I've had my fair share of cars with muffler issues and know well the feeling of embarrassment driving with a loud muffler while I desperately saved money to have it fixed. For some though, a loud muffler is something they want.

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If you're someone who has a loud muffler because you want it to be not because you're driving a junk mobile and desperately saving for repairs, you might want to reconsider your decision. Soon, New York State could be handing out fines to people with modified or loud mufflers.

 

A piece of legislation is sitting in front of Governor Cuomo waiting for his approval which would not only fine individuals who drive a vehicle with a modified or loud muffler in New York, but which would also allow the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the inspection certificate and even the repair shop license of any shop that knowingly violates the law.

The legislation was passed by the Assembly and has been approved by the Senate. Now, it's up to Governor Cuomo whether it becomes enforceable. If it does become enforceable, the bill would increase fines for those who install modified mufflers as well as those who operate a motorcycle that has an excessively loud muffler.

If approved by the Governor, the "Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution Act," or SLEEP Act, would mean that if you modify the muffler on your car, you could be issued a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail. If you operate an excessively loud motorcycle, you could be looking at a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail.

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