What are the regulations on running an aftermarket Cat. Converter in NH? I am thinking of replacing the stock header w/ the SVT one and running the SVT Cat. Converter. Thanks in advance.
As far as I know there is NO visual inspection to the engine/exhaust when getting the yearly inspection done. I'm running the magnaflow cat back & haven't had any issues.
Besides, you may be giving the people that do inspections a little too much credit. I'm fairly certain they have no idea WHAT the stock (or otherwise) exhaust system on a focus would look like.
You should be fine with the SVT exhaust setup. The only thing you would have to look out for is the cop that has nothing better to do than pull you over because he thinks the exhaust is too loud.
Jonny Bolt wrote: Ya, that was me who was harassed for my SVT's exhaust. I easily won that case in court, and the ticket was laughed at then thrown out.Try as I might, I can't immediately think of anything more satisfying than that must have been. Especially the "laughed at" part.
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Chelly02 wrote: Exactly - the SVT is a bit louder, but it is stock and from what I know, it still runs under the legal limit of 92db.
He Chelly02,
Messaging you again today! Question is where you get the 92db limit from. As far as I know there is no set limit for cars [there is one for motorcycles], only that the noise can't be louder than the original muffler. See http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-59.htm
"NH RSA, TITLE XXI / 266:59 Muffler; Prevention of Noise. –
III. No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in any manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted above that emitted by the original muffler installed in the vehicle and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this section."
Due to no db limit, even if the car passed state inspection, a police officer could ticket you at their discretion.
I'm having a hard time to find someone to install an aftermarket muffler on my wagon. A number of places say if not OEM replacement they won't touch it, or they won't pass it, and cite or refer to the RSA above.
Any thoughts/comments?
____________________ 2001 Ford Focus Wagon SE2 (STREET EDITION), Egg-yolk-YELLOW, upgraded 05' OEM 15" multi-spoke rims, 6 in-dash CD, genuine European taillights (AMBER signals + FOGLIGHT), Euro suspension, sport buckets.
SEMA has been fighting states that try to pass laws that say that you cannot modify your exhaust, and winning. Most shops are A** anyway, just do it your self, you'll be happier.
____________________ Honda's are like assholes, everyone has one.
when I got inspected in the begining if July in Hampton they said there was a new law in hampton that there was no sound ordinance on bikes or car. Get inspected there if having issues
And I beleve Gr33nlemon got pulled over recently and the cop said nothing about his exhaust (shorty header and hi-flow cat w/ cat back)
I do apologize - That is the Maine Law I quoted, and actually incorrectly. Maine has a DB limit of 95 on passenger vehicles. It also reads in stereo...no shocker there. States in one instance that you cannot modify from OEM, but then again...what do you do if you do change from OEM and the db levels are still below 95??? interesting situation to battle against I say!
Love that whole court case thing there Jonny boy....great story!
p.s - some info referring to the NH legislature and the SEMA story referring to a 95db level for this state..it has been looked into, but no verdict yet. http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=32209
Last edited on Wed Jul 21st, 2004 05:16 pm by Chelly03PZEV
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Pretty soon you wont be able to do nuthin. Not even change yur bulbs
LOL, after the judge snickered about giving me a ticket for a stock exhaust, the cops went into a small room, then came back out and tried to say I was speeding. The judge was having a field day, giggling under his breathe. He told me to go home
Thank you for your interest in SEMA and the SEMA Action Network. The information from the New Hampshire State webpage is correct and the version of HB 243, which was passed into law, simply repeals the limitation on the modification of motor vehicle exhaust systems.
The outdated description of the bill on the SEMA webpage was referring the introduced version of HB 243 which was amended during its journey through the legislative process deleting the 95 decibel limit and instead simply repealing RSA 266:59 [, para. III]. The Legislative Roundup Section of our website is currently in the process of being updated to reflect the fact that most of the state legislatures have adjourned for the session.
Below, please find additional information on the version of HB 243 which is now law. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me.
Thank you again,
Suzie Carroll, Research Coordinator, Specialty Equipment Market Association
NEW HAMPSHIRE EXHAUST NOISE BILL BECOMES LAW
An amended version of a SEMA-sponsored bill to remove vague and subjective provisions from the state's exhaust noise law became law without the governor's signature. Under previous law, New Hampshire deemed illegal all modifications which increased noise levels above that emitted by the vehicle's original muffler. The original SEMA-drafted legislation required law enforcement authorities to prove that an exhaust system modification resulted in a noise level in excess of 95-decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169 before issuing a citation. Deeming the 95-decibel limit too restrictive, the Legislature simply deleted provisions in the law which referenced the noise levels of the original muffler. <<<<
"CHAPTER 266 EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES / Section 266:59 Muffler; Prevention of Noise.
I. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler as defined in RSA 259:66, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a way.
II. The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes, smoke, flame, gas, oil or fuel residue.
[SECTION III WAS REPEALED:]
III. No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in any manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted above that emitted by the original muffler installed in the vehicle and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this section."
Conclusion: Should be a little bit easier to have aftermarket mufflers on our NH cars. Requirements now are: A muffler in good working order; in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Only remaining problem is definition of 'excessive' and 'unusual' noise.
____________________ 2001 Ford Focus Wagon SE2 (STREET EDITION), Egg-yolk-YELLOW, upgraded 05' OEM 15" multi-spoke rims, 6 in-dash CD, genuine European taillights (AMBER signals + FOGLIGHT), Euro suspension, sport buckets.
hmmmm. i beg to differ. I had always been told that if the vehicle had a certain option, or options, that werent on the base model, you could upgrade to those parts if u had the base model, sort of "if there was an option, such as SVT parts, the Focus came with that package, the SVT package" so if u put like SVT wheels, or suspension, or exhaust, it should be legal. I mean Im not definite but I dont see any problem with it if the vehicle originally came with the optional package...
NHStreetWagon is correct - section III was repealed effective July 1st, 2004. VERY new change in legislation and helps us who want to modify our exhaust.
I will stand in saying that if the vehicle came with a CAT, it has to HAVE a CAT on it to run legally on the streets and be legally inspected etc.
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i don't know what the regulations for exhaust in NH, cuz obviously i'm from mass, but i do know that no matter what state i'm in my exhaust is and will always be illegal...lol
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"Only remaining problem is definition of 'excessive' and 'unusual' noise."
Why do they write laws like this? What the hell is excessive and unusual? Even if any knew that, because of the word "and", if the noise was just excessive, my interpretation would be the law was not being violated. Same thing with unusual. You'd have to be producing both to be considered in violation.
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