What are the laws about vehicles with modified exhaust systems?

In New Hampshire, it is illegal to operate or drive a vehicle on any public highway or other public land with an exhaust system that has been modified from the system originally installed on the vehicle by the manufacturer. This includes any muffler, pipe, catalytic converter, or similar device that has been modified in any way, or replaced with a non-original device. Any vehicle with a modified exhaust system must be inspected by a law enforcement officer or authorized vehicle inspector, who will determine if the exhaust system meets the standards set by state law. If the exhaust system does not meet the legal criteria, the owner must get it repaired or replaced. Also, vehicles with modified exhaust systems may not be operated at a decibel level higher than that set by the state. This level is 95 decibels, as measured from 50 feet away from the vehicle, while the vehicle is operating at 50 miles per hour. Drivers who violate these regulations can face fines of up to $1,000 and/or be subject to other criminal or civil penalties. In addition, state law officers can impound any vehicle that they find in violation of these regulations. In short, any vehicle with a modified exhaust system must be legally inspected and operated within the legal decibel limits in order to be operated on public highways or other public land in New Hampshire. Failure to do so may result in serious penalties and the potential seizure of the vehicle.

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