Drivers with modified exhausts currently face a $100 fine, which could increase tenfold if the law is passed
Through Sam D. Smith
11 hours ago
- A new bill is being referred to the House Committee on Transportation targeting Michigan drivers with modified exhaust systems.
- It is proposed to fine first-time offenders up to $500 and repeat offenders up to $1,000.
- The bill follows complaints from Woodward Avenue residents.
Drivers in Michigan could face fines of up to $1,000 and criminal charges if caught driving cars with modified exhaust systems. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Natalie Price, D-Berkley, aims to address noisy vehicle exhaust systems and proposes stiff fines and penalties for those who modify their cars to amplify the sound.
The proposed legislation, introduced on Thursday, would give police the power to stop vehicles for excessive noise and impose tougher fines. First-time offenders may be fined $500, increasing to $1,000 for repeat offenders, with the possibility of a misdemeanor charge for third-time offenders. Currently, the fine for such violations is only $100.
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Price’s bill also aims to penalize those who make exhaust modifications, affecting both the drivers and the mechanics who make the changes. Repeat offenders risk having their vehicles seized or towed, providing an additional layer of deterrence.
The bill was introduced in response to complaints from residents of Woodward Avenue, a historic corridor famous for the annual Dream Cruise. The cruise is known as the world’s largest one-day automotive event and regularly attracts more than a million visitors and more than 40,000 vehicles.
“Day and night, Woodward is often used as a race track by drivers who have modified their vehicles’ exhaust systems with boosters that amplify their noise and often sound like gunshots,” Price said in a statement.
“The effect is deafening noise and a seriously compromised quality of life for residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods. We must curb this deliberately disruptive behavior with a targeted approach,” said Price.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Grewe supports the bill and points out the limitations of current laws. “Existing law limits what we can do about it, and unfortunately the current civil violations of $100 per violation do not appear to be able to deter this behavior,” he said. “With increased penalties for those who deliberately attempt to disturb the peace, this bill will hopefully discourage vehicle modification and give us more tools to deal with those who continue to do so.”
Senator Mallory McMorrow highlighted the negative impact of noise pollution. “Although cruising Woodward is a cherished tradition, the deafening sound of new aftermarket exhausts on cars and bicycles, running as loud as possible every day from the first warm day of the year until the first frost and late into the evening, has has made living along this historic corridor a nightmare for many residents.”
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He went on to say that many residents are concerned that loud cars backfiring are instead gunshots. “Noise pollution at this volume has been proven to have very negative health consequences: noise that disrupts sleep, wakes babies, shakes houses and even sounds like gunfire.”
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and will be discussed at a future date. If passed, it could mark a significant change in the way car enthusiasts customize their vehicles, potentially impacting the vibrant car culture that has long been a staple of Woodward Avenue and similar areas.