VA non-stock exhaust law
 

Anyone here driving an FRS in the NoVa area with a non-stock exhaust?

I was hoping to get a new exhausted when I get my Monogram but VA law pretty much says "Nothing except stock exhausts". Have you been pulled over for noise?

Not sure 100% but based on the law; "such exhaust system shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment." I think that second part basically says it doesn't need to be stock, just don't be obnoxiously loud about it.

I was looking at the Borola Catback Exhaust but unless I start asking cops their opinions I dont really know how I would differentiate between whats loud and whats not because they aren't gonna care about what I think. Anyway around having to talk to cops?

You should read the opinions of other car enthusiasts with the same question:
https://www.google.com/search?q=virginia+exhaust+laws

Although, your local city/county may have different laws as well.

-alex

Because of the way the law is worded, cops can get you for anything related to the exhaust. I was told by a cop that I cannot change any piece of the exhaust system. If the cop is having a bad day "excessive noise" could mean he just doesn't like the way it sounds, and unless you have your stock exhaust on, he has every right to give you a ticket.

That being said I have been obnoxiously loud for months and have not had any issues. Just don't drive like an idiot around cops and they won't care. The law is in place so they can pull over the fart can Civics... No one likes that sound.

I have and it seems to be split. People are worried about the laws so they don't switch but other have and they state that they've have no issues but they warn about the fairfax/loudoun areas.

I've sent an email to a cop friend of mine that works in the loudoun county police department, hopefully he can shed some light onto this

In Virginia Beach, this allows the cops to add one more deterrent to "cruising" at the strip. In the summer, it is common to get tickets for cruising, loud music, loud exhaust pipes (usually Harley riders), ect.

I used to have a 72 Chevelle. Some cops loved it, some hated it. I either got a ticket or a conversation depending on who saw me.

yep - any exhaust modification in VA is illegal. An OE replacement may not be, but the aftermarket is (if that makes sense). You might can get away with the TRD by explaining that the T is Toyota.. but I'm not positive about that haha.


Usually cops are not too bad unless its stupid loud or you're acting like a fool while driving. Wrong cop on the wrong day though - easy ticket.

You're sure about the Harley riders? As far as I remember there is a provision stating that none of this applies to Motorcycles, including emissions up here in NoVA.

I've had aftermarket exhausts on both my previous Subarus, but they were quite tame in the noise and looks department (looked like stock with bigger tips, basically). I've been pulled over once by a state trooper who thought I was in the HOV lane. He didn't care about my exhaust.

I know people who have been pulled over for stock exhaust (Lexus IS300, Mitsubishi Evo 8/9/10) by police who didn't know any better.

Hell, I've met people who were pulled over for their OEM 04-05 STI hoodscoop being "too large" and "obstructing forward vision," then they get slapped with a whole bunch of other tickets (exhaust, too low, tint, etc).

It's a crapshoot in VA. Some cops are more strict than others, some counties are more strict than others, some days of the month are more strict than others. Just pick an exhaust and always be prepared to have your angus reamed.

I was referring to noise ordinances, not the particular law being discussed.

well said sshole. Well my monogram is getting to the NY seaport 2/25 so after i get my car and after i talk to my cop friend i will make my decision. VA infuriates me sometimes

Im in the nova area and have a catless UEL header, nameless fp/op with high flow cat, and Ptuning 3in catback.

It is loud, quite loud.

I have been pulled over once and given a ticket for excessive noise. A trick I used for this and have used in the past is going into court with a receipt for the exhaust and installation, along with a VA State Safety inspection dated after the receipt and after the ticket. The two times I have done this the ticket has been thrown out, however it may not always work, depends on the officer and the judge.

Borla should be fine, it's fairly quiet and looks stock. The biggest giveaway for cops here is the canister. Like others have said, anything that doesn't come from the factory is illegal unless it's oem rep. Most of my friends have gotten at least 1 exhaust ticket.. lol

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