Maine now requires mufflers

[Katahdin]

Just a heads up, effective today in Maine:

1. Muffler required. A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped
with an adequate muffler properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

http://maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses/documents/Vehicle Inspections/ExhaustlawChanges2010.pdf

This is really fallout from motorcycle operators with straight pipes, but I imagine it applies to M35A2 or M109A3 owners like myself. Installing a muffler is on my to-do list anyway, but now its legally mandated.

 

[doghead]

Pretty sure, a turbo is considered a muffler.

 

[Carl_in_NH]

Pretty sure, a turbo is considered a muffler.

Guess that means the ribbing we used to give non-wrenching people about their vehicle having 'bad muffler bearings' could be really true after all.

 

[Westech]

what the paper states is Modified exhaust systems. If your truck did not come with one from the FACTORY your fine.

 

[Katahdin]

I can't find anywhere in the memo or other state statutes that says this law change only applies to modified exhaust systems.

I like Doghead's suggestion, but I think the opinion from the state will be a turbo muffler does not prevent "excessive noise." Or in my case, a C turbo that produces "unusual noise."

In any event, I have a couple connections at the local PD and State Police, I'll try to get an opinion from one of them. I imagine in most cases they'll look the other way unless you've generated a lot of complaints and are on their radar screen.

 

[Capt.Marion]

From other state's laws, it has also been stated as an "adequate muffling device" that's required, which definitely covers the turbocharger. If your worried about it and prefer to keep it stock, just leave it, and if any body asks, politely explain about this is how they came from the factory and the turbo muffles the exhaust. If they still have a problem, well, there you go.

 

[Flyingvan911]

"No officer, it's not the truck making that whistle. I forgot to take my Gas-X this morning."

 

[swbradley1]

what the paper states is Modified exhaust systems. If your truck did not come with one from the FACTORY your fine.

I agree with Westy. It clearly says in section 3 modified. It also has some weasel words about sound from similar vehicles.

And this:

"The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police shall convene a working group to study issues relating to highway traffic noise, including, but not limited to, unwarranted noise created when an exhaust system is not properly installed or maintained or is altered."

The Deuce exhaust is properly installed and maintained so that leaves don't alter it.

Factory exhaust from a similar vehicle should mean the Deuce is ok.

It does mean that you couldn't run straight pipes on an M920 though.

But I only play lawyer when Gimp isn't around........

sw

 

[jeffhuey1n]

"No officer, it's not the truck making that whistle. I forgot to take my Gas-X this morning."

 

[WillWagner]

I know out here in PC California, a turbo is considered a muffler.

 

[Heavysteven]

I put a muffler on my truck and love it. I bet that c turbo sings though.

Back to the subject, I can not see a ticket holding up in court. The truck stock.

 

[MyothersanM1]

I'm also going with exhaust system as originally equipped. I can understand if you remove that "trash can" size muffler from an 809 series. Now, that's modified. But, not a deuce.

However, you may get an overzealous LEO and you're going to have to articulate your exhaust is OEM to him or in a court of law. So, make sure all your ducks are in a row.