Noise law in Michigan
 

Does anybody know where to find this? I am looking for the part that says how they have to measure it.

All I know is it is a max of 90db using the SAE-J2005 testing procedure. But I haven't had any luck finding what the procedure is.

Have you had an issue, or just in case? Several years ago there was a post with the actual "legaleze". A bit difficult to understand. However a very specific procedure to follow, that may or may not actually happen.

A few years ago some DNR guys pulled into local marina. For kicks I asked them to test my old boat. They were not super familer with eqiupment or exactly what to do. Did not pass even with captain's call on. Of course no tickets written. I wondred if closed area wih high docks walls gives a different reading vs. on open lake.
Have not heard of any issues in our area since. (knock on wood).

4.1 Measurement Site—A suitable site is a body of water free of large obstructions or reflective surfaces such as
buildings, boats other than those involved in this procedure, large embankments or breakwaters, etc. for a
minimum distance of 8 m (25 ft) from the boat being measured. The boat being tested shall either be moored
to a dock or lashed to another boat. If moored to a dock, the dock shall be of open construction so that it
presents a minimum of reflecting surfaces. If the measurement is made in open water, the boat being
evaluated shall be lashed to the measurement boat to prevent relative motion and to allow positioning of the
microphone in the prescribed location. The measurement boat shall be positioned to minimize reflected
sound.

4.3.1 The microphone shall be placed at a distance of 1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 ft) above the water and no closer than
1 m (3.3 ft) from the vertical projection of any part of the boat in the area adjacent to the exhaust outlet(s).

This is what you want. Take care that there is a bill being put through Michigan Legislature which may change everything for us in the near future. It is currently on hold while the US Patent office reviews the new "Noise Gun".



http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...light=Ratickle

MI Water Cop is posting here good thread.

http://www.speedwake.com/upload/show...threadid=50653

hmm there's some bad memorys. still using down pipes i'm legel with them. i did take them off for boyne thunder. but put them right back on when i got home.
todd

Has anyone been tested by an officer using the shoreline test? They use the procedure described by SAE J1970.

Spent the weekend at Eldean shipyard in Holland MI. Was pulling out of Marina Sunday morning (while all of you were in church) Sheriff is hiding in a slip and starts after me. I don't sweat it, (496's with silent choice - how tame)

However they were way too loud for him, and informs me my silent choice switchable exhaust is illegable and can't be used for test. Ran a 97db, and 93db w/ silent choice on.

I'd rather pay a ticket, but this says I have to fix in 15 days, or I better never get stopped again.

I'd to voice my displeasure, but not sure anyone up there really cares about performance boaters?

Seems to be a non-issue in St. Joe.

I got stoped two weeks ago and had to do a 50'' drive by In Minnesota it is 82dba at wide open pass I was 91dba at about half throttle I don't know how I'm going to get down to that I'm also looking for ideas
I have 509/800hp Cmi's Hpi and turn downs
any help
Don

Almost every customer I have at the Wharf Marina with a offshore boat 28' and up has been pulled over for noise. It really sucks but there is nothing we can do about it. I pull the Sheriff's boats for them every week for cleaning and service and I would have to say they've slowed down on the tickets. I know they are getting alot of preasure from the new condo community in Grand Haven cause they interviewed one of them when the news interviewed me about the noise. Hopefully they will relax and next year won't be as bad but if people start thinking they are going to get together and file a law suit against them, your're just going to piss them off and they will come down on us harder.

Will be in Charlevoix this weekend with my Cig and I'm just planning on getting stopped and a ticket right out of the gate. Bye the way where is the best place to launch a 38 Cig on lake charlevoix? Thanks

The quietest boat I know of is SAXMAN's BT. Take a look at his setup in the BT section.

Shouldn't be a problem with exhaust noise in Charlevoix as far as I know I was there a few times in the last couple of years with Sheriff Marine Patrol and DNR all around me (no mufflers w/Stellings DRY tubular headers)---just be a cool customer and you should be fine.

Also, the city launch will suit your 38' Cig just fine. Once saw a 47' Fountain with tripples launch there a few times with no problems. The launch ramp is located near SE area downtown Charlevoix.

I hope you meant 50 feet not 50 inches! That is the other SAE boat sound test that they don't use in Michigan. It can be very dangerous to be told to drive by the shore or dock at a distance of 50 feet at WOT. Especially with some of the boats that can exceed 100 mph. Keep in mind that this test would require you to violate several other Michigan laws if it was used in Michigan - the minimum distance from docks and the 55 mph speed limit.

Actually, in Michigan silent choice is legal as long as the water injection works and the boat passes with only the water injection system on. See below.

In Michigan they can use SAE J1970, but it is 85dba. This is the reason the MI Legislature gave MSU all the $ to develope the Noise Gun. They will be able to measure at almost any distance up to 1000 feet and issue tickets based on the gun's reading. Thankfully, there are some current hiccups in the approval process for the gun. Current law excerpts attached.

Cut and pasted from MCL law library

6.10 Equipment Requirements and Required Personal
Flotation Devices
A. Misdemeanor—Equipment Requirements
MCL 324.80156 details the sound requirements for motorboat mufflers and underwater exhaust systems. MCL 324.80156(1) states:
*MCL 324.80156(2) allows the DNR to establish rules for alternative sound level tests and maximum decibel levels.

“Subject to subsection (2),* a person shall not operate a motorboat on the waters of this state unless the motorboat is equipped and maintained with an effective muffler or underwater exhaust system that does not produce sound levels in excess of 90 dB(A) when subjected to a stationary sound level test as prescribed by SAE J2005 or a sound level in excess of 75 dB(A) when subjected to a shoreline sound level measurement procedure as described by SAE J1970. The operator of a motorboat shall present the motorboat for a sound level test as prescribed by SAE J2005 upon the request of a peace officer. If a motorboat is equipped with more than 1 motor or engine, the test shall be performed with all motors or engines operating. To determine whether a person is violating this subsection, a peace officer may measure sound levels pursuant to procedures prescribed in SAE J1970, issued 1991-92.” A person who violates MCL 324.80156(1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by: • imprisonment for not more than 90 days; and • fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00. MCL 324.80156(6). In addition, the person must install a muffler or underwater exhaust system that meets the act’s requirements before putting the vessel back in use. Id.


R 281.1238 Mufflers; cut outs.
The exhaust of all internal combustion engines used on any waters of this state shall be muffled effectively by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust of the engine in a reasonable manner. The use of cut outs, bypasses, or similar devices is prohibited, except for vessels competing in a boat race or regatta sanctioned by the department under sections 151 and 152 of the act. A modern device, underwater exhaust system or a system discharging cold water through the exhaust of an inboard engine, each of which is capable of muffling the noise of the exhaust of the engine in a reasonable manner, shall be considered as meeting the requirements of this rule.