Pennsylvania § 7743 - Mufflers and sound control.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7743 — Mufflers and sound control., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7743. Mufflers and sound control.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or an ATV which is not equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust sound into the overall snowmobile or ATV sound and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual sound. The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. The sound intensity produced by a snowmobile shall not exceed 82dbA when measured in accordance with SAE Recommended Practice J 192 Exterior Sound Level for Snowmobiles, as amended. The department may by regulation adopt more stringent sound requirements for snowmobiles. The department shall by regulation adopt sound requirements for in-use operation of ATV's using measurement procedures in accordance with SAE Recommended Practice J 1287 July 1998, Measurement of Exhaust Level of Stationary Motorcycles. The sound level intensity produced by an ATV manufactured before January 1, 1998, shall not exceed 99dbA, or decibels, when measured at 20 inches. The sound level intensity produced by an ATV manufactured on or after January 1, 1998, shall not exceed 96dbA, or decibels, when measured at 20 inches.
(b) Modified mufflers prohibited.--It is unlawful to modify a muffler or to operate a snowmobile or an ATV with a modified muffler so as to increase the sound level of the snowmobile or ATV above the level allowed by this section.
(c) Exception.--This section does not apply to organized races or similar competitive events.
(July 11, 1985, P.L.220, No.56, eff. 60 days; Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1058, No.136, eff. imd.; Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.725, No.115, eff. imd.)
2018 Amendment. Act 115 amended subsec. (a).
2016 Amendment. Act 136 amended the section heading and subsec. (a).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7743
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7743 cover?
Section 7743 ("Mufflers and sound control.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 7743?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7743" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 7743 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.