SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5015

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 23, 2019

Title: An act relating to applying motor vehicle muffler requirements to certain older vehicles.

Brief Description: Applying motor vehicle muffler requirements to certain older vehicles.

Sponsors: Senator McCoy.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Prohibits the modification of mufflers on motor vehicles 25 years old or older, under certain circumstances.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Under current law, motor vehicles must be equipped with a muffler in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

Additionally, mufflers may not be modified if the modification amplifies or increases the engine noise above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle. However, the muffler modification restriction does not apply to (1) vehicles 25 or more years old, or (2) passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by a recognized sanctioning body.

Summary of Bill: Mufflers on motor vehicles 25 years old or older may not be modified if the modification amplifies or increases the engine noise above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: This bill was brought by the Marysville City Prosecutor as a way to ensure older mufflers are not modified to work less effectively than the muffler originally installed in the vehicle.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John McCoy, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.