S.B. 1216 Summary

• Conditions vehicle and moped inspection certificates on compliance with muffler and exhaust system requirements under sections 291-24 and 291-24.5, prohibiting equipment that noticeably increases noise above factory specifications.

• Requires director of transportation to adopt rules ensuring inspections verify vehicles and mopeds are not equipped with non-compliant mufflers or exhaust systems, including cut-outs, bypasses, or similar devices.

• Suspends, revokes, or refuses renewal of official inspection station permits upon a third or subsequent willful violation within 18 months of rules requiring inspection of noisy muffler or exhaust system compliance.

• Increases maximum fines for violations: section 291-24 violations increase from $100 to $150; section 291-24.5 violations increase to $150 (first), $350 (second within three years), and $950 (third or subsequent within three years).

• Adds repairing or installing non-compliant mufflers or exhaust systems as a prohibited practice for motor vehicle repair dealers and mechanics under section 437B-11.