MASSACHUSETTS exhaust bill is back- gotta stop it!

[chopshopcustoms]

Massachusetts Bill to Ban the Sale/Installation of Aftermarket Exhaust Systems to be Considered by Joint Transportation Committee on Oct. 2 :pat:


A bill (H.B. 3574) to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” was reintroduced by Rep. Liz Malia and several cosponsors (list below) and will be considered by the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee on October 2nd. The bill excludes limited-use “antique motor cars” from its scope - a clear attempt by the bill’s sponsors to divide the automobile hobby in an effort to gain clearer sailing for this restrictive and damaging piece of legislation.


We Urge You to Contact the Members of the Joint Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to H.B. 3574

H.B. 3574 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
H.B. 3574 does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation.
H.B. 3574 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
H.B. 3574 would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.
H.B. 3574 would only exclude “antique motor cars” defined as those vehicles over 25-years old which are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc. DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 3574.

Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at [email protected]. Thank you for your assistance.



Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee
Sen. Steven Baddour – Chairman
Phone: 617/722-1604
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Harriett Chandler
Phone: 617/722-1544
Fax: 617/722-1357
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Anthony Petruccelli
Phone: 617/722-1634
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Thomas McGee
Phone: 617/722-1350
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Mark Montigny
Phone: 617/722-1440
Fax: 617/722-1068
Email: [email protected]
Sen. James Timilty
Phone: 617/722-1222
Fax: 617/722-1056
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Robert Hedlund
Phone: 617/722-1646
Fax: 617/722-1028
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Joseph Wagner – Chairman
Phone: 617/722-2400
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Robert Fennell
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-0222
Email: [email protected]
Rep. James Marzilli
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-2850
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Walter Timilty
Phone: 617/722-2810
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Stephen Canessa
Phone: 617/722-2460
Fax: 617/626-0839
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Jennifer Flanagan
Phone: 617/722-2040
Fax: 617/722-2347
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Patrick Natale
Phone:617/722-2810
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Carl Sciortino
Phone: 617/722-2014
Email: [email protected]
Rep. John Fernandes
Phone: 617/722-2030
Fax: 617/722-2215
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Rosemary Sandlin
Phone: 617/722-2400
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Stephen Smith
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-2850
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Paul Loscocco
Phone: 617/722-2220
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Donald Humason
Phone: 617/722-2803
Fax: 617/722-2390
Email: [email protected]


H.B. 3574 Co-Sponsors
Rep. Elizabeth Malia
Phone: 617/722-2060
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Angelo Scaccia
Phone: 617/722-2692
Fax: 617/722-2822
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Denise Provost
Phone: 617/722-2810
Fax: 617/722-0548
[email protected]
Rep. William Brownberger
Phone: 617/722-2140
Fax: 617/722-2339
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Thomas Kennedy
Phone: 617/722-2012
Fax: 617-722-2024
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Martha Walz
Phone: 617/722-2460
Fax: 617/626-0699
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Patricia Jehlen
Phone: 617/722-1578
Fax: 617/722-1117
Email: [email protected]
Sen. Edward Augustus
Phone: 617/722-1485
Fax: 617/722-1066
Email: [email protected]

[hdesign]

Man this state is such an embarassment! I'm sick of having to write to these whiney, Prius-worshiping, fun-killing losers.:banghead:

I've got an idea, vote for anyone, and I mean anyone that opposes them when they're up for re-election. Hell, aren't there more important issues to debate, like the escalating crime rate or why people and business are leaving this state faster than almost any state in the nation.

Rant over...

[Smock67]

Wow thats horrible shouldn't car be the least of their worries. I would think that there are much more pressing issues to which bills should be passed for, not for loud exhaust systems. The worst part is Harley's and motorcycles in general are far louder then cars talk about some BS.

[CraigMBA]

Good. The OE's should have the market cornered on exhaust.

Plus, all independent muffler shops are crooks.

[Jim Nilsen]

I just sent my letter to the Senator, how about you?

Do your part to complain to them and not just here:twothumbs

I don't even live there but it will help make a difference I hope.

[StRacerDuke]

Damn, I hate this state sometimes. I've only been here for a year now but it's very apparent that this state gov. is crooked. I'll send the emails shortly...

[StRacerDuke]

Hey Lenny,

Do you know if any of these people are the ones who are trying to divert storrow drive through my backyard? The state is trying to divert the storrow tunnel onto the esplanade for 2-3years to fix a tunnel that they built poorly. The state was quoted as saying 'it would save us 5million $ and the tree's would grow back in 30 years or so'. What a bunch of crap! Among other things, it would kill my property value as I look out onto the charles river/explanade. This state spend years trying to figure out a way to build a stupid bridge over the charles so it wouldn't effect the migration of a guppy fish, yet they want to run the highway over the explanade and cut down half the trees! Ghhrrr!

[chopshopcustoms]

I just sent my letter to the Senator, how about you?

Do your part to complain to them and not just here:twothumbs

I don't even live there but it will help make a difference I hope.


I hope everyone on the board in MA will send somehting or even attend the OCt 2nd meeting- this bill is crap in its present form

[hdesign]

Damn, I hate this state sometimes. I've only been here for a year now but it's very apparent that this state gov. is crooked. I'll send the emails shortly...

Damn, I hate this state ALL the time! As soon as my kids are in college, we're outta here.

I sent my letter to all the names on the list and only received one reply. Not that I expected them to give a crap but at least I tried. If I can make the Oct 2nd meeting I will.

[RaceMan]

Why are we so screwd-up!!!! I just sent mine !!
I wish I could leave sometimes too but I think there's worse places and remember we've got the Pats and red Sox!!!

[tones2SS]

Man this state is such an embarassment! I'm sick of having to write to these whiney, Prius-worshiping, fun-killing losers.:banghead:

I've got an idea, vote for anyone, and I mean anyone that opposes them when they're up for re-election. Hell, aren't there more important issues to debate, like the escalating crime rate or why people and business are leaving this state faster than almost any state in the nation.

Rant over...

BINGO!!!!!
I couldn't have said it better!! What a bunch of LOSERS!!!:bsjerk:

[hdesign]

Why are we so screwd-up!!!! I just sent mine !!
I wish I could leave sometimes too but I think there's worse places and remember we've got the Pats and red Sox!!!

I could still be a Pats and Sox fan in a warmer, cheaper, less corrupt, less backward, less beaurocratic state with a dish.

The funny thing is that it's actually cheaper to drive to, park, buy tix and eat at Camden Yard when the Sox play the O's than go to Fenway. It's probably also cheaper to go when the Pats play the Ravens or Jets.

[hectore3]

I could still be a Pats and Sox fan in a warmer, cheaper, less corrupt, less backward, less beaurocratic state with a dish.

The funny thing is that it's actually cheaper to drive to, park, buy tix and eat at Camden Yard when the Sox play the O's than go to Fenway. It's probably also cheaper to go when the Pats play the Ravens or Jets.


You are very right. Take a look at the crowd sometime. All you see is a sea of "corporate" ball caps. Verizon,Bank of America etc.
I hate to say it but the teams need to have some losing seasons to get all the band wagon idiots out of the seats. Then maybe a family of 4 can go again. I'm not holding my breath though.

[killermalibu]

reasons like this are why I left mass and headed up to NH. Way less BS!!! Mass is such a horrible state.

[johnsma22]

I've sent my emails, but it won't do any good in this ridiculous state. They have proven time and time again that they are willing to thwart the will of the people. The courts order gay marriage to become law. Last time I checked, the Constitution states that it is the courts job to interpret law, not create law. That is the legislatures' job. There was a petition here to simply allow the question of gay marriage to be on the ballot. They were able to get the required amount of signatures and the spineless bureaucrats didn't even have the balls to let it go on the ballot. They voted it down in the last hour amidst rumors of backroom deals. They knew the people would shoot it down.

[hdesign]

reasons like this are why I left mass and headed up to NH. Way less BS!!! Mass is such a horrible state.

Yeah, but my relatives in S. NH have been seeing a major increase in MA transplants that left for the same reasons and are now demanding more "free" services and straining public funding, thereby making a new MA. Soon to be the formerly "Live Free or Die" state.

All we need to do is keep pressure on these people to make the right decisions regarding foolishly time-consuming and erroneous legislation like this. Be loud and persistent and above all hold them accountable on election day...take note and pay attention to all the boring politics that everyone is too busy for. If there is one truth in all this, it's that we get exactly the government we deserve. If you don't pay attention and don't vote you really can't complain.

[aggressive male]

So just what should I say when I email Steve Mcdonald or those other guys?

[chopshopcustoms]

So just what should I say when I email Steve Mcdonald or those other guys?

what you should be telling them is how BAD this bill is in its current firm because it doesnt give a clear guideline on what is 'too loud' .
This bill is ssjective- it leaves the decision to your local cop who pulls you over.
If your exhaust is deemed too loud by the guy who doesnt know what loud is- you are screwed.

Here is a good example of some stuff to touch on: (this is an exerpt of the letter my wife wrote)

· ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
· does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation.
· fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
· would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.


Prohibiting the sale of after market exhaust systems would also make it difficult for companies like MIDAS and MEINEKE muffler to sell their products in Massachusetts, which are not created by the automotive manufacturer. This bill would cause many local ‘speed shops’ (automotive performance shops) to have failing business, or ultimately have to close due to deteriorating sales.

Allowing the local Law enforcement ‘subjective judgment’ on each vehicle will leave much room for racial and financial profiling as well, which I am sure is NOT the intention of this bill . Currently, it is the responsibility of the MA inspection stations to pass/fail a vehicle with a loud exhaust system, which many choose to ignore.

Again, I am urging you to oppose the bill on behalf of the classic and custom car community in Massachusetts. The idea is a positive one, but requires more research toclearly define a limit for the violators.



Anyone able to make it up to the State House Oct 2nd for the hearing to speak in OPPOSITION let me know....


:grouphug:

[aggressive male]

So what happend guys?

[chopshopcustoms]

So what happend guys?
The hearing outcome seems like some good news. The Chairman of the Committee basically said that he relized there was a ton of opposition to the bill in its PRESENT form , but in reality- both sides were in agreement that there should be a bill like this (which is the case) and that we 'needed to go out in the hallway and make this thing work'.
Representative from our group who are against the bill in its current form spoke with the Reps about the bill being a good idea , but that it needed a definitive decibel level to be enforced (they agreed).
There are plans to form a committee to discuss and basically make the bill work in a better form. There was actiually a State Rep who changed his support to opposition once he heard our side of things and how badly this will affect the STate if it would pass in its present form.

On another note- only 5 people showed up to the hearing- 3 against HB3574 (our 'side') and 2 for the bill- both of which were not car guys.

I was really surprised to hear more people didnt show up - seems like everyone thinks someone else can make this go away- and it is going to take everyone voicing their opposition to have it dealt with.
If you havent sent your email or letter yet in opposition and yu live in Massachusetts- please send one .

It sounds promisiing- for the first time in 4 (?) years , they are listening ...:usa:

[aggressive male]

Well I guess that's good news. Just curious, why would this bill be fine with you if it is in the right form? Wouldn't you still not like it if it had a decibel limit?
The hearing outcome seems like some good news. The Chairman of the Committee basically said that he relized there was a ton of opposition to the bill in its PRESENT form , but in reality- both sides were in agreement that there should be a bill like this (which is the case) and that we 'needed to go out in the hallway and make this thing work'.
Representative from our group who are against the bill in its current form spoke with the Reps about the bill being a good idea , but that it needed a definitive decibel level to be enforced (they agreed).
There are plans to form a committee to discuss and basically make the bill work in a better form. There was actiually a State Rep who changed his support to opposition once he heard our side of things and how badly this will affect the STate if it would pass in its present form.

On another note- only 5 people showed up to the hearing- 3 against HB3574 (our 'side') and 2 for the bill- both of which were not car guys.

I was really surprised to hear more people didnt show up - seems like everyone thinks someone else can make this go away- and it is going to take everyone voicing their opposition to have it dealt with.
If you havent sent your email or letter yet in opposition and yu live in Massachusetts- please send one .

It sounds promisiing- for the first time in 4 (?) years , they are listening ...:usa:

[chopshopcustoms]

Well I guess that's good news. Just curious, why would this bill be fine with you if it is in the right form? Wouldn't you still not like it if it had a decibel limit?
Technically we already have a bill on the books to cover the 'loud exhaust' thing (Chapter 90) but with a definitive decibel limit (95 db is being proposed if we get the chance) then at least if you are breaking the law, its defined.
95 db by the way, is what the SEMA model bill has and is as loud as a jet engine , so it would be good for 99% of the cars out there.

[Norm Peterson]

Just as a matter of information, one of the local SCCA Regions has been running autocrosses at a new site where decibel limits are enforced. Tech info on the measuring is "A" weighting, slow response at 50' from the edge of the course lane and positioned perpendicular to vehicle travel. 93+db gets you a warning, the first 96+db buys a DNF/no time scored for that run and a chance to remedy. A second 96+db means that you're done for the day. Nearly all cars have met that with little or no effort, and since the measuring station is set up where engines are expected to be at full throttle, high rpms, and under load that may well be a tighter requirement than 95db under unspecified conditions. Even an expansion-chambered 2-stroke formula car was able to meet this requirement after a little work.

Other regions have similar noise restrictions, and this is for cars in a competition environment.

My point being that a mid-90s db limit is not necessarily an unrealistically restrictive limit for street use.


Norm

[6'9"Witha69]

Just as a matter of information, one of the local SCCA Regions has been running autocrosses at a new site where decibel limits are enforced. Tech info on the measuring is "A" weighting, slow response at 50' from the edge of the course lane and positioned perpendicular to vehicle travel. 93+db gets you a warning, the first 96+db buys a DNF/no time scored for that run and a chance to remedy. A second 96+db means that you're done for the day. Nearly all cars have met that with little or no effort, and since the measuring station is set up where engines are expected to be at full throttle, high rpms, and under load that may well be a tighter requirement than 95db under unspecified conditions. Even an expansion-chambered 2-stroke formula car was able to meet this requirement after a little work.

Other regions have similar noise restrictions, and this is for cars in a competition environment.

My point being that a mid-90s db limit is not necessarily an unrealistically restrictive limit for street use.


NormI believe it is 95db in CA as well. Measured from 50' at a similated 35 mph (or something like that). Never been an issue for me.

[StRacerDuke]

Interesting, when I was living in CA I had a buddy with a 68 firebird who had to put home made baffles in the exhaust in order to pass the db test that a local cop was giving him. Of course it was pulled out after he passed :)

Laguna Seca (Mazda raceway) has a db limit and many cars are kicked off. A lot of the porsche guys are pissed because the STOCK 997 GT3 exhaust is higher than the db limit at Laguna Seca.

[6'9"Witha69]

Interesting, when I was living in CA I had a buddy with a 68 firebird who had to put home made baffles in the exhaust in order to pass the db test that a local cop was giving him. Of course it was pulled out after he passed :)

Laguna Seca (Mazda raceway) has a db limit and many cars are kicked off. A lot of the porsche guys are pissed because the STOCK 997 GT3 exhaust is higher than the db limit at Laguna Seca.Most of them are not really calibrated correctly. The ole trick is to sandwich an SOS pad or steel wool between some screen mesh and bolt it at the collector end. This muffled the sound without having to remove/replace the exhaust.

[69Pony]

Damn, I hate this state sometimes. I've only been here for a year now but it's very apparent that this state gov. is crooked. I'll send the emails shortly...

Yep good old Mass. The "good" people in Maryland have a saying;

"no matter how F'ing liberal the state of Maryland is, there is always Mass. around to make us look better"