Law Question.

[SpaceProtege]

Ok just got home, and got a ticket on the way. I was pulled over for having a modified exhaust, and having under car lights which are green. I asked what the problem with the exhaust was if it was too loud. He said no its just not stock which under federal EPA regulations is against the law. Anyone back this up? I've got a 60 dollar ticket the guy was a total dick, and too top it all off wrote the ticket for 2004 then changed it to 05 and spelled light. LITE twice! Anyway hopeing there is some loophole here because I don't have the stock anymore and doubt my turbo ES would like it anyway. Thnx in advance Josh oh and its Colorado Springs if it helps any.

 

[novAKs47]

There is no federal law that I know of that states you can't change your muffler(he was bitching about your muffler right?). Just think about how many ppl have replaced worn out mufflers on their cars. Is that illegal? No sir. Do those ppl replace their worn out muffler with the EXACT oem muffler? Hell no. They just go to a muffler shop, and get whatever's quiet and cheap. Now if he was refering to any missing catalytic converters, then yes, it's illegal. But as far as mufflers go, the most he could do was nail you for it being too loud, depending on county sound ordinances. I know there's ppl on here that know law FAR better than I do, so I would wait for them to chime in this weekend as well. But I'm pretty sure about all this.

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

Actually, depending on where you live, some places do not allow anything other than OEM and OEM replacement mufflers. For instance, connecticut. I know, I lived there and had to deal with that law being approved. Didn't stop me from running around cat-less and loud as hell though.

 

[MP3Architect]

yeah i think illinois is trying to ban aftermarket mufflers as well. do you have mp3/msp style rear lip on your car? maybe you can get someone to send a home phot of thier car with a stock msp exhaust (most cops will think thats aftermarket) and then bring in a brocure of the mazdaspeed protege showing the exhaust is stock with the photo of ***your***(wink wink) car having the same exhaust. i think it was equinox who did that a while ago when the cops gave him a ticket for illigal tint. he just took an old photo of his car before the tint to the court and told the judge the cop just couldn't see that well. court dismissed it. had another guy do the same thing by bringing in a photo of someone elses car to show the tint was "legal". just an idea.

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

I keep the mazdaspeed brochure in my car at all times, I use an MSP muffler.

 

[novAKs47]

So it comes down to the local laws after all. Figures. lol There's still no federal law on this(yet), so I wonder where the cop's head was at. I had no idea that there states that picky about mufflers and such. Good to know.

 

[winty87]

Around here neons are illegal in michigan and the exhaust thing is; if it is waaay too loud then its illegal and if they check it and there is no cat then its illegal. Its different state to state

 

[slayer4u]

EPA regulations only apply to automobile manufacturers and parts manufacturers. The states have thier own laws. Go down to your local library and find out what the regulations are for emissions in your state. also some cities and nieborhoods have sound ordanences too.

 

[Cellerator]

I know neons are illegal in a lot of areas but never have I heard illegal muffler. I say challenge it and just say your old muffler wore out and this was a good cheap alternative.

 

[SpaceProtege]

well I looked it up myself says it can't be any louder then stock.I have a cat and have passed emissions with it I have to do them here since I'm air force and they make you pass to get your base sticker. If it didn't say that the car with green on the ticket then the whole take a picture of a mazdaspeed would be a good idea. Doubt there are any green ones out there. my commander is pissed as hell about this he might be in court with me to complain about the cop and back me up on being a truthful guy. never hurts to have a Lt C. back you up
and thnx for all the help guys.