Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act Goes Into Effect

The beginning of the new year also marked the start date of the
Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act in the state of California. This law
allows police officers to cite motorcycle owners if their exhaust
systems are not in compliance with new standards and ticket riders
for noise pollution violations, Motorcycle.com reports.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger originally signed
the bill into law in September 2010, adding an additional piece of
legislation to a 27-year-old federal regulation that was rarely
enforced. While the law went into effect immediately, as of January
1 a new provision kicked in. Now, all new bikes must have a sound
emissions label from the Environmental Protection Agency on certain
street bike parts, such as the exhaust
system.
"Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 435 to make California
consistent with federal law in respect to motorcycle parts,
pollution and noise standards," Matt Connelly, deputy press
secretary for the governor, told the Los Angeles Times in 2010.
If riders are pulled over for a separate infraction, police
officers have the right to check the gear to ensure it
is in compliance with the new codes. Some motorcycle groups suggest
bike owners carry receipts or other documents proving when the
machine was produced to avoid potential ticketing, Motorcycle.com
reports.