Spokane drivers have a duty to show care to those they share the road with. But according to Washington State and city law, they must also be concerned with the noise their vehicles make.
Local ordinances require cars to have adequate mufflers to prevent house-shaking exhaust noise and public disturbances.
Washington State Muffler Ordinances
Motor vehicles in Washington State are not supposed to emit excessive noise. Drivers are also prohibited from installing new exhaust systems that boost the noise level beyond the original levels the original muffler (from the manufacturer) allowed.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) explains the duty of every driver regarding mufflers and noise prevention.
RCW 46.37.390
(1) Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise…
…(3) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the engine of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle not equipped as required by this subsection, or which has been amplified as prohibited by this subsection…
But there are exceptions to these muffler rules. Particularly involving the age of the
This subsection (3) does not apply to vehicles twenty-five or more years old or to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by a recognized sanctioning body.
Additional requirements, restrictions, and clarifications regarding mufflers…
- Drivers may not install a cut-out valve or some other bypass that allows them to disengage their mufflers
- Drivers may not disconnect a muffler/exhaust system
- The muffler laws don’t apply to vehicles 25 years old or older
- The muffler laws don’t apply to passenger vehicles used in off-highway racing or competitive events
The RCW linked above also addresses the emissions of mufflers and limits the amount of air contaminants an exhaust system can release.
Washington State Maximum Permissible Sound Levels
Washington Administrative Code WAC 173-62-030 goes further into the actual limits on decibels that exhaust systems can emit. The Title 204 WAC Chapter 204-56 also details the proper steps for measuring decibels.
These limits are tested at 50 feet away and from 20 inches away. As you’ll discover, motorcycles must meet different standards than cars and light trucks. The weight of vehicles also factors into the noise limits involved.
Spokane Public Disturbance Codes and Mufflers
Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) follows Washington State’s muffler and exhaust system ordinances in most cases.
Spokane’s legal language regarding mufflers is found here:
- Muffler Required.
Motorized personal transportation devices powered by an internal combustion engine shall have a properly functioning engine muffler attached and constantly operational during use of the motorized personal transportation device to prevent a “public disturbance noise” as defined in SMC 10.08.020. The use of a cutout, bypass, or similar muffler elimination device is prohibited on all motorized personal transportation devices powered by an internal combustion engine.
The City of Spokane also addresses the public disturbance side of loud vehicles.
SMC Section 10.70.090 Public Disturbance Noise
B.
- The frequent, repetitive, and/or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation repair, rebuilding, and/or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine.
Noise complaints in Spokane should be made to the Spokane Police Department. During evening hours, call Crime Check 509-456-2233.
If You Are Unjustly Ticketed for a Traffic Violation, Contact CCD Law
We help Spokane-area residents fight back when they are unfairly ticketed or unjustly blamed for causing an accident.
We stand up for area motorists to make sure they aren’t taken advantage of. Contact a Spokane Traffic Ticket Lawyer to talk over your options today. We also help injured victims in car accidents. We fight so they get the most from car insurance companies to pay for recovery. Reach out to a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer today.