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  • Belleville NewsDemocrat

    Sick of hearing loud cars roar? Illinois has laws about mufflers and exhaust systems

    By Meredith Howard,

    4 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3TyzVL_0wLrRg7u00

    If you drive often around the metro-east or across the river into St. Louis, you likely hear excessively loud vehicles from time to time.

    Some states require a muffler to prevent excessive noise , while others require an exhaust system, and some states require a muffler or exhaust system and allow drivers to choose between the two.

    People who prefer to drive a loud car sometimes partake in a “muffler delete” modification , but this is illegal in many states and can lead to expensive fines. Here’s what to know about Illinois state law on preventing excessive vehicle noise.

    Is it legal to modify your muffler in Illinois?

    Illinois state law requires vehicles to have an adequate muffler or exhaust system.

    “Every motor vehicle driven or operated upon the highways of this State shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler or exhaust system in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. No such muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device. No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this Section,” the relevant portion of Illinois state law reads.

    The fine for the first offense is $164, not including court fees, Illinois State Police trooper Haylie Polistina wrote in a recent email to the BND.

    The BND has asked the Belleville Police Department how many citations they’ve issued for this provision in recent years, but did not receive an immediate response.

    Another Illinois law regulates how much and what kind of tinting drivers can lawfully use on their front windshield and car windows. On the front windshield, drivers may only have a nonreflective tinted film extending no more than 6 inches down from the top of the windshield, while regulations differ for windows.

    Safety tips for Illinois drivers

    Infrastructure, such as road diets, bike lanes, separate bike and pedestrian trails , traffic calming measures and more play an important role in road safety, but there are also steps drivers can take to mitigate risks.

    Here are some best practices to follow for safe driving , from the Illinois Department of Transportation:

    Do you have a question about the law in Illinois for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.

    Related Search

    Illinois state lawDistracted drivingBelleville police departmentIllinois State policeSt. LouisHaylie Polistina

    Comments / 63

    Add a Comment
    James Robert
    3d ago
    Ya and had noise enforcement on loud sound system back in day, well that didn’t work now exhaust systems, oh geez!! Well 1st off not enough police to enforce a petty offense when we have the usual violations of O.P. Domestic violence calls, shots fired etc. are people trying to justify there job on report or making an ordinance like this? Good luck there buddy
    blueline30
    3d ago
    I had a 70 ss chevelle in the 80s and had headers and cherry bomb mufflers on it no tail pipes. I get pulled over by a cop and he gives me a ticket for modified exhaust. Now a days cops I would be busy pulling over I don't how many cars for the same thing and they have better thing to do. I'm almost 60 and remember being young and as the commercial says don't be like your parents.
    View all comments

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