Question:Just a question I am sure you have heard 1000 times. Why are trucks with loud mufflers ticketed and all of these motorcycles going around town revving up their pipes are not? Is there a difference in the statutes?
Answer:This is a good question that I am asked quite often. Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 169.69 says; “Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a street or highway. The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with such parts and equipment so arranged and kept in such state of repair as to prevent carbon monoxide gas from entering the interior of the vehicle. No person shall have for sale, sell or offer for sale or use on any motor vehicle any muffler that fails to comply with the specifications as required by the commissioner of public safety.”
M.S.S. 7030.1050 talks in more depth about motor vehicle noise limits for motorcycles.
A. For vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1975.
B. Speed limits greater than 35 mph for vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1975.
C. Speed limits equal to or less than 35 mph for vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1975.
Motorcycle season has begun. We need everyone on the highway and roadways to do their part to help everyone get home safely to our families.
Riders
• Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
• Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly-colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
• Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
Motorists
• Watch for motorcycles and always look twice before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
• Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.
• Give riders room and check blind spots. Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).