VA cops ticketing for aftermarket exhaust
11-16-2008, 07:48 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
VA cops ticketing for aftermarket exhaust
So I picked up my first ticket for having "after market" exhaust. The ironic thing is that I was on my way to swap my Apexi WSII exhaust with JCharged for stock exhaust. Figured I would post up a word of caution to those members traveling through Fairfax VA. These cops having nothing better to do. 
Inadequate exhaust system:
driver of vehicle
Statute: 46.2-1049
Fine: $30
Processing Fee: $62
Total: $92
owner permitting or allowing operation of vehicle
Statute: 46.2-1049
Fine: $30
Processing Fee: $62
Total: $92
Statue 46.2-1049 Details
[§ 46.2-1049. Exhaust system in good working order.
No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise; provided however, that for motor vehicles, such exhaust system shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment. An exhaust system shall not be deemed to prevent excessive or unusual noise if it permits the escape of noise in excess of that permitted by the standard factory equipment exhaust system of private passenger motor vehicles or trucks of standard make.
The term "exhaust system," as used in this section, means all the parts of a vehicle through which the exhaust passes after leaving the engine block, including mufflers and other sound dissipative devices.
Chambered pipes are not an effective muffling device to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and any vehicle equipped with chambered pipes shall be deemed in violation of this section.[/SIZE]
I even chatted with the cop and told him it was DOT legal in all 50 states. I'm going to fight the ticket and show pictures of my car (date included) with stock exhaust on it.
Inadequate exhaust system:
driver of vehicle
Statute: 46.2-1049
Fine: $30
Processing Fee: $62
Total: $92
owner permitting or allowing operation of vehicle
Statute: 46.2-1049
Fine: $30
Processing Fee: $62
Total: $92
Statue 46.2-1049 Details
[§ 46.2-1049. Exhaust system in good working order.
No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise; provided however, that for motor vehicles, such exhaust system shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment. An exhaust system shall not be deemed to prevent excessive or unusual noise if it permits the escape of noise in excess of that permitted by the standard factory equipment exhaust system of private passenger motor vehicles or trucks of standard make.
The term "exhaust system," as used in this section, means all the parts of a vehicle through which the exhaust passes after leaving the engine block, including mufflers and other sound dissipative devices.
Chambered pipes are not an effective muffling device to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and any vehicle equipped with chambered pipes shall be deemed in violation of this section.[/SIZE]
I even chatted with the cop and told him it was DOT legal in all 50 states. I'm going to fight the ticket and show pictures of my car (date included) with stock exhaust on it.
11-16-2008, 07:58 PM
#2
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I heard about this when I was going to put your feedback on. Cops are so weak sometimes. Hopefully you can get it all dropped.
p.s.-thanks for the headers haha
p.s.-thanks for the headers haha
11-16-2008, 08:11 PM
#4
03 SSM
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yeah nationwide curfew for 17 is usually 11-12. My friend got the same ticket for exhaust here in Utah about 2-3 years ago. Apparently Magnaflow is illegal here.
11-17-2008, 01:35 AM
#7
depending on how loud your car is/was, what giant tip was on the tailpipe, and possibly other mods like tow hooks that grabbed the Officers attention...will get you a conversation
Each local PD decides which of the over 1,000 statutes in the motor vehicle codes they are going to enforce each week. Speed over a certain amount, lane use, signalling...
You got them on exhaust week, and since local law says no louder than stock,,,
Its up to the driver to ensure knowledge and compliance of all applicable laws.
Showing proof of correction might get the ticket dismissed for you
Include a newspaper showing date in the pic, and a copy of repair manual book page pic of stock exhaust
Or if there is a place on the ticket that says- fix-it, go to the highway patrol for signoff and return ticket to court
Good luck!
funny that here in Ca. you can get away with a decent exhaust sound/level on the car, and on the bike- a cop actually told me to make the exhaust pipes LOUDER!!!!
Each local PD decides which of the over 1,000 statutes in the motor vehicle codes they are going to enforce each week. Speed over a certain amount, lane use, signalling...
You got them on exhaust week, and since local law says no louder than stock,,,
Its up to the driver to ensure knowledge and compliance of all applicable laws.
Showing proof of correction might get the ticket dismissed for you
Include a newspaper showing date in the pic, and a copy of repair manual book page pic of stock exhaust
Or if there is a place on the ticket that says- fix-it, go to the highway patrol for signoff and return ticket to court
Good luck!
funny that here in Ca. you can get away with a decent exhaust sound/level on the car, and on the bike- a cop actually told me to make the exhaust pipes LOUDER!!!!
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11-17-2008, 09:34 AM
#8
Cruisin'
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They do the same thing for motorcycle if it pipe is too loud or the lights are not stock. Get pulled over by Fairfax County = $$$ out of your pocket 4 or 2 wheels.
11-17-2008, 10:14 AM
#9
Tom
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They do the same thing for motorcycle if it pipe is too loud or the lights are not stock. Get pulled over by Fairfax County = $$$ out of your pocket 4 or 2 wheels.
11-17-2008, 10:22 AM
#10
H-D with straight pipes are at risk of ticket everywhere,
but you wont make the mistake of pulling in front of one! you can hear them coming~
but you wont make the mistake of pulling in front of one! you can hear them coming~
11-17-2008, 10:54 AM
#11
This is the reason I switch from greddy evo2 back to my stock mufflers. I had the same situation with my 99 turbo eclipse with 3" turbo-back exhaust. The highway patrolman stopped me said that he heard my exhaust after I passed him, but what he heard was the non-turbo eclipse that I so happen to be following. So I switch my exhaust on my TL, because I don't need the hassle.
11-17-2008, 10:56 AM
#12
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
Yea that sucked man. Now I gotta worry about these guys. 
You got caught by an Airport police which happens alot nowadays. Especially if you are modded in some sort of way.
They really need to kick this law to the ground. MD and WV laws are much more lenient.
You got caught by an Airport police which happens alot nowadays. Especially if you are modded in some sort of way.
They really need to kick this law to the ground. MD and WV laws are much more lenient.
11-17-2008, 02:42 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The funny thing is this is with just Apexi WS II exhaust on. ie. stock headers & stock cat on the car. I used to have DC Sport Headers + an RT cat on the car and NEVER got pulled over.
Also the cop initially wrote "honda" for the make since I'm debadged then corrected it once he saw my registration.
Also the cop initially wrote "honda" for the make since I'm debadged then corrected it once he saw my registration.
11-17-2008, 05:46 PM
#19
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I'm gunna assume that any state has specific laws to that state, and with the economy the way it is, are willing to slap tickets to people for anything. You should be able to find the laws for your state online if you do a google search.
11-18-2008, 10:01 AM
#21
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
Yea Apexi is not loud. When I had it on before I never got pulled. We'll see what happens now. Cops around here are cracking down on modded cars rather than drug dealers and street crime.
11-30-2008, 02:55 PM
#24
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The funny thing is this is with just Apexi WS II exhaust on. ie. stock headers & stock cat on the car. I used to have DC Sport Headers + an RT cat on the car and NEVER got pulled over.
Also the cop initially wrote "honda" for the make since I'm debadged then corrected it once he saw my registration.
Also the cop initially wrote "honda" for the make since I'm debadged then corrected it once he saw my registration.
haha the badge story reminds me of when a cop walked up to this guys skyline and was on the wrong side
11-30-2008, 06:09 PM
#27
Jedi Apprentice
that sucks man. i rocked a WSII on my CD7 for over a year and a half never got any complaints or tickets. WTF. i have heard NOVa is a bit more rediculous than the 757, but i imagine it's only a matter of time. nothing is sacred anymore...
11-30-2008, 08:37 PM
#29
Not even cop pulled me over in my civic and said that my exhaust was modifed and the dumb punk didnt even write me up for it i was like man what an ass!! but he wrote me up for smoked out licence plate cover i was like bitch had to pay 10 dollars and get a cop sign off on that i took it off
11-30-2008, 08:42 PM
#30
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Yeah, this stuff happens all the time in VA. You cant have anything. Car has to be a certain height on and off the ground, wheels cant stick out a certain distance from your fenders, then theres that stupid 50% (or lighter) tint law on your front door windows, 35% or ligher on the rears. And noise ordinance laws are strict as hell, especially when it comes to loud music. No strobes, and no undercarriage neons, unless stationary. No air bags, or hydraulics. Speeding? 20 mph and over, you're gonna pay a VERY huge fine.
I used to get harassed by troopers about my Evo2 cat back on my CB7 Accord. But it was just the troopers, the city and county cops dont really pay it any mind.
I used to get harassed by troopers about my Evo2 cat back on my CB7 Accord. But it was just the troopers, the city and county cops dont really pay it any mind.
11-30-2008, 08:51 PM
#31
Yeah, this stuff happens all the time in VA. You cant have anything. Car has to be a certain height on and off the ground, wheels cant stick out a certain distance from your fenders, then theres that stupid 50% (or lighter) tint law on your front door windows, 35% or ligher on the rears. And noise ordinance laws are strict as hell, especially when it comes to loud music. No strobes, and no undercarriage neons, unless stationary. No air bags, or hydraulics. Speeding? 20 mph and over, you're gonna pay a VERY huge fine.
I used to get harassed by troopers about my Evo2 cat back on my CB7 Accord. But it was just the troopers, the city and county cops dont really pay it any mind.
I used to get harassed by troopers about my Evo2 cat back on my CB7 Accord. But it was just the troopers, the city and county cops dont really pay it any mind.
what i dont understand is that we get pulled over for are exhausts and whack ass mustangs and shit o yea and harleys can have there shit super loud and not get pulled over!
11-30-2008, 10:49 PM
#32
depending on how loud your car is/was, what giant tip was on the tailpipe, and possibly other mods like tow hooks that grabbed the Officers attention...will get you a conversation
Each local PD decides which of the over 1,000 statutes in the motor vehicle codes they are going to enforce each week. Speed over a certain amount, lane use, signalling...
You got them on exhaust week, and since local law says no louder than stock,,,
Its up to the driver to ensure knowledge and compliance of all applicable laws.
Showing proof of correction might get the ticket dismissed for you
Include a newspaper showing date in the pic, and a copy of repair manual book page pic of stock exhaust
Or if there is a place on the ticket that says- fix-it, go to the highway patrol for signoff and return ticket to court
Good luck!
funny that here in Ca. you can get away with a decent exhaust sound/level on the car, and on the bike- a cop actually told me to make the exhaust pipes LOUDER!!!!
Each local PD decides which of the over 1,000 statutes in the motor vehicle codes they are going to enforce each week. Speed over a certain amount, lane use, signalling...
You got them on exhaust week, and since local law says no louder than stock,,,
Its up to the driver to ensure knowledge and compliance of all applicable laws.
Showing proof of correction might get the ticket dismissed for you
Include a newspaper showing date in the pic, and a copy of repair manual book page pic of stock exhaust
Or if there is a place on the ticket that says- fix-it, go to the highway patrol for signoff and return ticket to court
Good luck!
funny that here in Ca. you can get away with a decent exhaust sound/level on the car, and on the bike- a cop actually told me to make the exhaust pipes LOUDER!!!!
LOL because over here, if you don't have a loud exhaust, you're gonna die.
12-03-2008, 01:34 PM
#35
2003 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
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Fairfax = Worst County in Virginia to Get Pulled Over In
I have yet to be pulled over in Fairfax, but my Cousin has been pulled over, he got a ticket for his Window Tint and Exhaust.
I have three other friends who were pulled over for Exhaust Systems, one of which also got a ticket for tint, another got a ticket for aftermarket HID's/Xenon or something of that sort.
Been pulled over three or four times in Prince William county and have yet to get a fix-it ticket.
Good luck with getting it dropped though.
I have yet to be pulled over in Fairfax, but my Cousin has been pulled over, he got a ticket for his Window Tint and Exhaust.
I have three other friends who were pulled over for Exhaust Systems, one of which also got a ticket for tint, another got a ticket for aftermarket HID's/Xenon or something of that sort.
Been pulled over three or four times in Prince William county and have yet to get a fix-it ticket.
Good luck with getting it dropped though.
12-03-2008, 02:14 PM
#36
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
I hate PWC. I don't mess with those cops there. The State troopers know wtf they are talking about too. Fairfax cops are hardasses. Loudoun sometimes are the only lenient guys.
Some of them are really there to do their jobs, while most of the young dudes are just there to be pricks.
Some of them are really there to do their jobs, while most of the young dudes are just there to be pricks.
12-03-2008, 02:37 PM
#37
I have remus exhaust on my tl and never got a ticket. A couple years ago when i had a 300zx TT i got exhaust tickets all the time. All i did was go to court say i changed it out and they drop it. On the other note my boy has gotten 10 ticket with his supra and got a letter from Fairfax saying he needs to bring the car to headquarters to make sure he actually changed it if another ticket is issued.
12-05-2008, 12:23 AM
#38
The Dumb One
iTrader: (1)
if we have laws here like that... they dont enforce them
sucks they do in some places... all i know is.....
people can drag frame, have straight pipe exhaust and assemble in mass numbers here and still not get flagged by police.
hell we had a cop stop by one night with 12's in his trunk. then he challenged a Ford Lightning!
sucks they do in some places... all i know is.....
people can drag frame, have straight pipe exhaust and assemble in mass numbers here and still not get flagged by police.
hell we had a cop stop by one night with 12's in his trunk. then he challenged a Ford Lightning!
12-05-2008, 11:44 AM
#39
Well cops in NOVA tend to like American cars they really dont care about them. its the imports or the "RICER" cause they can slam them with so many diff tickets. In fairfax they consider any aftermarket part illegal even if its a stock exhaust with aftermarket tips. It is what is but we do live in the most powerful state in country.