NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375(31) prohibits excessive vehicle noise and requires mufflers in working order. The SLEEP Act (effective April 2022) raised minimum fines for illegal exhaust modifications to $150-$1,000. NY State Police Troop K (Poughkeepsie), Dutchess Sheriff, and town police enforce on county roads. No county-specific decibel limit beyond the state 95 dBA stationary test.
NY V&T Law Section 375(31)(a) requires all motor vehicles to be equipped with a muffler in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Section 375(31)(a-1) (SLEEP Act, Chapter 134 of Laws of 2022) prohibits any muffler modification that amplifies or increases noise. Fines under SLEEP Act: $150-$1,000 per violation plus possible vehicle inspection failure. DMV inspection stations now test motorcycle and car exhaust for compliance. State Police Troop K Poughkeepsie Barracks (845-677-7300) and Dutchess Sheriff (845-486-3800) enforce on state/county roads; town police enforce within village/city limits. The state test uses J2805 stationary method, maximum 95 dBA measured at 20 inches. Exhaust shops that install modifications may be cited; repeat offenses revoke inspection-station license. Some Dutchess towns (Rhinebeck, Beacon) issue supplemental tickets for 'disturbing the peace' under local noise codes in addition to state tickets. Motorcycle noise along Route 9 and Route 44 is a common enforcement target in summer.
First offense $150; second $250; third $1,000 under SLEEP Act; plus mandatory inspection failure and repair cost; contested cases heard in town/village Justice Court.
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