§ 1260. Motorcycle exhaust; excessive noise; prohibitions
(a) A motorcycle operated on a highway shall be equipped with an exhaust system that includes a muffler or other mechanical device designed to reduce the noise emitted by the motorcycle.
(b) A motorcycle shall be in violation of this section if the motorcycle’s exhaust system:
(1) has missing or removed internal baffles;
(2) has a cutout or bypass;
(3) has been modified to bypass the muffler system;
(4) is not equipped with a muffler that meets the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 205.169; or
(5) is a straight-pipe or similar type of exhaust system that does not include any mechanical features to reduce the noise emitted by the motorcycle.
(c)(1) A motorcycle that violates the requirements of this section shall not pass an inspection required under section 1222 of this chapter.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (1) of this subsection, if the orientation or location of a motorcycle’s muffler prevents an inspection mechanic from reasonably determining if the muffler has a label certifying compliance with 40 C.F.R. § 205.169, the inspection mechanic shall presume that the muffler meets the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 205.169.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply when a motorcycle is operated in a race, contest, or demonstration of speed or skill at an authorized public exhibition held in accordance with applicable State and municipal laws. (Added 2025, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 29, eff. July 1, 2026.)