Car enthusiasts seem to be obsessed with their car’s sound and they spend insane amounts of money on loud car exhaust systems to make their cars sound like powerful machines. Just consider this – the market size of global automotive exhaust industry was measured at USD 36.9 billion in 2023.
However, UK is not a place to drive loud cars. The country has strict laws surrounding vehicle noise and to ensure the cars that whizz through the roads of UK do so with little noise (if any at all).
So, if you are a driver in UK, you might want to read this blog and be enlightened about car noise laws.
How Is a Car’s Noise Measured?
The measurement is typically conducted using a decibel meter, which captures the sound intensity in decibels (dB).
The testing is done in “normal traffic conditions,” which usually involves a drive-by test. In this test, the car is driven past a fixed point, usually 7.5 meters away from the sound measurement device, while accelerating under controlled conditions. The decibel meter records the peak sound level during this pass, which represents the vehicle’s noise output.
The car must be in its factory state, meaning no modifications to the exhaust or engine that could alter the noise output. This controlled environment ensures that the recorded noise level accurately reflects the car’s standard performance, adhering to legal limits.
What Is the Legal Noise Limit for A Car Exhaust?
In the UK, the legal noise limit for a car exhaust is currently set at 72 decibels under normal driving conditions. This limit is measured during standardized tests, where the car’s noise is recorded while it drives by a fixed point at a specific speed and acceleration. The limit is enforced to prevent excessive noise pollution, particularly in urban and residential areas.
Looking ahead, the legal limit is set to become even stricter. By 2026, the maximum allowable noise level will be reduced to 68 decibels. This change reflects ongoing efforts to minimize traffic noise and its impact on communities.
Special allowances exist for certain types of vehicles. For example, off-road vehicles are permitted to be up to 1 decibel louder, while wheelchair-accessible and armoured vehicles can be up to 2 decibels louder, accounting for the modifications these vehicles typically require. However, these exceptions are closely regulated and must still adhere to overall noise control standards.
Is it illegal to install loud car exhausts in the UK?
Technically, a car’s exhaust system that increase its noise level beyond what was recorded during its type approval is illegal as per the authorities.
This, by extension, also includes aftermarket parts that might make the car louder or modifications that bypass emissions control systems. Vehicles that fail to meet these legal requirements can be subject to fines, penalties, and even removal from the road.
However, you may get away with such modification if your exhaust system fulfils the following requirements:
- Noise level does not exceed 74 decibels.
- Modification do not increase the vehicle’s noise or emissions.
- The vehicle adheres to EU emission regulations.
Car Noise Laws Every Car Enthusiast Must be Aware of
The UK has a long history of regulating car noise, with laws dating back to 1929. Over the years, these regulations have evolved to become more stringent, reflecting the increasing importance of reducing noise pollution in urban areas.
Modern Vehicle Standards and Illegal Modifications
Modern cars are designed to be as quiet as possible, even under acceleration, to comply with these laws. However, some vehicles on the road are noticeably louder, often due to illegal modifications. It’s worth noting that if a car’s exhaust system is modified to produce excessive noise or loud pops and bangs, it likely violates UK laws and could lead to fines or other penalties.
Enforcement Measures
Enforcement of these laws is taken seriously, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) actively pursuing companies (including car manufacturers and aftermarket parts manufacturers) and individuals who violate noise regulations. Additionally, new technologies like ‘noise cameras’ are being trialed in various parts of the UK to automatically detect and fine loud cars.
MOT Certification
Your car needs to pass the MOT every three years to be considered legal to drive on the UK roads. The test has various criterion which make it difficult for loud cars to pass the test.
Ways to Make Performance Car Less Noisy
Some car manufacturers have found a way around it to reduce noise on car when driving in urban areas. While under hard acceleration, the car would be noisy, it is often configured to be quieter when the acceleration is under a certain threshold.
Drivers can also switch to “economy mode” to make their car quieter than if it was on a “sports mode”.
Additionally, car owners can also install a quitter and more restrictive exhaust if they own a performance vehicle that’s noisy.
How Do UK Authorities Track Noisy Vehicles?
Noise Cameras:
One of the most advanced methods used by UK authorities is the deployment of noise cameras. These cameras are designed to automatically detect vehicles that exceed the legal noise limits. They work by using microphones to measure the decibel level of passing cars.
If a vehicle’s noise level exceeds the threshold, the camera captures an image of the vehicle, including its registration plate. This information is then used to issue fines or other penalties to the vehicle owner, similar to how speed cameras operate. These noise cameras are currently being trialed in various locations across the UK, and if successful, they are expected to become more widespread.
Who Do I Report A Noisy Exhaust To?
There are several ways to report noisy car exhaust in UK, all of which involve getting the authorities involved.
Local Police Reporting:
If noise cameras are not yet available in your area or if you witness a noisy vehicle, you can report it directly to your local police.
Many police departments offer non-emergency contact options, such as phone lines or online forms, specifically for reporting noise disturbances. When you report a noisy vehicle, the police may take action by tracking the vehicle through its registration details, conducting further investigations, or increasing patrols in the area to monitor for noise violations.
Local Council Involvement:
In some cases, particularly when noise pollution is a broader issue affecting multiple residents, you may choose to involve your local council. Many councils have dedicated teams for handling noise complaints. They can coordinate with the police or deploy their resources to monitor and address the problem. Councils may also engage in community initiatives to reduce noise pollution and work towards long-term solutions.
Conclusion
If you want to drive a car in UK, it better not be noisy, because authorities track noisy cars and penalize the drivers. However, that’s for those who have a driver’s license. If you don’t have a license but want to enjoy the privilege of commuting on your own vehicle on the roads of UK, leosdrivingschool has got you covered. Consider enrolling in driving classes and let us prepare you for the license test.