Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods

Rep. Jared G. Solomon    August 16, 2024 | 11:20 AM

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., said today that he will soon introduce legislation that would ban the sale of muffler and exhaust pipe modifiers for vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles manufactured after 1978.

Solomon said the legislation also would provide state agencies with clear guidance on excessive noise and exhaust pollution and help reduce its impact on communities and residents.

The measure would also help local police enforce ordinances, he said.

“People should be able to enjoy their homes by sitting outside during the evening or on a weekend,” Solomon said. “You cannot relax in your home or get the rest you need when the soundtrack of your neighborhood consists of drag racing through residential streets.

“The noise and exhaust pollution caused by loud dirt bikes, cars and ATVs is increasingly becoming a nuisance in many communities,” he said. “People and pets can’t get their sleep, property values are impacted, and the costs of enforcement are rising for police departments and taxpayers.”

Solomon said his legislation, which he dubbed the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution – or SLEEP – Act, would require PennDOT to act against official inspection stations with multiple violations and proposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in prison for those violations.