Why do MTCs get away with higher exhaust system noise levels then regular vehicles?
” Great question and one that bugs me also! You are right that the enforcement should be equal with both. There are some bikes out there that have defective, loud and/or obnoxious exhaust systems and some that sound downright nice. Unfortunately, Vermont does not have within their laws, a maximum decibel level requirement as it pertains to exhaust systems; nor, does it have the equipment to test it. It leaves it up to the discretion of the Inspection Station and the Law Enforcement Officer to determine what is defective or loud and what is not. According to the Inspection Manual used by an Vermont Inspection Stations, inspecting motorcycles it may reject Any exhaust system shall be deemed defective if any changes, modifications, alterations, deletions or adjustments have been made which would thereby cause any exhaust system to generate a higher sound level than would be generated by the exhaust system customarily installed by the manufacturer as original equipment. The Inspection Manu
