British officials have stepped up their crackdown on illegal car emissions modifications, issuing hefty fines and setting new legal precedents aimed at curbing noisy, polluting vehicles.
The latest cases focus on so-called “banging” exhaust systems, Automobile Magazine reports. These engine tuning modifications are designed to produce explosive crackling noises that have become a common source of complaints in residential areas.
The ruling follows enforcement action by the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which convicted a car modification company for installing illegal exhaust and engine control unit remapping.
The shop was fined around £5,800 ($7,790) after investigators found the modified vehicle exceeded legal noise limits and failed to meet basic roadworthiness standards.
The judge ruled that conversion companies now have a “heavy burden” to ensure that vehicles converted for off-road use are not driven on public streets. This means cars that are illegal due to tailpipe or emissions changes must be towed out of the shop and cannot be driven home.
While the noise from these engines is annoying, it’s not the only reason for this verdict. Excessive exhaust noise often leads to increased air pollution, especially after the catalytic converter or muffler is removed.
Guy Opperman, the UK’s roads minister, said after the ruling: “Everyone knows that exhaust pipes make a terrible sound when they ping off in the street, and cracking down on companies that comply with these changes demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world.”
Drivers themselves are feeling the impact, too. Authorities are testing roadside “noise cameras” that can automatically flag vehicles exceeding legal sound limits. Police already have the power to issue on-the-spot fines, and officials have said this could be expanded if trials prove effective.
The United States has taken similar enforcement actions. In a high-profile case, COBB Tuning was fined nearly $3 million by the Environmental Protection Agency for selling tens of thousands of illegal exhaust “defeat devices.”
The devices disabled emissions controls and contributed to dangerous levels of smog pollution, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Taken together, these crackdowns signify growing momentum to protect communities from unnecessary noise and dirty air.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
