. LOL. I think he meant to post this in this other thread in regards to "breaking in your car":

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/182920-break-in.html

 

thats true, I'm sure state to state the jurisdictions are different. maybe California CHP are train in emission laws and the ones that detain us were not.

 

That may be true. I know in my department, me and one other officer are the only ones allowed to cite commercial vehicle for DoT violations. It all depends on the training the officers have. Some departments won't send any of their officers to edvanced training of that type. Depends on the departmet.

 

Thanks I hope we dont meet on the 15 hee hee

 

Common sense, sir.

 

I usually don't mess with folks unless you have "Stop Me" written all over your windshield.

Although, I may stop ya just to admire the car and general chitchat. But I gotta let you do something wrong first to give me a reason.

 

Since we do have a Peace Officer on this thread...

What constitutes reason to pull us over, say if:

1. We are driving perfectly
2. Exhaust is aftermarket, but not loud (<95db)
3. No visual cues of aftermarket engine mods (intercooler, gauges)
4. Front license plate is present

 

Front license plates are not required in Nevada if your vehicle does not come equipped with a mounting area (Z owners rejoice).

The scenario you listed.... No reason to stop that driver.

However, they way the laws are written, it is almost impossible to drive without violating some statute every now and then. Most police officers, thankfully, realize this and won't bother you as long as you are doing pretty good. Some asshats will look for reasons to pull someone over. I only resort to this technique if I'm absolutely sure it will turn into something biger (called a pretext stop, perfectly legal).

Just realize (I'm in the same boat) that our cars and many other vehicles similar in looks/performance are eye catchers to the general public and to the police. It's not just a myth that red cars get stopped for speeding more than any other color...

 

Ok, thanks. Appreciate the response. Does the smell of an exhaust give reason for a stop? I would assume that it would.

Yea, our cars are definitely flashy. I won't even touch any kind of exotic color on a G or a Z. Stands out like a sore thumb.

 

If the officer is able to articulate it well enough, heavy smell of fumes coming from a vehicle may work. Not sure though. I always like a sure thing, like visible excessive smoke.

BTW, in California now the officer doesn't have to have a measuring device to test the noise from exhaust. He/she can use personal judgement on what is too loud.

CHP Website


Note: New law (27150.2 VC) does not require law enforcement to use sound level meters to test for excessive noise. Citation is based on officer's judgment. Cited violators may have testing done at smog referee stations or may be directed by the court to have testing done. Vehicles in violation must be brought into compliance. A fine may also be imposed.

 

Ha, that's hilarious. So a cop can give you a ticket b/c he SAYS your exhaust is too loud, even though it may not be, forcing you to waste time and money getting it tested to prove it is in compliance and taking it to court. Brilliant.

Man, and I'm going to be moving from Houston to San Diego at the end of the year... I have 35% tint on my Z and haven't ever run a front plate (even though it's required here) and have never had a problem. Not looking forward to dealing with the crap out there. Though my Dad has a red NSX with tint and no front plate out there and the only time he's ever been ticketed was by meter maids cruising public beach parking lots and he only got cited for the plate. Thinking I may just glue a strong magnet to the backside of my bumper, stick some felt on the back of my front plate and just slap it on when I park in those public lots...

 

thats kool ...I respect that