i want to put a aftermarket exhaust system on my car but is it illegal in san francisco, california? and do the chp pick on cars that look jdm more??
California has emission laws. It is illegal to change some stuff, but if you pass the emission tests, it is legal. And the cops will not pull you over just for that, most are to dumb to know what to look for. But if you do get caught it is a big fine. Two ways to beat the system. One, register the car in a state that doesn't have emission testing. Or, two be a friend with a cop and get the safety sticker and emission stuff taken care of. I was in the military and although not green friendly I have done both of these and had no problems when I got stopped.
I agree with 'jettech' on this one,I've heard them referred to as 'clam shell' too. Oi' jettech! less of the 'Nigel' stuff!
that would be a bonit or a boot
First off, putting an exhaust on your car doesnt make it JDM. JDM Japanese Domestic Market ie: Cars made in Japan. Now to answer your question: Exhaust Systems: Whistle-Tip Prohibition 27150.3. (a) A person may not modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle with a whistle-tip. Modification of Exhaust Systems: Sound Level in Compliance 27151. (a) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is not in compliance with the provisions of Section 27150 or exceeds the noise limits established for the type of vehicle in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200). No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified. (b) For the purposes of exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dbA or less, when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998, complies with this section. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, nonoriginal exhaust equipment. This was pulled directly from the California Vehicle Code which you can find here www.dmv.ca /pubs/vctop/vcpdf/d. if you have any further concerns. There are also other statutes regarding the catalytic converter, but that isnt California law, it is CARB law. Your vehicle must have a catalytic converter with a functioning O2 sensor attached. Thats it, keep it under 95 decibels, no whistle tip and have a functioning catalytic converter.
