a motor vehicle is prohibited if the modification violates Society of Automotive Engineers' standards regarding adequate muffling devices.  This prohibition does not apply to passenger vehicles operated off highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by a recognized sanctioning body or to vehicles over 25 years old.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate370

House     94 1 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001