The California Air Resources Board has fined Vance & Hines Performance LLC $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in the state.

Aftermarket exhaust systems bring $500,000 fine from California air board - Business - The Sacramento Bee

 

Ouch! I wonder how much pucker factor is going on for other pipe builders in Republik of Kalifornia

 

the quacks run yet another business out of their state. same thing happening up in he northeastern states... and then they wonder why the state runs out of money.

 

Ignorant bureaucrats and politicians in that state are going to kill their golden goose. A state with natural resources and economic horsepower like California should not be in the budgetary condition that it's in. This CARB deal is just a small example of the overall stupidity by many in charge of that state.

 

they didnt label there pipes as off road only or racing?

 

It is illegal in any state to remove the stock exhaust, air box lid and the air injection system. This is a Federal law, not just for California. Only way around it is if states for “Off Road Use Only”. But that maybe not the case for California, they may state any (Off road or street) motorcycle you are not allowed to tamper with the “Emissions”. Per federal law, just because you live in a state that does not require emissions testing doesn’t mean it is ok to change the Emission controls of the bike.

From the Owner’s manual, page 70.


70 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM PROHIBITED:

Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof: (1) the removal or
rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance, repair,
or replacement, of any device or element of design incorporated into any new
vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle after such device or
element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below:
* Replacement of the original exhaust system or muffler with a component not in
compliance with Federal regulations.
* Removal of the muffler(s) or any internal portion of the muffler(s).
* Removal of the air box or air box cover.
* Modifications to the muffler(s) or air intake system by cutting, drilling, or other
means if such modifications result in increased noise levels.



So I would say that 99% of all bike owners are riding “Illegal” bikes.

 

MY harley would be in the 1% margin since i have not do a thing to it

 

all the manufactureres and sellers are clear under federal law

"other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement,"

the only potential sticking point for them is this

"Replacement of the original exhaust system or muffler with a component not in
compliance with Federal regulations."

would have to look up any laws regulating compliance for exhaust systems - I'm not familiar with any DOT standard for them like there are for wheels, lights, etc.

if your interperetation had been correct then every muffler shop out there would be out of business. replacement parts do NOT have to be from the same brand as the automobile. that is also a federal law.

 

I believe that the "For Off Road Use Only" or "For Race Vehicle Only" keeps the muffler manufactures in business.


DynoJet has "For Race Vehicle Only" on its jet kits.

Also airbox lids are a big modification that people do. And by Federal, that is a no, no.

 

Since most "Steet Legal" bikes come with a catalyst and most aftermarket mufflers do not, then they are not legal for street use.


http://www.mic.org/downloads/MIC-FAQ...ems-042712.pdf