Committee approves DMV bill draft adding motorcycle exhaust limits and inspection language

A legislative committee voted Friday to approve draft 3.1 of a miscellaneous DMV bill that adds new motorcycle exhaust and noise provisions to the vehicle inspection chapter and directs the commissioner to amend the inspection manual to implement the changes.

The amendment, read into the record by Damien Leonard of the Office of Legislative Council, would add a section saying “a motorcycle operator on highway shall be equipped with an exhaust system that includes a muffler or other mechanical device designed to reduce the noise emitted by the motorcycle,” and that motorcycles whose exhausts have removed internal baffles, cutouts or bypasses that increase emitted noise would not pass inspection. Leonard also read the provision’s exception for races, contests and demonstrations of speed or skill and the requirement that the commissioner amend the inspection manual as necessary.

Committee members debated how to frame the standard so inspectors can apply it consistently. Representative Pout said the language should be “outcomes focused,” noting residents and pedestrians are exposed to excessive noise and enforcement has been limited: “These are public roads with people who live or walk … and then they’re forced to listen to noise above what the federal government has said is safe,” the representative said. Members and DMV staff raised concerns about ambiguity between a factory (“stock”) exhaust and aftermarket systems that change tone but retain muffling elements.

Matt Russo, deputy commissioner for the DMV, told the committee the department will research the operational impact and work with inspection mechanics on any manual changes. Leonard and DMV staff discussed narrowing the wording to target exhausts that bypass or remove muffling components so inspectors do not have to judge subjective changes in tone.

Representative McCoy urged removing the new sections because members had limited time to review last-minute changes; other members argued the committee should record its guidance rather than leave the bill silent. After discussion and drafting edits during the meeting, a committee member moved to approve draft 3.1, described in the session as the miscellaneous DMV bill S 3 1 6. The clerk called the roll; the following members were recorded as voting yes: Rep Burke; Rep Casey; Rep Corcoran; Jeff Kieser; Jeff Lolly; Jeff McCoy; Jeff Couch; Jeff Donaldson; Jeff Wells; Rep White; Rep Walker. The chair thanked DMV staff and said a clean copy would be provided before members left the floor.

The committee’s action replaces earlier language that referenced an “EPA stamp,” which members said was removed from the draft. Next steps identified in the meeting included DMV drafting any necessary manual changes and committee staff circulating an updated, clean draft of the bill.

The meeting ended after the roll call and the committee adjourned its consideration of the miscellaneous motor vehicle items for the day.