ACTUAL DB law on exhausts?

Seeing as theres so many rule readers here these days .

what is the exact actual law on noise readings. Going on my rant about no baffle, and reading the ticket about "as per regulations".

What is classed "excessive noise" or "as per regulations"? Is there an actual db rating? If an exhaust is road legally marked, and has no baffle, is it not still legal? Is ther an actual law that states that a removable baffle in a road legal exhaust must be inserted whilst on the public highway?

Is there an actual law that states "an exhaust/vehical cannot exceed x db level"?

Interesting to know for next time, because what one person considers noisey, another may consider moderatly quiet. I need a good debatable come-back for next time and if there is no exact specific noise law, then surely it cannot be illegal?

Discuss.

good post, dont know the answer but now marked so I can come back when someone points it out.

[phi-dan]

from http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehi...redtwoandt4564

(d) Exhausts - on motorcycles first used on or after 1 January 1985 the silencer which forms part of the exhaust system must be either:
(i) that with which the machine was first fitted; or
(ii) clearly and indelibly marked with :-
-the relevant BS marking BS AU 193/T2, BS AU 193a, 1990/T2, BS AU 193a, 1990/T3; or
-the relevant "e" marking to show compliance with EC Directive 89/235; or the relevant "e" marking to show compliance with Chapter 9 of EC Directive 97/24; or
-the name or trade mark of the manufacturer or marked with that manufacturer's part number - relating to it.
The European Community noise limits applicable to new motorcycles first used from 1 April 1991 are:
Motorcycle Category by cm3
Limits in dB(A)
Up to and including 80
77
Between 80 and 175 (incl.)
79
Above 175
82

Motorcycles approved to EU Directive 97/24/EC, Chapter 9 will be 2dB(A) less than the above figures.
(Note: the precise regulations for motorcycle exhausts are complex and it is recommended that they are studied closely to obtain accurate and complete details of the requirements).
Before buying any replacement parts for systems listed in this section, riders should check for the relevant marks, where applicable. These will include an "e" mark for EC Directives, an "E" mark for ECE Regulations and "BS" for British Standards.
(Note: amateur motorcycle builders may be exempt from some or all of the requirements)

[yorkie_chris]

"-the name or trade mark of the manufacturer"

Mine's got M4 written on it. Can I tell them to bugger off and find a decibel meter and the relevant method of testing?

Limits in dB(A)
Up to and including 80
77
Between 80 and 175 (incl.)
79
Above 175
82


This is the bit im guesing?

So really, theres no definitive answer as to what it too loud? My standard exhaust is 104.5db, my official aftermarket exhaust is 107.4db, with the baffle removed.

So really, theres no legal number, there-for no problem? Or am I reading it in-correctly?

[Mr Speirs]

You are reading it incorrectly.

Above 175cc the limit is 82db A weighted.

Originally Posted by Daimo

Limits in dB(A)
Up to and including 80
77
Between 80 and 175 (incl.)
79
Above 175
82


This is the bit im guesing?

So really, theres no definitive answer as to what it too loud? My standard exhaust is 104.5db, my official aftermarket exhaust is 107.4db, with the baffle removed.

So really, theres no legal number, there-for no problem? Or am I reading it in-correctly?

As always with the government the regulations are not clear, but just reading from that link I can see a few things that would, at the least, need clarifying:

- "The European Community noise limits applicable to new motorcycles first used from 1 April 1991 are..."- note it says for "new" motorcycles. It's not clear if this is just required when it is sold new. Also note the points (i) and (ii) above appear to be separate to this as the indentation is different.
- Noise measurement isn't defined, at least in the above link. I'm sure my Yoshi full system is below 82dB from 100 metres away. So you'd need to confirm exactly how the testing is performed. However the above point might render this irrelevant.

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

You are reading it incorrectly.

Above 175cc the limit is 82db A weighted.

Does any bike above 175cc fall below 82db? Thats very very quiet. As I say, mines no-where near that, even on a standard exhaust.

Even the E marked one, with baffle, would be above 104.5db as well. Morelike 105/106db. This was around 6000rpm though (noise track day tests).

Even on idle though, it wouldn't fall under 82db?

[timwilky]

You guys need to do a little more reading re marking

Originally Posted by 2006/27/ec

(6) Chapter 9 is amended as follows:
(a) Section 2.3.2.2 of Annex II is replaced by the following:
"2.3.2.2. All original silencers shall bear at least the following identifications:
- the "e" mark followed by the identification of the country which granted the type-approval,
- the vehicle manufacturer's name or trade mark,
- the make and identifying part number.
This reference must be legible and indelible and also visible, in the position at which it is to be fitted.";
(b) Section 2.3.2.2 of Annex III is replaced by the following:
"2.3.2.2. All original silencers shall bear at least the following identifications:
- the "e" mark followed by the identification of the country which granted the type-approval,
- the vehicle manufacturer's name or trade mark,
- the make and identifying part number.
This reference must be legible and indelible and also visible, in the position at which it is to be fitted.";
(c) Section 2.4.2.2 of Annex IV is replaced by the following:
"2.4.2.2. All original silencers shall bear at least the following identifications:
- the "e" mark followed by the identification of the country which granted the type-approval,
- the vehicle manufacturer's name or trade mark,
- the make and identifying part number.
This reference must be legible and indelible and also visible, in the position at which it is to be fitted.";

Note the keyword original.


The requirement for marking is on the original exhaust. not replacement.

So for a replacement, e-marked exhaust, there is no official limit?

Not being awkward, just trying to 100% fully understand the laws on the issue