Noise testers being used by police in Essex

[MIKEGTR]

What are peoples feelings on this:

New gadget will help curb exhaust noise from modified cars

The law states that u can not modify the exhaust to be louder than that of its standard component. Each car has a different db level and there is no legal level defined in law. Mot has nothing to do with law so saying it passed an most has no bearing. My argument will be that my model car hasn't officially been imported into the UK so how can there be a comparison *although 150 were released but have a different spec). Anyone else with a UK car is screwed as even a non oem part from somewhere like kwik fit could be deamed illegal

[Marky_GTSt]

Honestly, It could be a good thing, But only if they allow a margin above stock... Otherwise not so good.

Where I live are a number of cars that sound like they don't have an exhaust on at all, Though I would never report anyone for that, it can be irritating, My Skyline is only a little louder than stock (Before the screamer kicks in that is)

It would be better if they just set a sensible blanket DB level for cars and bikes I think, That would save any confusion or doubt as well as having to have a database with every cars volume level on it.

[jaycabs]

Personally i think thats completely daft as for example why would a f430 be allowed to be so much louder than a micra . Thats like saying the more money you have then the louder the car you can have .

Who comes up with this excriment !! They really have nothing better to do

[gtr-loz]

Looks like in the article they have made up some stuff which is always nice

[wildboy]

My brother was pulled last year in his impreza.
Copper told him 89dB was the limit they would allow. 82dB is what a new car has to be below, unless it's a performance vehicle meeting certain criteria, in which case it can be louder.

I had a quick look online at that time in case i was pulled and I believe when my car was imported the SVA limit was 99 or 101db.

I concluded that as my car only needed to be less than 100dB to be considered road legal at its time of import, this was good enough for me.
This would probably only annoy the average plod though!

Just add that when my brothers impreza went past 110dB before he'd reached the revs needed for the test, the copper told him to get it quietened down ASAP, then give him a call when he'd done it and he would pop round and retest for him so he could make sure he wouldn't get pulled again.

[MIKEGTR]

Interesting.

Due to the age of my car when imported it didn't require type approval, so in effect I doubt many have been subject to sva tests at all, if any!

[wildboy]

Originally Posted by MIKEGTR

Interesting.

Due to the age of my car when imported it didn't require type approval, so in effect I doubt many have been subject to sva tests at all, if any!

I don't think mine would have had an SVA either.
I dont think your average plod knows about it though, could be worth a mention if the rozzer isn't a jumped up jobsworth.

[MIKEGTR]

Also interesting to know the test conditions required for the test, ie if they're carrying it out with traffic going past and how close they are holding the tester to the exhaust

[wildboy]

I believe my brother was asked to stop in a large empty area of asda's car park. The copper made sure he was away from any buildings etc.
I think two background noise readings were taken before the actual test, which was 0.5 metres at 45 degrees

[MIKEGTR]

And will it stand up in a court of law that that is the method of which the manufacturers use?

[wildboy]

Don't think it has to comply with the manufacturing noise levels.
It appears to be a number they've come up with which satisfies their noise pollution theories.
Section 59 is their passport to car seizure for various daft reasons

[MIKEGTR]

They can't just make up a law lol. If they deem it to be louder than std then I will ask them to prove it. It's a matter of law not for someones opinion

[gts-tom]

Think you ned to be given more than 1 section 59 within 6 months before they can steal your car. Also as said above I think I may get away with it because its quite quiet before screamer kicks in. Maybe you have to do the test at 9000 rpm

[Trev]

I'm screwed.

LOL.

[Dough75]

It may be a bit off topic, but I installed an Apexi Active Tail Silencer in my exhaust (4" Krank exhaust) for day to day driving and it works amazingly. When just driving along at normal speeds, the silencer keeps noise down to stock levels, but when you step on the gas, it opens up and goes back to pre-silenced noise levels. My wife has confirmed the car still spits flame with the ATS installled (grin). I'm sure there is some power loss, but I can't really feel it. If anyone is interested I can post some videos and noise levels (from my iPhone decibel meter).