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New Jersey Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and cut-outs and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited while excessive or unusual noise is barred.

InfoVerified Jul 30, 2026

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Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and cut-outs and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited while excessive or unusual noise is barred. New Jersey sets no fixed decibel limit (N.J. Stat. § 39:3-70).

Official source: nj.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering New Jersey

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good order, and muffler cutouts (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited — it's also unlawful to sell a gutted muffler, a cutout, or straight pipe. Delaware sets no fixed decibel limit (21 Del. C. § 4311).
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
New YorkInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler. Passenger cars up to 10,000 pounds are capped at 76 decibels at 35 mph or below, and 82 decibels above that, measured at 50 feet (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 386).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
PennsylvaniaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler. Cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), and noise-amplifying changes are prohibited. Sound limits are set by Department regulation; the statute itself sets no fixed decibel number (75 Pa.C.S. § 4523).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →

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