'Don't Risk It Or Ticket': Port Chester's 'Muffler Law' Campaign

PORT CHESTER, NY — The Village of Port Chester warns drivers and auto repair shop owners: "Don't risk it or ticket!"

The "Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution" (SLEEP) Act was passed by New York State in October of 2021 to increase penalties to $1000 (up from $150) against drivers and repair shops that illegally modify mufflers and exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy for motor vehicles and motorcycles. The bill also requires police vehicles to be equipped with decibel readers.

In response to the SLEEP Act taking effect on April 1 of this year, the Village of Port Chester announced that it is kicking off a campaign with the mission of advising drivers and businesses in the village that violations of $1000 will be handed down to operators of vehicles and operators of auto repair shops who violate the recently passed legislation.

Repair shop owners who deliberately violate the law three times within a period of 18 months can face the loss of certificate of inspection stations and operating certificates.

"Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own community, and that includes cracking down on excessively noisy vehicles on our streets," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in October when signing off on the law. "This legislation deters drivers from installing illegal vehicle equipment that results in dangerous noise levels that can contribute to hearing loss and increased emissions."