Will I get nicked for a non-legal can? Part Deux

Originally Posted by madness

I stand corrected! But I will still endeavour not to speed past two bobbies on the beat!

it's ok, they wont be going round in pairs anymore!

Does anyone actually know what the legal noise limit is on a bike or car? Bearing in mind that in the workplace it is mandatory to wear ear protection at 85dB

Modern cars 79dB and I think about the same for bikes

All this lifted from the DoT website......

Originally Posted by DoT

Annex E: The MCI Guide to Moped and Motorcycle Exhaust System Markings
Aim

The aim of this guide is to assist police officers identify illegal exhaust systems with a view to rectification or prosecution.

Subjective Identification

The noise limits imposed on new motorcycles have been very stringent for many years. Certainly any motorcycle fitted with an efficient original equipment (OE) or replacement exhaust system (RESS) is most unlikely to cause offence or be illegal. This means that if a motorcycle "sounds noisy", its exhaust system is probably illegal and is worth inspecting for the appropriate markings.

Illegal Exhaust Systems

These generally fall into two categories; the poorly maintained, and more commonly, the "race or custom system". The later are in widespread use and are particularly popular among the riders of "race replica" and "custom or "chopper" style machines. Race and illegal custom silencers should bear the marking "not for highway use" or similar wording, however this may have been erased or removed. It is therefore highly probable that the exhaust system of a "noisy bike" will either be unmarked or have "not for highway use" marked on it. Either way these are evidence of an offence.

Markings and their Locations

These are required to be "indelible and clearly legible, even when fitted to the vehicle" (C&U and 92/61 Annex V). A popular practice among illegal RESS manufacturers is either to use chrome foil stickers or to "hide" the markings on the inward face of the silencer or in another inconvenient location.

NOISE LIMITS
Pre 1 Apr 83:
- No limit.

1 Apr 83/31 Mar 91:
Up to 80cc - 79dB
81-125cc - 81dB
126-350cc - 84dB
351-500cc - 86dB
Over 500cc - 87dB

1 Apr 91 onwards:
Up to 80cc - 78dB
81-175cc - 80dB
Over 175 - 83dB


................... or to cut a long story short
83dB for SV's.
That's criminally quiet!

However, MoT stations don't have dB meters so that is when the 'testers discretion' statement crops up.

I couldn't find any similar info relating to car noise limits.
From what I've read elsewhere it seems that cars must not have an exhaust that is 'notably louder' than the OE fitted one.

Originally Posted by haggis

NOISE LIMITS
Pre 1 Apr 83:
- No limit.

Ha! I *so* hope that's true



I'm going shopping....

[skeetly]

really?!
So er my 1975 400 four doesnt need a silencer..
Oh..my ....god.
Anyone know where I can get a piece of plain chromed 2" pipe?

Originally Posted by madness

I stand corrected! But I will still endeavour not to speed past two bobbies on the beat!

I thought he was saying he disagreed with it, rather than it was wrong...

I thought that a policeman's opinion is one piece of evidence, and it is usually used to back up another form of measurement. I'm unsure if another policeman can be used as the primary piece of evidence, but I wouldn't bet against it.

Re: the stuff about noise limits & aftermarket exhausts not allowed to be louder than OE...that comes under construction and use regulations I believe. Remember MOT rules differ, and you can get a situation where a copper does you for a loud exhaust, you take your rectification notice and get the exhaust - with no changes - stamped by an MOT guy, go back out on your way, get pulled & given a rectification notice, etc - repeated ad infinitum.

[BigFootIsBlurry]

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Ha! I *so* hope that's true



I'm going shopping....

I'm pretty sure its true, I work with a guy whos got an old bike (no idea what) with no silencer, just an open pipe. Its LOUD

Originally Posted by Baph

Officer: "That exhaust is rediculously loud isn't it?"
Biker: "Yes, yes it is. "

the reply should have been "WHAT?" "SORRY I CANT HEAR YOU"