Hon Harry Duynhoven
Minister for Transport Safety

29 June 2008 Media Statement

Minister welcomes nationwide blitz on noisy vehicles

Minister for Transport Safety Harry Duynhoven has welcomed a Police operation on Friday night that saw over 130 drivers around the country prosecuted for having noisy vehicles.

The national police operation was prompted by amendments to the Vehicle Equipment Rule which came into effect this month. The changes target excessively noisy vehicles on New Zealand Roads and vehicles entering the fleet.

“While its disappointing to see some motorists are still intent on breaking the law by having noisy vehicles with modified exhausts, I’m really pleased to seem Police taking action to make the new rule work,” Mr Duynhoven said.

“On Thursday the government also introduced changes to the penalties for breaching the new amendments, from a $250 fine and 10 demerit points to a $50 fine and 25 demerit points. This reinforces the message that constant infringement will not be tolerated. Remember, 100 points and your licence will be revoked.”

On 1 June vehicles with modified exhaust systems became subject to more stringent testing criteria when going for a Warrant or Certificate of Fitness. Vehicle Inspectors now only have to consider whether a modified exhaust produces noise which is less than or similar to the original exhaust system installed at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture.

If the inspector considers the exhaust does not meet the criteria the vehicle will not be issued with a Warrant of Fitness. The vehicle owner will then have to fix their exhaust system to reduce the noise it creates.

Alternatively, a vehicle owner can choose, at their expense, to take a metered test where the exhaust system will have to be less than or equal to 95 decibels, which is the upper limit for non-modified exhausts.

The amendments to the Rule also impose stricter requirements on vehicles entering the fleet. Vehicles with modified exhausts imported into the country from 1 June are now required to meet a 90 decibel limit.

ENDS

© Scoop Media