RENFREW COUNTY (Renfrew) — The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind vehicle drivers of the requirements and laws surrounding mufflers and unnecessary noise.
As the warmer weather approaches we see an increase in traffic and vehicles on the road. It is important to know the laws and as a driver be responsible in following them.
The Highway Traffic Act outlines what is required for vehicles with regards to mufflers and unnecessary noise. The vehicle driver can be charged under the highway traffic act for not following such laws.
The Highway Traffic Act (HTA), sub-section 75(1) specifically addresses mufflers;
Muffler
75 (1) Every motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and excessive smoke, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, hollywood muffler, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 75 (1).
Sub-section 75(4) addresses unnecessary noise;
Unnecessary noise
(4) A person having the control or charge of a motor vehicle shall not sound any bell, horn or other signalling device so as to make an unreasonable noise, and a driver of any motor vehicle shall not permit any unreasonable amount of smoke to escape from the motor vehicle, nor shall the driver at any time cause the motor vehicle to make any unnecessary noise, but this subsection does not apply to a motor vehicle of a municipal fire department while proceeding to a fire or answering a fire alarm call. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 75 (4).
As a vehicle driver please make yourself aware of the rules of the road.
