Loud exhausts are still a major problem.
New York is waging a war against loud cars. With the help of a new camera-based system, New Yorkers can be warned about their car’s loudness. New York City started a pilot program where loud car owners could get a very unpleasant letter by mail. Facebook has already shared examples of this letter system. This gives us an idea of how New York’s new automated camera network will be used to crack down upon loud cars.
Car and Driver shared a Facebook post that showed the results of New York’s program for a NYC-based BMW 335i owner. According to the official letter, the M3 owner must report to the inspection station or face a $875 fine. Car and Driver pointed to the fact that the inspection station was actually a sewage treatment facility, which adds insult to injury.
It is very simple to use the camera system. The decibel meter is strategically located and triggers the camera to take a photograph of the car’s plate. The rest, much like a speed camera is controlled by an automated mail system to send offenders their tickets.
They will be allowed to repair their loud exhaust if they show up for inspection. Things could get complicated for owners of cars with aftermarket exhausts. Keep your stock system in mind just in case. It may be a good idea to use the most quiet setting for cars with adjustable exhausts when driving in high-traffic areas where cameras might be watching.
Residents of New York can express their disapproval for the new system. On June 30, 2022, the entire program will be reevaluated. Keep quiet until then unless you are going to a sewage treatment facility for evaluation.