Future Agenda Item Request Form
Future agenda items should be limited to new issues that emerge during the course of the year that are urgent and cannot wait until the next priority setting session of Council before requiring action.
Name: Wes Speake
Date: 4/25/2025
Title Name/Topic: Bring additional enforcement ideas for modified exhaust Background
1. What is the purpose for the request i.e. what you are trying to achieve or do? Reduced the number of modifed exhausts exceeding the legal limits established under vehicle codes are 27150(a) and 27151. Thereby reducing noise pollution and increase quality of life for our residents
(a) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is not in compliance with the provisions of Section 27150 or exceeds the noise limits established for the type of vehicle in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200). No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified. (b) For the purposes of exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dbA or less, when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998, complies with this section. Motor vehicle exhaust systems or parts thereof include, but are not limited to, nonoriginal exhaust equipment.
I have noticed an increase in modified exhaust reports via SeeClickFix, email, social media and my own experience. This is not just a Corona issue. The Legislature has enacted two bills recently to address the same issue. AB2496
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2496 was passed in 2022 to place DMV restrictions for those who have violated the Vehicle Codes above. Further SB1097
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1079 tasked the California Highway Patrol recommend sound measuring devices for vehicle exhaust to be deployed in California. https://www.autoweek.com/news/technology/a39906304/californiatargets-loud-exhaust-with-sound-activated-camera-enforcement/ More legal information on testing-California Exhaust Law: Regulations, Modifications, and Penalties - LegalClarity
2. What is the scope of the work you wish to see done?
If approved, I would like a report back to council a) a review of existing enforcement; techniques and numbers of citations b) whether additional equipment is needed to cite under the VC above and additional ideas that would lead to the reduced the number of modified exhausts in the city.
Examples from other citiesRancho Palos Verdes- Loud Exhaust Strictly Enforced | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - Official Website
Newport Beach-Joint Operation to Address Loud/Modified Vehicle Exhaust and Street Racing | Press Releases | Newport Beach Police Department
Dana Point-Orange County's Coastal Cities Cite 445 Noisy Drivers On Sunday | Orange County, CA Patch
3. Does this request align with the City’s Strategic Plan? How? #5 Sense of Place- Quality of life issue
4. What is the desired timeline to have the issue considered by Council? If approved by council, as it fits in the current timelines and staff workload
5. Is the issue urgent requiring action before the next priority setting session of Council (Fall Policy Workshop)?
Yes, if changes were to be recommended, so they could be heard in the fall policy workshop Staff Section (To be completed by staff)
Approximate Staff Time Required: ____ Hours
Approximate Cost: $ ____