Illegal vehicle exhausts 539/23

FOI Reference: 539/2023

Request:

I am currently researching the police response to illegal exhausts on vehicles, that is to say ones that have been modified to be louder than their original manufacture and thus breaching the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 s 54(2).

1. I would appreciate just a brief explanation as to what action the police would take if a member of the public called 101 with the VRM, reporting it for an illegal exhaust.

Response:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Likely action taken by Dyfed Powys Police;

Dyfed Powys do not have specific noise recording equipment for these type of offences.

If the VRN is given and it shows a previous keeper then we would locate the keeper of the vehicle and then locate the vehicle.

The vehicle may be added to a “hot list” and police patrols would be deployed to likely locations of the vehicle.

The offences are quite simple to prove, if the exhaust is ‘altered’ from manufacturers standard then it is an offence for which the driver will be reported. The fine is generally £50 if paid via fixed penalty.

There are other similar offences such as ‘altered as to increase noise’ or ‘defective silencers/systems’ among others which come under the same heading.

The court will decide whether the exhaust fitted is equal to the one it left that factory with. If it is louder, has no baffles or is not suitable for the car then it will complete the offence.

Some will have stamped on the exhaust ‘Not for road use’.

                                                                                                           

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 21/03/23)