Massachusetts Bill to Ban the Sale/Installation of Aftermarket Exhaust Systems to be Considered by Joint Transportation Committee on Oct. 2
A bill (H.B. 3574) to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” was reintroduced by Rep. Liz Malia and several cosponsors (list below) and will be considered by the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee on October 2nd. The bill excludes limited-use “antique motor cars” from its scope - a clear attempt by the bill’s sponsors to divide the automobile hobby in an effort to gain clearer sailing for this restrictive and damaging piece of legislation.
We Urge You to Contact the Members of the Joint Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to H.B. 3574
H.B. 3574 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
H.B. 3574 does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation.
H.B. 3574 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
H.B. 3574 would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.
H.B. 3574 would only exclude “antique motor cars” defined as those vehicles over 25-years old which are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc.
Prohibiting the sale of after market exhaust systems would also make it difficult for companies like MIDAS and MEINEKE muffler to sell their products in Massachusetts, which are not created by the automotive manufacturer. This bill would cause many local ‘speed shops’ (automotive performance shops) to have failing business, or ultimately have to close due to deteriorating sales.
Allowing the local Law enforcement ‘subjective judgment’ on each vehicle will leave much room for racial and financial profiling as well, which I am sure is NOT the intention of this bill . Currently, it is the responsibility of the MA inspection stations to pass/fail a vehicle with a loud exhaust system, which many choose to ignore.
Again, I am urging you to oppose the bill on behalf of the classic and custom car community in Massachusetts. The idea is a positive one, but requires more research toclearly define a limit for the violators.
DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 3574.
Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at
[email protected]. Thank you for your assistance.
Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee
Sen. Steven Baddour – Chairman
Phone: 617/722-1604
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Harriett Chandler
Phone: 617/722-1544
Fax: 617/722-1357
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Anthony Petruccelli
Phone: 617/722-1634
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Thomas McGee
Phone: 617/722-1350
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Mark Montigny
Phone: 617/722-1440
Fax: 617/722-1068
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. James Timilty
Phone: 617/722-1222
Fax: 617/722-1056
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Robert Hedlund
Phone: 617/722-1646
Fax: 617/722-1028
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Joseph Wagner – Chairman
Phone: 617/722-2400
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Robert Fennell
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-0222
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. James Marzilli
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-2850
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Walter Timilty
Phone: 617/722-2810
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Stephen Canessa
Phone: 617/722-2460
Fax: 617/626-0839
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Jennifer Flanagan
Phone: 617/722-2040
Fax: 617/722-2347
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Patrick Natale
Phone:617/722-2810
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Carl Sciortino
Phone: 617/722-2014
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. John Fernandes
Phone: 617/722-2030
Fax: 617/722-2215
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Rosemary Sandlin
Phone: 617/722-2400
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Stephen Smith
Phone: 617/722-2400
Fax: 617/722-2850
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Paul Loscocco
Phone: 617/722-2220
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Donald Humason
Phone: 617/722-2803
Fax: 617/722-2390
Email:
[email protected]
H.B. 3574 Co-Sponsors
Rep. Elizabeth Malia
Phone: 617/722-2060
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Angelo Scaccia
Phone: 617/722-2692
Fax: 617/722-2822
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Denise Provost
Phone: 617/722-2810
Fax: 617/722-0548
[email protected]
Rep. William Brownberger
Phone: 617/722-2140
Fax: 617/722-2339
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Thomas Kennedy
Phone: 617/722-2012
Fax: 617-722-2024
Email:
[email protected]
Rep. Martha Walz
Phone: 617/722-2460
Fax: 617/626-0699
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Patricia Jehlen
Phone: 617/722-1578
Fax: 617/722-1117
Email:
[email protected]
Sen. Edward Augustus
Phone: 617/722-1485
Fax: 617/722-1066
Email:
[email protected]
___________________
I emailed all the state representatives per the request and included my local address (5 blocks from the state house). We'll I got a hand signed letter back from the co-sponsor of the bill. Here the letter verbatum:
_______________
Dear Mr. Duke:
Thank you for contacting me about H.3574, An Act Relative to Mufflers. Respectfully, I disagree with you on this issue.
It is already illegal in Massachusetts to have an aftermarket muffler or modified exhaust equipment on a motor vehicle. This bill will close a loophole that currently exists, making it illegal to sell after market mufflers as well. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation because modified mufflers create excessive noise, negatively impacting the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
Thank you again for contacting me. If I can be of any assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 722-2460 or
[email protected]
Sincerely,
Martha M. Walz
8th Suffolk District Representing Boston and Cambridge
Room 443, State House
Tel. (617) 722-2460
Fax. (617) 626-0699
[email protected]
________________
IF you live in MA please take action before this Tuesday Oct 2nd meeting.