Bikes With Non-EPA Tagged Exhausts Out of Big Apple

Without the Federally mandated EPA tag that’s attached to all new motorcycle exhaust systems that either states the exhaust complies with laws allowing it to be used on the streets and highways, or as for “closed course competition only,” owners and operators will be subject to hefty fines and even impound. No matter what state of motion the bike is in.

The proposed draft is painfully clear and free of typical legalese in what it attempts to do, and the punishment(s) it will allow for violation.

From proposed introduction No. 416-A:

“… 416-A (the “Bill”) would amend Chapter One, Subchapter Two, of Title 19 of the administrative code by adding a new subsection 170.1 to prohibit the parking, stopping, or standing, of motorcycles equipped with straight pipes on the streets of New York City.”

The term “straight pipe” is used to loosely define any exhaust that doesn’t meet EPA code.

Proposed bill 416-A goes on further to list what agencies can enforce the new law and what the penalties for violation would be.

“…the Bill gives four different agencies – the departments of police, consumer affairs, environmental affairs, and transportation – enforcement capabilities. Second, adding the explicit offense of parking, standing, or stopping a motorcycle with a straight pipe will make it easier for agencies to catch violators.

… violators of the law would be liable for the following civil penalties: (1) at least $500 but not more than $1000 for a first violation; (2) at least $1000 but not more than $2500 for a second violation; and (3) at least $2500 but not more than $5000 for a third or subsequent violation.”

Find yourself a repeat offender? Look out!

“…the departments of police, environmental protection, consumer affairs, or transportation could, upon the issuance of a summons or notice of violation, seize the motorcycle or straight pipe in accordance with rules promulgated by the police commissioner and deliver the bike or pipe into police department custody.”

Naturally there’s plenty of opposition. A petition is available to sign at: http://www.petitiononline.com/ccmsny/petition.html

And a full read of the proposed law can be found here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/attachments/86212.htm

This law comes on the heels of what has been called “police harassment” against motorcycles in NYC during the past two years.