You asked if Connecticut law regulates motorcycle noise.

SUMMARY

State law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) commissioner to adopt regulations, with the advice of the Department of Environmental Protection, that establish maximum permissible noise levels for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles (CGS § 14-80a(a) and 80a(b)).

Under these regulations, which took effect June 1, 1978, motorcycles manufactured in or after 1979 cannot exceed a noise level above 84 decibels (dB) when traveling more than 35 mph on a paved street or highway (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 14-80-1 et seq. ).

Additionally, state law requires all motor vehicles to be “operated, equipped, constructed and adjusted to prevent unnecessary or unusual noise” by means of a muffler (CGS § 14-80a(a) and 80a(b)). Please see OLR Report 2003-R-0676 (enclosed) for a comprehensive summary of motorcycle noise regulations.

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