What are the California requirements for aftermarket exhaust systems??

Just unclear on what the requirements are to keep your vehicle street legal after a new exhaust system is installed.

Any advice much appreciated

Tomek

[sandra]

California has emission laws.

This was pulled directly from the California Vehicle Code...


Exhaust Systems: Whistle-Tip Prohibition

27150.3. (a) A person may not modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle with a whistle-tip.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle if that vehicle's exhaust system is modified in violation of subdivision (a).

(c) A person may not engage in the business of installing a whistle-tip onto a motor vehicle's exhaust system.

(d) For purposes of subdivisions (a) and (c), a "whistle-tip" is a device that is applied to, or is a modification of, a motor vehicle's exhaust pipe for the sole purpose of creating a high-pitched or shrieking noise when the motor vehicle is operated.

Added Sec. 1, Ch. 432, Stats. 2003. Effective January 1, 2004.

Source:

V.C. Section 27150.3 - Exhaust Systems: Whistle-Tip Prohibition


See also...

Vehicle Code Appendix B - List of Violations of the Vehicle Code

Division 12 - Equipment of Vehicles

Vehicle Code - Appendix B (List of Violations) - Division 12 - Equipment of Vehicles

There are also other statutes regarding the catalytic converter, but that isnt California law, it is CARB law.

Your vehicle must have a catalytic converter with a functioning O2 sensor attached.

Its illegal to have a loudness level past 93db (could be 94). Thats it, keep it under 95 decibels, no whistle tip and have a functioning catalytic converter.

95 dba is max