Full Notification

Release Date/Time: 01/24/2017 4:15 PM
Incident: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-128 Exhaust system and emissions control devices

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office strives to sustain a two-way relationship with the citizens we serve. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office believes that the interactions it has with the citizens supports the open and trustworthy two-way dialogue.
Citizens have called the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and expressed concern over a variety of nuisances throughout the County. Some of these concerns deal with quality of life issues. When we follow-up on these concerns, we evaluate the alleged issue, seek appropriate alternatives or resources to address the issue, and if needed apply lawful enforcement actions to address these nuisances.
One of the most frequently heard nuisances reported to the Nash County Sheriff’s Office is excessive exhaust noise from vehicles. Several county residents have indicated that they are tired of hearing loud and excessive mufflers in their community and want to find a solution to decrease the noise.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-128 (Exhaust system and emissions control devices) governs excessive exhaust noise. Subsection (a) clearly states “No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler, or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens.” Subsection (b) states that “it shall be unlawful to use a "muffler cut-out" on any motor vehicle upon a highway.”

“Having individuals drive a motor vehicle with a muffler that produces excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens is a road hazard as well as a nuisance and a disruption of peace in the community”, said Sheriff Stone.
“I hear the concerns of our citizens and we will continue to bring these issues to the forefront to ensure everyone can enjoy a decent quality of life and peace of mind”, Sheriff Stone added.
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public to report any suspicious activities to (252) 459-1510 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.


References
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-128 Exhaust system and emissions control devices.
(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler, or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens.
(b) It shall be unlawful to use a "muffler cut-out" on any motor vehicle upon a highway.
(c) No motor vehicle registered in this State that was manufactured after model year 1967 shall be operated in this State unless it is equipped with emissions control devices that were installed on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was manufactured and these devices are properly connected.
(d) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply if the emissions control devices have been removed for the purpose of converting the motor vehicle to operate on natural or liquefied petroleum gas or other modifications have been made in order to reduce air pollution and these modifications are approved by the Department of Environmental Quality.