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LOUD PIPES RISK RIGHTS Please Ride Quiet Shifting blame and failure to adopt responsible policies on a voluntary basis can only result in greater prejudice and discrimination against The consequences of continuing to ignore this issues will likely result in excessive rigorous state and federal standards. noise has been the Number 1 complaint among residents throughout the United States. The SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT in conjunction with the MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION has given you this illustration in an attempt to explain why this one issue continues to be breaking the connection between riders and residents. We ask our riding visitors and area residents to remember to ride throughout the area steadily, without excessive revving or roaring of engines especially at night while families are asleep. Exhaust Noise Abatement We all know that the mellow baritone exhaust sound from a engine can be music to many riders’ ears. As a courtesy to Salem residents, we ask that you keep your engine’s exhaust noise at reasonable levels within city limits. When an engine has a performance exhaust system, the easiest way to keep exhaust noise down to reasonable levels is to use less RPMs. For example, try limiting your engine speed within the city limits to 2500- 3000 RPM. This can be easily accomplished by up shifting to the next highest gear earlier than normal. Up shifting early will allow you to take advantage of the low speed torque. Your bike will still accelerate quickly, but with less noise. As a result, you will find that you will not need to use the engine’s high RPM horsepower, which is what produces high noise levels. Based on its commitment to finding harmony between the rights of city residents and those of the motorcyling community, the Salem Police Department recommends the following: All should be sensitive to community standards and respect the rights of fellow citizens to enjoy a peaceful environment. should not modify exhaust systems in a way that will increase sound to an offensive level. Organizers of events should take steps through advertising, peer pressure and enforcement to make excessively loud unwelcome. retailers should discourage the installation and use of excessively loud replacement exhaust systems.The industry, including aftermarket suppliers of replacement exhaust systems, should adopt responsible product design and marketing policies aimed at limiting the cumulative impact of excessive noise. Manufacturers producing to appropriate federal standards should continue to educate their dealers and customers that louder exhaust systems do not necessarily improve the performance of a The Salem Police Department will fairly and consistently enforce appropriate laws and ordinances against excessive vehicle noise. The industry and the safety community should educate customers that excessive noise may be fatiguing to riders, making them less able to enjoy riding and less able to exercise good riding skills. ---PAGE BREAK--- Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the allowable sound levels? A: MGL c90-7U When moving- operating in such a manner to exceed 82 decibels when operated within a speed of 45 MPH or less; or 86 decibels in a speed zone of over 45 MPH. Measured at 50 feet away using a decibel meter. When stationary- 102 decibels for manufactured before 1987; and 99 decibels for manufactured in 1987 and after 2 decibels). Q: Is it improper or a violation to modify “stock” exhausts? A: No, as long as those aftermarket exhaust systems do not amplify or increase the noise emitted by exhaust. Q: At what levels can a rider’s hearing be impaired? A: According to medical opinion and OSHA standards, constant or excessive exposure to decibel levels greater that 90 can impair a person’s hearing for a lifetime. Q: What are the fines and penalties for excessive noise? A: MGL c90-7U maximum sound violation $35 MGL c90-16 Excessive or unnecessary noise $50 POLICE OFFICERS MAY WRITE ONE OR BOTH Q: Will these violations affect my insurance rates? A: Yes Salem Police Department 95 Margin Street Salem, MA 01970 [PHONE REDACTED] “Please Drive Safely and Quietly” Visit our website at www.salempd.net Copyright 2008 Salem Police Department This pamphlet does not constitute legal advice. Salem Salem Salem Salem Police Police Police Police Department Department Department Department ROBERT M. ST.PIERRE CHIEF OF POLICE Ride To Be Seen NOT HEARD!