TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee has given its nod to Assembly Bill No. 1855, which seeks to toughen regulations on vehicle muffler and exhaust system modifications. This legislation was reviewed and favorably amended on June 6, 2024.
The bill specifically targets modifications that amplify or increase the noise levels of a vehicle’s muffler or exhaust system beyond the manufacturer’s original specifications.
The revised penalties for non-compliance are set at a maximum of $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses, marking a significant increase from the current $25 penalty for related violations.
The committee amendments have notably softened initial harsher penalties, which included potential imprisonment, to fines only.
Additionally, the amendments removed the prior requirement for mufflers and exhaust systems to be inspected for noise levels during vehicle inspections. This bill aims to reduce noise pollution and ensure that vehicles adhere to standardized noise levels as initially designed by manufacturers.