Loud Exhaust in West Chester, PA

[olenik1]

Hello Cobra Community!

Anyone out there in West Chester, PA concerned about this push to ban loud exhaust cars from the Borough of West Chester? They are now claiming that it's completely up to the local police to decide whats considered "loud" and the fine is $1,000? Thoughts?

Thanks!

Steve Olenik

[incoming]

Note to myself. "Don't drive through West Chester, Pa."

[twobjshelbys]

Such subjective rules are unenforceable. Does your city have a noise ordinance? Without a number they can't measure to see if there is a violation.

[olenik1]

That would be a great option if I didn't live there!

[olenik1]

Thanks Tony, supposedly they do, I believe I've read 85 decibels at 50 feet....my car at idle at two inches from the side pipe is 85-90...again, the fact that they're claiming it's subjective is the real issue. I will certainly fight the fine should I receive one.

[tonywyso]

Anytime I see any kind of law enforcement I keep my foot out of the loud pedal. When I was a kid they used to pull people over for loud exhaust so, I assume there are laws for this but are not enforced like they used to be. In my opinion " tuner cars" are much more offensive.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by olenik1

Thanks Tony, supposedly they do, I believe I've read 85 decibels at 50 feet....my car at idle at two inches from the side pipe is 85-90...again, the fact that they're claiming it's subjective is the real issue. I will certainly fight the fine should I receive one.

If you're 85db close then 10' shouldn't be a problem. The best insurance against being hassled is to just drive and don't be obnoxious and rev and make more noise than is necessary.

[34fords]

Hey Guy's isn't it great to know that in this country today, law enforcement has nothing to worry about except a few loud cars?

[RB60]

There's lots of cars louder than ours. Go to a car show, there's dozens louder than ours. No one bothers them unless they act like idiots. No one will bother you unless you act like an idiot. Most just look in envy.

[Ahshoe]

Around here the two wheel version of motorized vehicles are a lot louder than any car on our streets. I can't believe how they can keep roaring down the streets and never get a ticket.

[kevins2]

I live near West Chester and, in a West Chester neighborhood chat forum, there is a lot of discussion about this loud exhaust ban. Although there are a few mentions of cars, most of the anger is aimed at motorcycles and specifically unnecessary revving and high RPM starts from the many stop signs. Idiots on motorcycles are doing this constantly, even late at night and on residential streets.

[novasscnc]

At least we have mufflers in our pipes unlike the Harley owners

[86Sebring]

Worst are those Harleys that have music blasting while running.
How does that even make sense, you have a loud motorcycle and now you want to hear your favorite tunes at the same time, so you have to turn up the volume to even hear it..
How about putting a muffler on your Harley, then you can enjoy your music at a reasonoble level...
We have a couple of them in our neck of the woods

[Tommy]

I agree that a subjective noise ordinance is likely unenforceable. But its likely a lot more trouble than its worth to fight it. That may be what the city is counting on. .... Many years ago I helped a county government develop a noise ordinance to deal with late night loud music near a residential neighborhood. At that time it required certified equipment and certified trained personnel to take the measurements. The threat of enforcement was more beneficial than actual enforcement.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Tommy

I agree that a subjective noise ordinance is likely unenforceable. But its likely a lot more trouble than its worth to fight it. That may be what the city is counting on. .... Many years ago I helped a county government develop a noise ordinance to deal with late night loud music near a residential neighborhood. At that time it required certified equipment and certified trained personnel to take the measurements. The threat of enforcement was more beneficial than actual enforcement.

Yep, this is often the case. If there are no DMV points on your license then the fine is essentially a "tax" you pay.

I was on our town board when people came to complain and the administration wanted to know what to do. The Boulder County Sheriff that provided our "town police" under contract had the equipment. The loudest music was always from Planet Bluegrass (bluegrass and folks festivals) and most of the people appreciated the free show. I don't recall ever hearing a complaint about cars or bikes and they Harley tours went through town almost every weekend on the way to Estes Park and gladly stopped by the local watering hole to spend money. Noone was going to send them away.

[Thor maine]

What I did on my Contemporary was to use electric cutouts just after the muffler in the sidepipe and routed to turbo mufflers and out the back, So nic and quiet for church on Sunday or when ever but just flip a switch 8 cylinder big block Rock and Roll!!!

[jmimac351]

It's funny... over the last year or so, "Florida Man" appears to be living the good life, thank goodness in no small part to our Kickazz Governor. As a native Floridian... I've never had to deal with this nonsense. Politicians do what they do because they don't meet resistance. Show up at meetings and ask them basic questions. Get some buddies to join you. Tyrants are very sensitive to negative feedback. Far too many people have become conditioned to just accept what is done to them without actually taking any action to resist it.