Q: Are Noisy Motorcycles Illegal? - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Q: Are Noisy Motorcycles Illegal?

A: Joe from Monterey asked us, "is there a law against noise from motorcycles? If so, what evidence is there for local enforcement?"

According to the California Highway Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Section about excessive noise emitted by cars, light trucks and motorcycles, excessive noise is primarily a nuisance issue rather than a safety concern. The determination of excessive noise is subjective. Officers use professional judgement. Drivers will be cited if not equipped with a muffler, they are clearly emitting an excessive and harsh noise and/or has a defective exhaust system.