Good afternoon to all my California Car Enthusiast. I hope this message reaches you well and we get the support we need to reach out goal! As you may know, under current CA Vehicle Code 27151 (b), it is illegal to modify a vehicles’ exhaust system that will amplify any noise emitted from the engine over 95 decibels.

Before we dive into this quickly I want to briefly tell you my story. On Feb 27, 2021 I was driving to my parents home shortly after 6:30pm and was pulled over out of nowhere. When the officer asked me if I knew the reason for my traffic stop I told him I had absolutely no idea. He said that my exhaust was too loud. I responded in confusion telling him that I’ve never had any other stops for this reason nor any noise complains from neighbors. I go to work at 6:00am by the way. He asked me if I had any other modifications under my hood so we took a look. Before I could even show him my CARB K&N intake he stopped me before I could open my hood completely and said he wasn’t worried about K&N intakes and I could close my hood. Didn’t even check the emissions certificate I had. He cited my for violating CAVC 27151, “modified exhaust/noise”.  The traffic stop was fairly quick. I wasn’t upset but more in shock. My only vehicle modifications are window tint, GT500 spoiler, CARB K&N intake, and Roush Axlebacks. The only other modifications I would like to do is suspension work and a chin spoiler. 

I bought my car (2014 Mustang GT) in September 2018 and it hasn’t been modified since Christmas of that year. I’ve had my Axlebacks for going on three years now. Have passed by thousands of police officers. I’ve been given many compliments because I keep my vehicle very clean. It’s my pride and joy! Many will understand when I say I’m not the only one who has turned to cars after going through a dark patch in our lives. 

With your support, I am calling for CA Vehicle Code 27151 to be rewritten in such a way that eliminates any noise limit on exhaust modifications and instead tackles non-compliant emissions related modifications. My Axlebacks are at 107 decibels at 3750 RPM’s when tested at the state referee under their guidelines. A vehicle will pass emissions with any modifications done to an exhaust so long as the stock catalytic converters are not touched. I understand that many people straight pipe their vehicles and race on the streets, but it’s unjust that someone like myself pays that price. There are plenty of other states that do not have a noise limit on exhaust so long as they have functioning mufflers and don’t mess with the states emissions/safety inspections. 

I was reading that in June 2018 Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1824 into law as part of the states budget plan. It turned exhaust violations from fix-it tickets to automatic fines. An easy money grab? Yes! Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom for reversing that ridiculous law. I think we can all agree that setting a noise limit is an easy way for the state to generate money. Yes! Even stock vehicles have been sent to the State Referee. 

I’m not calling for current vehicles codes to be thrown out the window. Not at all. I am calling for their revision and to be rewritten. Instead of setting a noise limit violation it would be better to set an emissions violation. This would still allow officers to get polluters off the street while enthusiast like myself don’t feel scared at every moment an officer glances in my direction. Yes, there are ways to tell if a vehicle is polluting or not. 

Please sign and share this petition with your friends. Noise is not a reason to be pulled over and cited. Especially if your vehicle is in compliance with emissions.