The American Motorcyclist Association has protected the rights of motorcyclists since 1924. The AMA promotes keeping the motorcycle lifestyle alive by protecting its members, providing group ride opportunities and sanctioning many competitive events. The motorcycle rights organization is often involved in government decisions to protect the future of the lifestyle, the image of AMA members and the safety of the riders. The group has even developed model legislation for laws that help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents.
On September 28, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law much to the dismay of the AMA and motorcyclists across the state requiring all motorcycles built after January 1, 2010 to display a federal Environmental Protection Agency exhaust system sound emissions label. Operating a motorcycle without the required label would result in an initial fine of up to $100 and up to $250 for any further violations.
The AMA does not object to following the noise limits required by the federal Noise Control Act, but objects to the methodology for testing the noise limitations and making it a secondary crime to operate a motorcycle without a sticker even if the motorcycle strictly complies with all EPA standards. Opponents to the bill also argue that by requiring a label on the exhaust system, riders will be forced to dismantle a portion of their bikes after they are pulled over by a law enforcement official just to prove that the sticker is there.
Model legislation drafted by the AMA proposes a more objective method of measuring the noise and a more effective, consistent process to regulate sound complaints on high-ways taking into account the amount of excessive noise from multiple sources.
Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com “California Has New Statewide Law Governing Motorcycle Sound” 9/30/10
