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New York Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: 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).

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Official source: nysenate.gov →

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

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering New York

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

ConnecticutInfo
You can't install or use a gutted muffler, a muffler cutout, a straight exhaust, or a muffler missing its interior baffle plates — the only exception is a sanctioned race or public exhibition. …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive noise, and cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), removed baffles, and noise-amplifying exhaust are banned. Massachusetts sets no fixed decibel limit (M.G.L. c.90 § 16).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New JerseyInfo
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).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey 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 →
VermontInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler with baffle plates, and gutted mufflers, cutouts (which route exhaust around the muffler), straight pipes, and noise-amplifying changes are prohibited. Vermont has no decibel limit on the books (23 V.S.A. § 1221).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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