Why aren't there noise restrictions on motorcycles?

Question

Cars will get pulled over simply for having a defective muffler. But many motorcycle owners blast their engines SO LOUD around town, setting off car alarms, and it doesn't seem to be a problem. What's up with that??? (By the way, I think a lot of that is on purpose, just to p|ss people off. And that sucks.)

Answer 1

Because 'custom' bikes are currently popular with a generally affluent and older population, the noise issue seems to be overlooked.

Nuisance laws (like height restrictions on trucks and cars, fender flare requirements, noise requirements, licence plate lights, etc) can be a legitimate way for an officer to pull over a driver (or rider) who may not be doing anything wrong, but just 'looks wrong' -- without saying they're profiling.

This allows the officer to get a closer look at the driver, and check out more important things, like licence, insurance, driver sobriety, etc.

If a loud vehicle is ridden by a middle aged clean cut person, they probably won't get pulled over. The same bike with a sketchy-looking rider may get more attention from officer friendly.

Is it right? I don't think so. I think laws should be applied the same for everyone -- until it comes to something I do (like speeding a bit) gets me pulled over, then I might change my tune!

Personally, I don't like the loud, poorly designed and improperly tuned bikes that seem to be all the rage today. But I know from experience that it's a fad, and it'll pass. Maybe in a few years we'll be complaining about too-bright nano-paint at night or something else?

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Loud pipes a safety issue? Then I assume this uber-safe rider with the loud pipes is also wearing brightly colored gear from head to toe, a full-face snell approved helmet, and has taken not only rider training courses, but advanced riding safety courses every couple of years. If not? Then the pipes are a fashion statement.

Answer 2

States are finally cracking down. Heres one news article from connecticut:

The West Haven Police seek to suspend registrations for motorcycles using illegally loud mufflers or none at all in their Connecticut town, according to television news CBS30. Loud motorcycle riders are driving to the city's beaches in the summertime, disturbing the public with the noise, a police representative said. State lawmakers are reportedly considering allowing the suspension of a registration if the motorcyclist receives two or more written warnings in six months. Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson Motorcycles General Manager Barry Runyan responded by telling the media that the bill is vague and a violation would be based on an officer's opinion. "The risk of that draconian penalty will have a chilling effect on our business," he was quoted as saying

Did he really say "a chilling effect on our business?" Is he admiting the only reason people ride Harleys is because they are loud?

Answer 3

The cars that you see getting pulled over for defective mufflers are usually sited for emissions control violations, not noise ordinance violations.

Most motorcycles do not spew a noxious cloud of black smoke, VOCs, and other unburned hydrocarbons. If they do, responsible owners take their bike in to a shop for repairs fairly quickly, staving off the need for an emissions violation warning.

Answer 4

Federal law sets noise limits and do some states, counties, cities, and other local authorities. I have been riding for more than 40 uears and I too "dislike" loud bikes. There is simply no benefit to this noise. It creates anomosity in the public, and leads to laws restricting our riding. For example the last I knew, Michigan Ave. or Lakeshore Dr. in downtown Chicago was off limits to bikes for this very reason. Condo developments restrict motorcycles in some cases, and city parks have been off limits to us and many court fights have been waged over this. Just so some irresponsible rider want's to be perceived as "cool". The people who do this are not good citizens nor are they good representives of the motorcycling community.

Answer 5

First, the engine is not the same as a car. It has a much deeper sound. Even un modified mufflers are going to set off alarms. Second. Motor cycles are much smaller and harder to see than cars and up. I rather have you upset over a loud bike and live because you know I am there than to kiss your but t and die. Most cyclist do not want lous bikes and follow the rules. There are some old school riders out there that still like it loud.

We do not have loud bikes to make you mad. I can not tell you how many times reving my motor made a car driver aware I was there and saved my life. We have to be seen and if not need to be heard. I hug the line so I will be in your mirror, I speed up to get out of your blind spot, if you look like your going to come into my lane I will Rev and wake you up, I want to live.

Do you still think we are trying to pi s s you off? We change lanes on purpose. We do not want to be in a cluster of cars. If someone pulls in front of you or slams on the breaks in front of you and I am stuck by you, who will die? Sure we like some speed, I don't want to be by you I want to be up front and live.

I am curtious but I am going to leave myself and out. Your talking on your phone, you have the radio going, you have passengers distracting you, your hooking up your MP3s, your looking at your GPS, kids are screaming, video players are playing. What do I have? A loud muffler that is going to save my life because your yelling at junior to stop teasing his sister or your eatting your McDonalds Down to road.

Do I still p i s s you off? Good, That means I will get back home to my family in one piece because you knew I was there and you did not kill me.

Answer 6

There are laws in most states that do have restrictions on noise from motorcycle exhaust. Its just that there's almost no enforcement of those laws.

Answer 7

I think thats the point of why people run loud exhausts.Nobody ever sees riders but they can hear them just fine.Many riders believe louder pipes save lives.Personally I think if a driver is clueless in la-la land he is gonna run you over wether he can hear you or not but thats just me.

Answer 8

ever notice you can hear a motorcycle before you see it? point being we are at the mercy of the 4 wheel box. Don't get too upset .Most times it's for safety.

Answer 9

They do have noise restrictions. Because most of the Harley riders on them these days are doctors and lawyers, and they simply choose to ignore the laws. Many municipalities have started cracking down on loud pipes, thank God! Also, many places no longer allow motorcycles at all, thanks to the idiots with their loud pipes...

Answer 10

My dad always says it's because a lot of cops have cycles. Don't know if it's true, but it makes sense.