place to get exhaust db tested?
09-12-2012, 09:17 AM
#1
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place to get exhaust db tested?
Is there a place in the bay where i can get my exhaust decibel tested and have it recorded on paper?
Also would going to a testing location and having proof im under the db limit get me away from getting a ticket?
Thanks.
Also would going to a testing location and having proof im under the db limit get me away from getting a ticket?
Thanks.
09-12-2012, 09:18 AM
#2
If in doubt, FLAT OUT
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Yes, the REF 
Measurement from anyone else doesn't mean anything. It may stop you from getting a ticket, but it won't stop you from getting pulled over if the exhaust is loud. The REF technically doesn't give you a "free pass" paper showing that you passed, however when I had to do mine, he gave me a copy of the paperwork and the ticket and said most cops probably wouldn't ticket you again if you show them that.
Measurement from anyone else doesn't mean anything. It may stop you from getting a ticket, but it won't stop you from getting pulled over if the exhaust is loud. The REF technically doesn't give you a "free pass" paper showing that you passed, however when I had to do mine, he gave me a copy of the paperwork and the ticket and said most cops probably wouldn't ticket you again if you show them that.
Last edited by 04GG; 09-12-2012 at 09:22 AM.
09-12-2012, 09:32 AM
#7
If in doubt, FLAT OUT
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I already have a SPL meter 
The test is rather specific though, but not too complicated. Guessing something along the lines of this:
Testing it yourself will only tell you if it passes or not, but sure won't hold up as a ticket defense.
The test is rather specific though, but not too complicated. Guessing something along the lines of this:
SEMA Standards
As stated, several states have adopted SEMA's 95-dB standard. This sound reading is taken 20 inches from the vehicle's exhaust pipes with the "A-weighted" (a specific type of calibration) decibel meter placed at a specific orientation to the exhaust pipe tip. When tested, the car should be in neutral with engine speed held at 3/4 of the engine's maximum rated revolutions per minute (RPM). These testing procedures are outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Test Standard J-1287.
As stated, several states have adopted SEMA's 95-dB standard. This sound reading is taken 20 inches from the vehicle's exhaust pipes with the "A-weighted" (a specific type of calibration) decibel meter placed at a specific orientation to the exhaust pipe tip. When tested, the car should be in neutral with engine speed held at 3/4 of the engine's maximum rated revolutions per minute (RPM). These testing procedures are outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Test Standard J-1287.
Last edited by 04GG; 09-12-2012 at 09:36 AM.
09-12-2012, 10:23 AM
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Noise
California, like most other states, has laws on the books regarding the level of noise that a car's exhaust can create. The law states that you can't modify the exhaust of a vehicle in such a way that the exhaust would then create more noise than is allowed by law, which in California is 95 decibels. Also, it states that not only can you not make the modification, but it is also illegal to operate any vehicle with an exhaust system that exceeds 95 decibels. This means that if you're driving your friend's car, you can receive a ticket for operation while your friend will receive a ticket for making the modification.
California, like most other states, has laws on the books regarding the level of noise that a car's exhaust can create. The law states that you can't modify the exhaust of a vehicle in such a way that the exhaust would then create more noise than is allowed by law, which in California is 95 decibels. Also, it states that not only can you not make the modification, but it is also illegal to operate any vehicle with an exhaust system that exceeds 95 decibels. This means that if you're driving your friend's car, you can receive a ticket for operation while your friend will receive a ticket for making the modification.
Last edited by 04GG; 09-12-2012 at 10:26 AM.
09-12-2012, 01:04 PM
#11
here is the exact code:
V C Section 27151 Modification of Exhaust Systems
V C Section 27151 Modification of Exhaust Systems
09-12-2012, 03:13 PM
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Yes, the REF Measurement from anyone else doesn't mean anything. It may stop you from getting a ticket, but it won't stop you from getting pulled over if the exhaust is loud. The REF technically doesn't give you a "free pass" paper showing that you passed, however when I had to do mine, he gave me a copy of the paperwork and the ticket and said most cops probably wouldn't ticket you again if you show them that.
Measurement from anyone else doesn't mean anything. It may stop you from getting a ticket, but it won't stop you from getting pulled over if the exhaust is loud. The REF technically doesn't give you a "free pass" paper showing that you passed, however when I had to do mine, he gave me a copy of the paperwork and the ticket and said most cops probably wouldn't ticket you again if you show them that.My only concern would be, what would happen If i wasn't under the legal limit.
They do make an app, and i've used it, but I dont rely on it.
09-12-2012, 03:15 PM
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here is the exact code:
V C Section 27151 Modification of Exhaust Systems
V C Section 27151 Modification of Exhaust Systems
So couldn't you fight its more of a "performance" mod, rather than a sound generating mod?
Thanks.
09-12-2012, 03:27 PM
#14
My exhaust is A LOT louder than a catback, I know what you have. If you're that concerned then put a silencer in it. There's no performance gains really on putting exhaust parts on a 2.5 NA so you might just go for headers to get rumble? I haven't been bothered for my exhaust and I know for a fact that it is louder.
So what's your concern? Legality of the noise? Anything to your car is illegal, technically wheels, exhaust, springs, anything.
So what's your concern? Legality of the noise? Anything to your car is illegal, technically wheels, exhaust, springs, anything.
09-12-2012, 03:36 PM
#15
Technically no. Anything on your car isn't illegal.
All of my suspension is modified and it's 100% legal. Wheels/tires. Same. Exhaust... not so much. My exhaust is loud as hell. I have been pulled over for it... as a cat back.
Some cat backs are WAY louder than some TBE exhausts. Say a cobb catted turbo back. 2.5 inch exhaust. Cats. Resonators. Etc. Then compare that to a tsudo or similar canister style 3 inch cat back coming off stock dp. It's gonna be louder.
I'd put my exhaust noise in the top 10% of all that I've ever heard. It's loud as hell.
Be nice if I could go get it tested somewhere official without having to worry about having them give me a ticket if I fail. LOL.
I'd venture to guess I'd fail.
All of my suspension is modified and it's 100% legal. Wheels/tires. Same. Exhaust... not so much. My exhaust is loud as hell. I have been pulled over for it... as a cat back.
Some cat backs are WAY louder than some TBE exhausts. Say a cobb catted turbo back. 2.5 inch exhaust. Cats. Resonators. Etc. Then compare that to a tsudo or similar canister style 3 inch cat back coming off stock dp. It's gonna be louder.
I'd put my exhaust noise in the top 10% of all that I've ever heard. It's loud as hell.
Be nice if I could go get it tested somewhere official without having to worry about having them give me a ticket if I fail. LOL.
I'd venture to guess I'd fail.