I don't see 86 dbA anywhere on that bill. Maybe you have a special version the rest of us don't?
Read further down. In Section 27150.2 (as amended), you'll see:
... no more than 95 dbA when tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1169 May 1998"
That's the "20 inches" I was talking about. SB 1420 doesn't nullify the "50 feet from the centerline" limits I quoted from Sections 27200 thru 27207 of the California Vehicle Code - those still stand.
If you (and Quietamerican for that matter) had a better understanding of the law, you'd both realize SB1420 isn't giving in to pro-noise pressure groups - it strengthens current law by providing specifications for noise testing at California inspection stations. For too long, California has endured a situation where, as CHP 98-100 so aptly states, "Accurately determining compliance with Sections 27201-27206 VC for enforcement purposes is generally impractical." SB1420 addresses that problem.
And, by the way, 95dbA at 20 inches equates to approximately 80 dbA at 50 feet. So there!
From their website
Washington, D.C. (August 7, 2001) -California Governor Gray Davis signed into law SEMA-sponsored legislation to compel law enforcement officials to tie exhaust system noise citations to a 95-decibel limit under SAE test procedure J1169. The bill was initiated to help motorists who drive vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems from being erroneously cited for exceeding noise limits.
The law also makes clear that aftermarket modified exhaust systems are legal if they comply with the standard.
SEMA initially fought for a process requiring law enforcement authorities to ";objectively demonstrate"; (i.e., perform a test) that a modified motor vehicle exhaust system did not comply with the noise level test standard before issuing a citation.
However, California's budget crunch brought on by the energy crisis precluded consideration of the original bill.
The law still allows officers to issue citations based on a subjective determination that the exhaust system exceeds the 95-decibel limit. This provision remains a bone of contention, and SEMA is working with the California Highway Patrol and others on solutions.
Under the new law, a court may dismiss a citation if it is shown that the exhaust system complies with the 95-decibel limit, and the owner had reasonable grounds to believe that the system was in good working order.
SEMA Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, "This bill is an essential first step. It helps protect those motorists who drive vehicles legally equipped with modified exhaust systems from being erroneously cited for exceeding noise limits.
"Many of these citations are being written when there is no violation of the code and without regard to the practical intent of the law. The enforcement policy currently used by police officers considers nearly all exhaust system modifications to be in violation, even where the noise levels are not excessive or unusual. This policy leaves exhaust system manufacturers, dealers and their customers without recourse."
Aftermarket exhaust systems are preferred by motorists who modify their vehicles for durability, appearance and performance. If the exhaust has a more efficient exit route, more power can be attained without increasing pollution.
This is especially critical for maneuvers such as passing, going uphill or merging onto a highway for vehicles with slow acceleration. Many aftermarket mufflers are made from stainless steel for improved durability and offer a show car quality to a vehicle's appearance.
SEMA represents the $24.86 billion specialty automotive industry. The trade association is composed of more than 4,600 member companies, and is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, safety, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, pickups, SUVs and recreational vehicles. It's a specialty market as old as the automobile and as new as cutting-edge technology. For more information, please contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.
Sorry but the new bill sets the limits at 95 db for testing levels. Secondly did you notice that this is a 25 billion dollar business? Wonder how they can make 25 billion dollars if no one except a scant few are buying?
Well I don't know about Quietamerican's understanding of the law, he seems like a nice enough person, but my understanding and the reason for the law was to get the enviromentalists and pantywaists off the backs of decent Californians who like to modify their cars for whatever reason. If there's no standard, cops judges like the ones that sit on the 9th Circuit that have no understanding of the word 'freedom' could railroad a decent taxpayer straight under the jail. Now that there are standards, these wackos can't attack decent people for additions to their own vehicles