Just got stopped by police...
15 April 2008, 10:13 AM
#62
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The exhaust on my wife's WRX has "Muff Diver" stamped on it (i kid you not) - i guess that unless the coppers have a sense of humour then she's going to have the book thrown at her then!!
15 April 2008, 12:16 PM
#63
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Are you sure about point one mate?
I recall a thread a while back where a chap was stopped with a Prodrive exhaust and told that it was not legal as it was not manufactured by Subaru. I don't recall what the outcome was, but it was serious enough for Prodrive to step in and ask for clarification IIRC
Ns04
I recall a thread a while back where a chap was stopped with a Prodrive exhaust and told that it was not legal as it was not manufactured by Subaru. I don't recall what the outcome was, but it was serious enough for Prodrive to step in and ask for clarification IIRC
Ns04
15 April 2008, 02:55 PM
#64
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Unfortunately, in court you'd have the two police officers backing up each others' stories. Whether they'd outright lie or not, in order to get the best out of the situation, you'd need a brief who's experienced in cross examination.
Overall, I guess it'd cost you more than the £30 to sort out.
J.
15 April 2008, 03:04 PM
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IMO that's the code they use for people burning up and generally revving the car like a complete ***. In other words, not merely driving the car but driving in a manner likely to cause excessive noise - compared to a normal person driving that car on a normal journey.
Unfortunately, in court you'd have the two police officers backing up each others' stories. Whether they'd outright lie or not, in order to get the best out of the situation, you'd need a brief who's experienced in cross examination.
Overall, I guess it'd cost you more than the £30 to sort out.
J.
Unfortunately, in court you'd have the two police officers backing up each others' stories. Whether they'd outright lie or not, in order to get the best out of the situation, you'd need a brief who's experienced in cross examination.
Overall, I guess it'd cost you more than the £30 to sort out.
J.
The officer never mentioned anything about revving, making a noise etc as he had obviously followed me for a good 5 miles as I was passing through the city and I don't normally drive around revving the car like a numpty.
Well it could have been worse but something to bear in mind for anyone who has an aftermarket exhaust or is looking to get something louder, might not be worth the hassle.
I've got the baffle in now, car sounds very tame with that in place and I have noticed how much power it robs. Will I notice much of a drop in power/response when I change down to something like a 2.5" bore cat/silenced system?
15 April 2008, 05:36 PM
#66
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Aye, not worth the hassle of going through court but I will be writing a letter.
The officer never mentioned anything about revving, making a noise etc as he had obviously followed me for a good 5 miles as I was passing through the city and I don't normally drive around revving the car like a numpty.
Well it could have been worse but something to bear in mind for anyone who has an aftermarket exhaust or is looking to get something louder, might not be worth the hassle.
I've got the baffle in now, car sounds very tame with that in place and I have noticed how much power it robs. Will I notice much of a drop in power/response when I change down to something like a 2.5" bore cat/silenced system?
The officer never mentioned anything about revving, making a noise etc as he had obviously followed me for a good 5 miles as I was passing through the city and I don't normally drive around revving the car like a numpty.
Well it could have been worse but something to bear in mind for anyone who has an aftermarket exhaust or is looking to get something louder, might not be worth the hassle.
I've got the baffle in now, car sounds very tame with that in place and I have noticed how much power it robs. Will I notice much of a drop in power/response when I change down to something like a 2.5" bore cat/silenced system?
A recent thread that's probably worth visiting.
22B Bulletin Board: Quieter exhaust
Your car is an Import. UK rules don't apply. Dunno about 101DB though.
J.
Last edited by vindaloo; 15 April 2008 at 06:03 PM. Reason: linking to 22B
15 April 2008, 05:53 PM
#67
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BBC - Action Network - Noisy car exhausts
On reading these comments you should have your car crushed.
You boy racing, non seatbelt wearing, drug dealing yob. 
I'm to sick to death of these police ***** who fanny about while there are real criminals comitting crimes. Just think when the new age copper retires his achievement will be. This guy issued 15,000 speeding tickets. And we pay for these ****** pensions as well. And they retire early due to stress of issuing speeding tickets.
On reading these comments you should have your car crushed.
You boy racing, non seatbelt wearing, drug dealing yob. I'm to sick to death of these police ***** who fanny about while there are real criminals comitting crimes. Just think when the new age copper retires his achievement will be. This guy issued 15,000 speeding tickets. And we pay for these ****** pensions as well. And they retire early due to stress of issuing speeding tickets.
Anyway rant over and back to the subject...I do feel for you finalzero, I was stopped a few months ago and charged because my number plate lettering was a bit too small(not a fancy font, just normal but smaller than standard). They lectured me over and over again for about 20 mins during which time I just agreed with everything they said to avoid making things worse. The thing is, I know people that have been attacked violently and the police dont spend as much time with them...
Unlike your case though, there is a clear law on number plates and I was on the wrong side of it, which I accept and have dealt with. But come one!
Alan
15 April 2008, 06:07 PM
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Well my third time now, however this time the officers were not the most hospitable people on earth.
I changed the oil and oil filter earlier today so decided I would fill the car up with fuel and put some miles on the engine with the fresh oil. Did a few laps around Milton Keynes and then made the fatal mistake of driving back home through the city centre.
I didn't realise however I was being followed by police in their unmarked Vectra, this went on for a good 3 miles. Being paranoid I thought I was being followed by some car theives so I did a few turns here and there, about 1/2 a mile from my house and I pull over into a layby, sure enough they pull over and I spot the police stop sign on their parcel shelf.
I got told to leave the car running, pop my bonnet so they could look in the engine bay, thankfully the engine bay looked standard however I was then told that police are clamping down on modified cars.. wtf?!
The female officer then told me to sit in the police car while she went over to my exhaust and did a sound check with some device. Came back and told me the exhaust was illegal so I would be getting fined £30.00 for that and if they stopped me again I would be getting fixed points.
I was being as calm as possible and answering every question, so I asked them what is legal now and I was told quite bluntly "unless the exhaust is a factory fit exhaust, has STi or Subaru stamped on it it is illegal".
So chaps that means any aftermarket exhaust is illegal regardless of how much noise it makes. I said fair play I will get the exhaust changed asap and the female officers turns around and says "I would be very surprised if you get an aftermarket exhaust that is quiet on that car"... I wanted to say look dumbass there are exhausts out there that are as quiet as factory items but thought **** it, no point getting into more trouble.
But the icing on the cake was when the male officer (who was writing out the ticket) turns around and says "It would be a fair comment to say you can't afford to drive this car otherwise you would have replaced the exhaust by now?"... LOL, what a ****, I asked him how much he earns but he wouldn't say so I quite sumgly said "I bet I earn both of your salaries combined"... haha they were not impressed.
So wtf is going on, new laws being introduced or two coppers being a little to eager at their jobs? If I am hearing this right, it is illegal to own any modified car full stop unless it's completely bone stock factory spec?
If this is the case then I am going to serious consider getting rid of the car, not worth the hassle now, can't enjoy anything in this ****ed up country anymore unless you drive a 2 by 2 tin box with a generic badge.
I changed the oil and oil filter earlier today so decided I would fill the car up with fuel and put some miles on the engine with the fresh oil. Did a few laps around Milton Keynes and then made the fatal mistake of driving back home through the city centre.
I didn't realise however I was being followed by police in their unmarked Vectra, this went on for a good 3 miles. Being paranoid I thought I was being followed by some car theives so I did a few turns here and there, about 1/2 a mile from my house and I pull over into a layby, sure enough they pull over and I spot the police stop sign on their parcel shelf.
I got told to leave the car running, pop my bonnet so they could look in the engine bay, thankfully the engine bay looked standard however I was then told that police are clamping down on modified cars.. wtf?!
The female officer then told me to sit in the police car while she went over to my exhaust and did a sound check with some device. Came back and told me the exhaust was illegal so I would be getting fined £30.00 for that and if they stopped me again I would be getting fixed points.
I was being as calm as possible and answering every question, so I asked them what is legal now and I was told quite bluntly "unless the exhaust is a factory fit exhaust, has STi or Subaru stamped on it it is illegal".
So chaps that means any aftermarket exhaust is illegal regardless of how much noise it makes. I said fair play I will get the exhaust changed asap and the female officers turns around and says "I would be very surprised if you get an aftermarket exhaust that is quiet on that car"... I wanted to say look dumbass there are exhausts out there that are as quiet as factory items but thought **** it, no point getting into more trouble.
But the icing on the cake was when the male officer (who was writing out the ticket) turns around and says "It would be a fair comment to say you can't afford to drive this car otherwise you would have replaced the exhaust by now?"... LOL, what a ****, I asked him how much he earns but he wouldn't say so I quite sumgly said "I bet I earn both of your salaries combined"... haha they were not impressed.
So wtf is going on, new laws being introduced or two coppers being a little to eager at their jobs? If I am hearing this right, it is illegal to own any modified car full stop unless it's completely bone stock factory spec?
If this is the case then I am going to serious consider getting rid of the car, not worth the hassle now, can't enjoy anything in this ****ed up country anymore unless you drive a 2 by 2 tin box with a generic badge.
15 April 2008, 07:59 PM
#69
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Tbh mate, how you kept your cool and didn't chin the pair of fvckin thick ar$e idiots is beyond me, sounded like they wanted a rise out of you, fair play, they'd have got it out of me for sure, but I think you did well under the circumstances. The thing that suprises me, is they seem to tar Impreza owners with the same brush as these idiots driving around in "nippy" *rolls eyes* cars with loud exhausts, and as for the female copper, what an ignorant sow, at least be knowledgable about the crap that comes out of her mouth eh? lol Bunch of **** IMO.
Probably didn't help the other night that I had a full on 'terrorsitismmsmsms" beard with a baseball cap oh and don't forget the hoodie I am sure that didn't really help my situtation so I got Miss STi and Captain Richie Rich on my case.
It's past tense, if I ever drive past th plonker I will be sure to stick a finger up at him, just to let him know how much I care.
15 April 2008, 08:51 PM
#70
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This is a grest idea for a new car accessory..we could have are exhausts branded with markings/stickers like,I smell Bacon,your a Pig,Oink Oink,so you could say to the copper what does that say on the exhaust,and the copper would read..Im a Fecking Arsehole....this country is run by spindless Pr1cks..i could just imagine in year's to come,the whole country will be under curfew,so as soon as we finish work we will all have to drive straight home,not talk to anyone and lock are door's untill work the next morning..asuming we still got car's and jobs... 
15 April 2008, 10:13 PM
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The real PITA is this...
Some people drive around not giving a sh*t and revving up all over the place. They probably don't get stopped or if they do, they don't give a sh*t in the first place. "Just a larff innit"
Unfortunately, that allows equally un-informed UNIFORMED ***** to pick on anyone that THEY perceive may be louder than normal. It's a bit of a tooth grinder but they get paid to be tw@s and unless someone comes down on them from above, they won't change their ways... Until the next "political" or residential concern. Not saying all Police are ***** but there's always a few.
To the OP. Have you thought of joining the masons?
J.
Some people drive around not giving a sh*t and revving up all over the place. They probably don't get stopped or if they do, they don't give a sh*t in the first place. "Just a larff innit"
Unfortunately, that allows equally un-informed UNIFORMED ***** to pick on anyone that THEY perceive may be louder than normal. It's a bit of a tooth grinder but they get paid to be tw@s and unless someone comes down on them from above, they won't change their ways... Until the next "political" or residential concern. Not saying all Police are ***** but there's always a few.
To the OP. Have you thought of joining the masons?
J.
15 April 2008, 10:53 PM
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Its not just the police though is it...its the attitude of the country now, which has turned into a bit of a laughing stock. How about the government allocates the police clamping down on satanic noisy exhausts to sorting out the drugs, violence etc instead?? Bunch of useless tw*ts! I'm off to Australia, all sensible people should do the same...leave Gordon Brown and his chums to rot with their beloved extremist immigrants in Britain.
Anyway rant over and back to the subject...I do feel for you finalzero, I was stopped a few months ago and charged because my number plate lettering was a bit too small(not a fancy font, just normal but smaller than standard). They lectured me over and over again for about 20 mins during which time I just agreed with everything they said to avoid making things worse. The thing is, I know people that have been attacked violently and the police dont spend as much time with them...
Unlike your case though, there is a clear law on number plates and I was on the wrong side of it, which I accept and have dealt with. But come one!
Alan
Anyway rant over and back to the subject...I do feel for you finalzero, I was stopped a few months ago and charged because my number plate lettering was a bit too small(not a fancy font, just normal but smaller than standard). They lectured me over and over again for about 20 mins during which time I just agreed with everything they said to avoid making things worse. The thing is, I know people that have been attacked violently and the police dont spend as much time with them...
Unlike your case though, there is a clear law on number plates and I was on the wrong side of it, which I accept and have dealt with. But come one!
Alan
It wont be any easier in Oz land. And the cops there may be less tolerant than ours.
15 April 2008, 10:56 PM
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This is a grest idea for a new car accessory..we could have are exhausts branded with markings/stickers like,I smell Bacon,your a Pig,Oink Oink,so you could say to the copper what does that say on the exhaust,and the copper would read..Im a Fecking Arsehole....this country is run by spindless Pr1cks..i could just imagine in year's to come,the whole country will be under curfew,so as soon as we finish work we will all have to drive straight home,not talk to anyone and lock are door's untill work the next morning..asuming we still got car's and jobs...
16 April 2008, 12:40 AM
#74
"unless the exhaust is a factory fit exhaust, has STi or Subaru stamped on it it is illegal"
Utter and complete TOSH.
As long as your emissions and db levels are within agreed limits - you are legal no matter who made your exhaust system.
Sounds to me like you got stopped by a right pair of fcukwits.
To the FEDS on here. Do you agree that morale in the force is at an all time low thanks to the meddling by this sh1tter of an government.
It's all paperwork and target driven now isn't it?
Easier to hit target by going for soft collars?
Difficult / Lengthy collars cost more money and [thanks to labour - overcrowded jails] so seem to get less priority?
I fear that the BNP will be picking up a lot of seats in Parliament at the next General Election.
Is that what you want?
Cos that's what's gonna happen!
Utter and complete TOSH.
As long as your emissions and db levels are within agreed limits - you are legal no matter who made your exhaust system.
Sounds to me like you got stopped by a right pair of fcukwits.
To the FEDS on here. Do you agree that morale in the force is at an all time low thanks to the meddling by this sh1tter of an government.
It's all paperwork and target driven now isn't it?
Easier to hit target by going for soft collars?
Difficult / Lengthy collars cost more money and [thanks to labour - overcrowded jails] so seem to get less priority?
I fear that the BNP will be picking up a lot of seats in Parliament at the next General Election.
Is that what you want?
Cos that's what's gonna happen!
16 April 2008, 01:44 PM
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I was at the Shell filling up yesterday, police pulled up next to me, one of the officers got out and said "must drink a bit" - nice friendly comment.. my car was on and exhaust burbling away but they were obviously not bothered about it.
I pootled out of the Shell however as always shook the foundations with the exhaust but the coppers were not bothered, one of the officers went to the cash point and then they passed me up the dual carriage way shortly.
So I am going to drive around as it is, use the baffle obviously when I need some quiet time until I decide on a slightly more managable system, that still makes a racket when putting my foot down....
Because you can't beat the sound of the boxer on full chat, awesome!
I pootled out of the Shell however as always shook the foundations with the exhaust but the coppers were not bothered, one of the officers went to the cash point and then they passed me up the dual carriage way shortly.
So I am going to drive around as it is, use the baffle obviously when I need some quiet time until I decide on a slightly more managable system, that still makes a racket when putting my foot down....
Because you can't beat the sound of the boxer on full chat, awesome!
16 April 2008, 01:55 PM
#76
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I was at the Shell filling up yesterday, police pulled up next to me, one of the officers got out and said "must drink a bit" - nice friendly comment.. my car was on and exhaust burbling away but they were obviously not bothered about it.
I pootled out of the Shell however as always shook the foundations with the exhaust but the coppers were not bothered, one of the officers went to the cash point and then they passed me up the dual carriage way shortly.
I pootled out of the Shell however as always shook the foundations with the exhaust but the coppers were not bothered, one of the officers went to the cash point and then they passed me up the dual carriage way shortly.
16 April 2008, 06:13 PM
#77
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At the risk of sounding a bit pious (apologies in advance), this sounds to me as if the police in this instance simply wanted to stop you for something because they didn't like the way you were driving. The phrase "doing a couple of laps of Milton Keynes" was the one which rings alarm bells to me ......
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
16 April 2008, 06:30 PM
#78
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Just proves my theory that all coppers are w@nkers, out to make money for their pensions, not to tackle real crime!
16 April 2008, 06:33 PM
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At the risk of sounding a bit pious (apologies in advance), this sounds to me as if the police in this instance simply wanted to stop you for something because they didn't like the way you were driving. The phrase "doing a couple of laps of Milton Keynes" was the one which rings alarm bells to me ......
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
16 April 2008, 06:48 PM
#80
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At the risk of sounding a bit pious (apologies in advance), this sounds to me as if the police in this instance simply wanted to stop you for something because they didn't like the way you were driving. The phrase "doing a couple of laps of Milton Keynes" was the one which rings alarm bells to me ......
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
I live not too far away and have been stopped several times over the years in my scoob , usually so they can check I haven't nicked it - which has a full TSL Firestorm/Thundercat system, and never once have I been asked any questions about the exhaust itself. Just genuinely interested questions about engine mods.
In my opinion (and I'm hoping not be proved wrong), i think the police are happy to turn a blind eye to mods (whatever the law might explicitly state), as long as the car is being driven reasonably, and that the driver also behaves reasonably and rationally upon being stopped.
Just IMHO - no offence intended if you were actually pootling quietly around like driving Miss Daisy at the time
A few years ago me and a few people I know were in the centre of the town where I stay parked up having a chat. It was getting really busy so we decided to move to the park. I left first and this arsehole that was tagging along with us decided 30 wasnt quick enough down the high street so he overtook me doing probs 50(in a 30 zone) in full view of police pulling out of a junction to the right. Anyway...we got to the park and obviously they followed him and dragged him into their car
. So we had a good laugh at the tw*t! Afterwards they came over to speak to us, and one of them asked me what I was doing, and said "I suggest you go home". To which I replied bluntly "no i'm not going to go home, i'm gonna stay out for a while". That tw*t overtaking me wasnt something I decided to do. The thing is, they are here to enforce laws and to protect. Alot of people pussyfoot around them and let themselves get intimidated when they arent doing anything wrong. When they stopped me about my number plate I was happy to listen and have a chat to them about the problem...but no, they had to talk down to me and use the most patronising tone i've ever heard in my life
. Do they all do that...or just the ones i've been stopped by? lol anyone else have an opinion on that?
16 April 2008, 09:22 PM
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Was it a sound meter she used on your exhaust..?
If so a few points:
1. The unit must have been celebrated before being used that day, a log of this should be kept at the station. So ask if it has. The same goes for the actual police car, in so much as it must have been inspected/checked and logged as such, before being used every day. If this has not been done then technically they cannot do you..! If they lie about it being checked and you check the station record they're in the ****e..!
2. To operate a CALABRATED sound level meter you need to be fully trained (iirc carrying the relevant authorisation to prove so). Ask if the officer is trained.
3. There are VERY strict criteria regarding the test itself, distance/angle/speed amongst others. These have to be strictly adhered to for the measurement to have any meaning. Just sticking the meter in the tail pipe is a complete joke..!
The exhaust aside, WTF are they expecting to see looking in the engine bay. Lol, ask them where the dipstick is, as they'll look like one themselves..!
As an example, just been watching Traffic Cops on BBC1 and they stopped a car for having some major white smoke coming out of the exhaust, fine good job. However, the driver said it had only just started smoking and he'd just had to fill the rad up as it had run out of water. The coppers sarky reply to camera was " I can't see how filling the radiator with water would make the exhaust smoke..!" WTF does he know about cars, obviously nothing..!
BTW, do I need to explain to anyone on here the consequences of running out of coolant/water and overheating..?
IMHO >90% of smart **** traffic coppers know jack ****e about anything..!
If so a few points:
1. The unit must have been celebrated before being used that day, a log of this should be kept at the station. So ask if it has. The same goes for the actual police car, in so much as it must have been inspected/checked and logged as such, before being used every day. If this has not been done then technically they cannot do you..! If they lie about it being checked and you check the station record they're in the ****e..!
2. To operate a CALABRATED sound level meter you need to be fully trained (iirc carrying the relevant authorisation to prove so). Ask if the officer is trained.
3. There are VERY strict criteria regarding the test itself, distance/angle/speed amongst others. These have to be strictly adhered to for the measurement to have any meaning. Just sticking the meter in the tail pipe is a complete joke..!
The exhaust aside, WTF are they expecting to see looking in the engine bay. Lol, ask them where the dipstick is, as they'll look like one themselves..!
As an example, just been watching Traffic Cops on BBC1 and they stopped a car for having some major white smoke coming out of the exhaust, fine good job. However, the driver said it had only just started smoking and he'd just had to fill the rad up as it had run out of water. The coppers sarky reply to camera was " I can't see how filling the radiator with water would make the exhaust smoke..!" WTF does he know about cars, obviously nothing..!
BTW, do I need to explain to anyone on here the consequences of running out of coolant/water and overheating..?
IMHO >90% of smart **** traffic coppers know jack ****e about anything..!
16 April 2008, 09:32 PM
#82
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Was it a sound meter she used on your exhaust..?
If so a few points:
1. The unit must have been celebrated before being used that day, a log of this should be kept at the station. So ask if it has. The same goes for the actual police car, in so much as it must have been inspected/checked and logged as such, before being used every day. If this has not been done then technically they cannot do you..! If they lie about it being checked and you check the station record they're in the ****e..!
2. To operate a CALABRATED sound level meter you need to be fully trained (iirc carrying the relevant authorisation to prove so). Ask if the officer is trained.
3. There are VERY strict criteria regarding the test itself, distance/angle/speed amongst others. These have to be strictly adhered to for the measurement to have any meaning. Just sticking the meter in the tail pipe is a complete joke..!
If so a few points:
1. The unit must have been celebrated before being used that day, a log of this should be kept at the station. So ask if it has. The same goes for the actual police car, in so much as it must have been inspected/checked and logged as such, before being used every day. If this has not been done then technically they cannot do you..! If they lie about it being checked and you check the station record they're in the ****e..!
2. To operate a CALABRATED sound level meter you need to be fully trained (iirc carrying the relevant authorisation to prove so). Ask if the officer is trained.
3. There are VERY strict criteria regarding the test itself, distance/angle/speed amongst others. These have to be strictly adhered to for the measurement to have any meaning. Just sticking the meter in the tail pipe is a complete joke..!
The blokes got/had a fully de-catted Blitz exhaust for crying out loud,even their website lists it @ 97db's
16 April 2008, 10:09 PM
#83
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Incidentally was in a mates car and a black hawkeye STi drove past, had a Blitz system and my mate commented that my exhaust was much louder. I am hoping I can get the system silenced and still retain the looks however already looking at alternative 'quieter' systems that will not rob too much power.
16 April 2008, 10:48 PM
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know your traffic law .
few things - correct me if im wrong but there is no noise limit on a car exhaust system.
quote from the traffic officers companion (this is a book anyone can buy from whsmiths)
"every vehicle proppelled by an internal combustion engine shall be fitted with a silencer
suitable and sufficient for reducing as far as may be reasonable the noise caused by the escape of the gases from the engine "
no person shall use , cause or permitt to be used,a vehicle on a road if
EXHAUST GASES FROM THE ENGINE ESCAPE
into the atmosphere without first passing through the silencer
ref road vehicles ( construction and use) regulations1986 reg 54 "
ok thats the law side of it .
as long as the exhaust is in good repair and not leaking gases your ok .
the offence you got a none endorsable fixed penaltly notice ie the £ 30 fine
makes me think it was the manner of your driving ie reving the car whilst accelerating , this would be a bad idea in a subaru or any performance car in a built up area , it just get the police to notice you .
my advice is keep your exhaust on your car pay your fine
dont race round the city centre attracting attention ,
dont always take the police's word for things they are only human and make
many errors regarding the law .
ps dont get confused about eu markings on exhaust thats likely to be regarding bikes this can be found under regulation 57 or the contruction and use section of the use of moto vehicles / .
hope this helps you out ,
id recommend you buy a copy of the traffic officers companion all info is in this book for you to knowledge yourself .
quote from the traffic officers companion (this is a book anyone can buy from whsmiths)
"every vehicle proppelled by an internal combustion engine shall be fitted with a silencer
suitable and sufficient for reducing as far as may be reasonable the noise caused by the escape of the gases from the engine "
no person shall use , cause or permitt to be used,a vehicle on a road if
EXHAUST GASES FROM THE ENGINE ESCAPE
into the atmosphere without first passing through the silencer
ref road vehicles ( construction and use) regulations1986 reg 54 "
ok thats the law side of it .
as long as the exhaust is in good repair and not leaking gases your ok .
the offence you got a none endorsable fixed penaltly notice ie the £ 30 fine
makes me think it was the manner of your driving ie reving the car whilst accelerating , this would be a bad idea in a subaru or any performance car in a built up area , it just get the police to notice you .
my advice is keep your exhaust on your car pay your fine
dont race round the city centre attracting attention ,
dont always take the police's word for things they are only human and make
many errors regarding the law .
ps dont get confused about eu markings on exhaust thats likely to be regarding bikes this can be found under regulation 57 or the contruction and use section of the use of moto vehicles / .
hope this helps you out ,
id recommend you buy a copy of the traffic officers companion all info is in this book for you to knowledge yourself .
17 April 2008, 01:51 PM
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and in a way FZ probably got off lightly. It just worries me that the way some TO's go about their duty anyone could fall foul to their ridiculous ideas about what's legal and not..
17 April 2008, 03:14 PM
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17 April 2008, 05:47 PM
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--------
With most of these recent exhaust issues the police have been citing section 41, sub-section 2, paragraph (c) noise, of the RTA 1988 it's very open to interpretation/misuse imho.
Anyone with an import, quote back the following - Section 44 - sub-section 1, paragraph (b)!
Paraphrased -
"Authorisation of use on roads of special vehicles not complying with regulations under section 41
(1) The Secretary of State may by order authorise, subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified by or under the order, the use on roads—
(b) of vehicles or trailers, or types of vehicles or trailers, constructed for use outside the United Kingdom."
17 April 2008, 08:35 PM
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Because an exhaust is not OEM does not mean it's illegal, that's rubbish. A car has to obey the law as laid down in the road traffic act. The very use of the term "excessive noise" is ambiguous.
It is not easy for the police to prove a car is excessively noise because it's not just a case of sticking a noise meter up the exhaust.
Here's an extract from written Parliamentary answers as found in Hansard 10 January 2007:-
"Car Exhaust Noise
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has put in place to ensure that car owners do not alter exhaust or silencer systems after an MOT test to ensure that those systems do not break noise regulations. [114124]
Dr. Ladyman: Enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations is primarily a matter for the police, although the Vehicle Operator and Standards Agency support this process through a programme of roadside inspections.
An objective assessment of the noise levels of individual vehicles during a roadside inspection is problematic due to interference from other noise sources, and static testing does not necessarily give a good representation of the level of noise with the vehicle in motion. However the Department is considering letting further research into the feasibility of a simple and robust test that might be used in these circumstances.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will further tighten regulations 54 and 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to ensure that exhaust and silencer systems remain in good working order and do not make excessive noise. [114125]
Dr. Ladyman: The Department currently has no plans to tighten the regulations referred to, although this position is kept under review. Regulation 54 already requires exhaust systems to be maintained in good and efficient working order and prohibits modification to increase the level of noise emissions. The regulations as they stand are therefore adequate for dealing with noisy vehicles."
I think the interpretation of the law is that if you modify the exhaust for the purpose of increasing the noise then it's an offence. However if you change the exhaust for performance reasons and an increase in noise is incidental to that, that's permitted within limits. I believe that's the approach taken by Prodrive in defending why a car with PPP is louder than a stock exhaust. Search for the thread on here, I'm sure the outcome was that the police backed down from trying to prosecute a guy with a PPP after Prodrive got involved and challenged the offence.
It is not easy for the police to prove a car is excessively noise because it's not just a case of sticking a noise meter up the exhaust.
Here's an extract from written Parliamentary answers as found in Hansard 10 January 2007:-
"Car Exhaust Noise
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has put in place to ensure that car owners do not alter exhaust or silencer systems after an MOT test to ensure that those systems do not break noise regulations. [114124]
Dr. Ladyman: Enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations is primarily a matter for the police, although the Vehicle Operator and Standards Agency support this process through a programme of roadside inspections.
An objective assessment of the noise levels of individual vehicles during a roadside inspection is problematic due to interference from other noise sources, and static testing does not necessarily give a good representation of the level of noise with the vehicle in motion. However the Department is considering letting further research into the feasibility of a simple and robust test that might be used in these circumstances.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will further tighten regulations 54 and 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to ensure that exhaust and silencer systems remain in good working order and do not make excessive noise. [114125]
Dr. Ladyman: The Department currently has no plans to tighten the regulations referred to, although this position is kept under review. Regulation 54 already requires exhaust systems to be maintained in good and efficient working order and prohibits modification to increase the level of noise emissions. The regulations as they stand are therefore adequate for dealing with noisy vehicles."
I think the interpretation of the law is that if you modify the exhaust for the purpose of increasing the noise then it's an offence. However if you change the exhaust for performance reasons and an increase in noise is incidental to that, that's permitted within limits. I believe that's the approach taken by Prodrive in defending why a car with PPP is louder than a stock exhaust. Search for the thread on here, I'm sure the outcome was that the police backed down from trying to prosecute a guy with a PPP after Prodrive got involved and challenged the offence.
17 April 2008, 09:31 PM
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17 April 2008, 09:35 PM
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Because an exhaust is not OEM does not mean it's illegal, that's rubbish. A car has to obey the law as laid down in the road traffic act. The very use of the term "excessive noise" is ambiguous.
It is not easy for the police to prove a car is excessively noise because it's not just a case of sticking a noise meter up the exhaust.
Here's an extract from written Parliamentary answers as found in Hansard 10 January 2007:-
"Car Exhaust Noise
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has put in place to ensure that car owners do not alter exhaust or silencer systems after an MOT test to ensure that those systems do not break noise regulations. [114124]
Dr. Ladyman: Enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations is primarily a matter for the police, although the Vehicle Operator and Standards Agency support this process through a programme of roadside inspections.
An objective assessment of the noise levels of individual vehicles during a roadside inspection is problematic due to interference from other noise sources, and static testing does not necessarily give a good representation of the level of noise with the vehicle in motion. However the Department is considering letting further research into the feasibility of a simple and robust test that might be used in these circumstances.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will further tighten regulations 54 and 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to ensure that exhaust and silencer systems remain in good working order and do not make excessive noise. [114125]
Dr. Ladyman: The Department currently has no plans to tighten the regulations referred to, although this position is kept under review. Regulation 54 already requires exhaust systems to be maintained in good and efficient working order and prohibits modification to increase the level of noise emissions. The regulations as they stand are therefore adequate for dealing with noisy vehicles."
I think the interpretation of the law is that if you modify the exhaust for the purpose of increasing the noise then it's an offence. However if you change the exhaust for performance reasons and an increase in noise is incidental to that, that's permitted within limits. I believe that's the approach taken by Prodrive in defending why a car with PPP is louder than a stock exhaust. Search for the thread on here, I'm sure the outcome was that the police backed down from trying to prosecute a guy with a PPP after Prodrive got involved and challenged the offence.
It is not easy for the police to prove a car is excessively noise because it's not just a case of sticking a noise meter up the exhaust.
Here's an extract from written Parliamentary answers as found in Hansard 10 January 2007:-
"Car Exhaust Noise
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has put in place to ensure that car owners do not alter exhaust or silencer systems after an MOT test to ensure that those systems do not break noise regulations. [114124]
Dr. Ladyman: Enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations is primarily a matter for the police, although the Vehicle Operator and Standards Agency support this process through a programme of roadside inspections.
An objective assessment of the noise levels of individual vehicles during a roadside inspection is problematic due to interference from other noise sources, and static testing does not necessarily give a good representation of the level of noise with the vehicle in motion. However the Department is considering letting further research into the feasibility of a simple and robust test that might be used in these circumstances.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will further tighten regulations 54 and 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to ensure that exhaust and silencer systems remain in good working order and do not make excessive noise. [114125]
Dr. Ladyman: The Department currently has no plans to tighten the regulations referred to, although this position is kept under review. Regulation 54 already requires exhaust systems to be maintained in good and efficient working order and prohibits modification to increase the level of noise emissions. The regulations as they stand are therefore adequate for dealing with noisy vehicles."
I think the interpretation of the law is that if you modify the exhaust for the purpose of increasing the noise then it's an offence. However if you change the exhaust for performance reasons and an increase in noise is incidental to that, that's permitted within limits. I believe that's the approach taken by Prodrive in defending why a car with PPP is louder than a stock exhaust. Search for the thread on here, I'm sure the outcome was that the police backed down from trying to prosecute a guy with a PPP after Prodrive got involved and challenged the offence.