Statewide law (HRS 291-24.5) bans using or installing a muffler that noticeably increases a vehicle's noise above the factory level. Hawaii has begun deploying acoustic noise cameras, and police enforce loud-exhaust violations island-wide.
Modified-exhaust and loud-vehicle noise is a statewide traffic matter under HRS 291-24.5, enforced by police across Hawaii County. The statute prohibits using on a public highway, selling, altering, or installing a muffler that will noticeably increase the noise emitted by a motor vehicle above that emitted as originally equipped from the factory. Hawaii has been rolling out acoustic 'noise cameras' (set around 90 dBA) to detect illegally loud vehicles. Stationary vehicle noise on private property (idling, sound systems) is also subject to the HAR 11-46 dBA limits at the property line.
Muffler violations under HRS 291-24.5 carry fines of not less than $25 and up to $250 per offense, rising to up to $300 (2nd within 3 years) and up to $900 (3rd within 5 years).
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See how Hawaii County's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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