The Senate Transportation Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel that would increase penalties for modifying car mufflers or exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy.

The Senate Transportation Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Jim Holzapfel that would increase penalties for modifying car exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy. (Pixabay)

“Across New Jersey, many communities and neighborhoods are being disturbed by cars that have excessively loud and illegal exhaust systems,” said Holzapfel (R-10). “The noise generated by these cars is incredibly disruptive, especially at night. This legislation will hold people accountable for installing these systems, which do nothing but increase noise pollution, and help bring some peace and quiet back to our streets.”

Holzapfel’s bill, S-2674, would prohibit the installation or modification of the muffler or exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which amplifies or increases the noise emitted by the original muffler or exhaust system.

Under current law, the penalty for unauthorized installation of a device that causes the exhaust system to become louder is $25. S-2674 would increase the penalty to $500.

The bill also requires motor vehicle inspections to include the inspection of mufflers and exhaust systems for excessive or unusual noise.