Should Fines Increase On Modified Mufflers In NY? [POLL]

NEW YORK — Anyone who lives near a road knows that cars, trucks and motorcycles can be noisy and that vehicles with modified mufflers can be even noisier.

A bill designed to help alleviate excessively noisy mufflers and exhaust systems passed the state Assembly and the Senate in mid-June. It was delivered to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk, but he didn't act on the legislation before his resignation Aug. 24.

It was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul Oct. 29.

Called the "Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution" Act, or SLEEP, the legislation aims to "increase enforcement against motorists and repair shops that illegally modify mufflers and exhaust systems on motor vehicles and motorcycles to make them excessively noisy," according to a news release from one of the bills co-sponsors, Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., D-Queens.

He said his office has received numerous complaints from constituents about noise, including people in areas where illegal street drag racing is happening.

"Loud and excessive motor vehicle noise is not only annoying," Addabbo said, "it has become a quality of life issue which can contribute to hearing loss in exposed individuals of all ages."

The new law, which goes into effect April 1, increases fines and penalties and creates stricter regulations on vehicle equipment.

Maximum fines for installing illegal equipment will be raised to $1,000, which is an $850 increase from the original $150 fine.

Inspection stations will also be required to inspect motorcycles to ensure mufflers and exhausts have not been illegally modified.

Additionally, the bill requires police vehicles to be equipped with a decibel reader.

Addabbo said the law not only creates a deterrent for owners to make changes to their vehicles, but it also deters repair shop owners from making the modifications.

He said, if repair shop owners willfully violate the law and install illegal equipment three times within 18 months, they risk losing their certificate of inspection stations and operating certificates.

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.