SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 507

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 507.

      As amended and reported, this bill prohibits the installation or modification of the muffler or exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which amplifies or increases the noise emitted by the muffler or exhaust system of the motor vehicle above that emitted by the muffler or exhaust system originally installed on the vehicle. The bill also prohibits a person from selling or offering to sell a muffler or exhaust system that is equipped with a device which amplifies or increases the noise emitted by a motor vehicle, except that this requirement cannot be construed to impose liability on news media that accept or publish advertising that would otherwise be subject to the bill’s provisions.  The penalty for violating the provisions of the bill is a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.

      The bill also requires motor vehicle inspections to include the inspection of mufflers and exhaust systems for excessive or unusual noise.

      The bill also provides that the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a private inspection facility license if a private inspection facility, on more than one occasion within a period of 18 months, is found to: (1) install or modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in violation of the bill’s provisions; (2) install or modify the muffler of a motor vehicle in violation of the bill’s provisions; or (3) improperly inspect a motor vehicle for excessive or unusual noise of the muffler or exhaust system. In addition, an entity that contracts with the commission to provide inspection services at an official inspection facility is subject to a fine of not more than $500 if, on more than one occasion within a period of 18 months, the entity is found to: (1) install or modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in violation of the bill’s provisions; (2) install or modify the muffler of a motor vehicle in violation of the bill’s provisions; or (3) improperly inspect a motor vehicle for excessive or unusual noise of the muffler or exhaust system.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to provide that certain provisions of the bill are not to be construed to impose liability on news media that accept or publish advertising that may otherwise be subject to the bill’s provisions.