– The Paso Robles Police Department reminds the public that modified / loud exhaust is against the California Vehicle Code and they will strictly enforce violations.
27150(a): Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
27151(a): A person shall not 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). A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified.
How loud is too loud?
CVC 27151 states that a vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds or less, or anything smaller than a light truck or van, shall have a sound level of 95 decibels or less, which is the same as an average gas-powered lawn mower.