Allowable Noise Levels for Motorcycles

(1) Statutory Standard for Motorcycles intended for use in the Commonwealth. No person shall operate a motorcycle within the Commonwealthunless it complies withthe noise standards contained in M.G.L. c. 90, § 7U. (2) Registry of Motor Vehicles stationary noise level testing. The Registrar adopts the following stationary noise levels which correlate with the non-stationary levels established by M.G.L. c. 90, § 7U. (a) Motorcycles required to be registered under M.G.L. c. 90, § 2 for operation on the ways of the commonwealth shall not exceed the following noise levels when operated at ½ redline speed: 99 dBA if manufactured after 1/1/86 102 dBA if manufactured before 1/1/86 (b) Off-road motorcycles required to be registered under M.G.L. c. 90B shall not exceed 105dBA when operated at ½ redline speed. (c) For purposes of 540 CMR 3.00, redline speed is defined as the lowest numerical engine speed included in the red-zone ofthe motorcycle tachometer. If the particular motorcycle has no tachometer, a hand held tachometer meeting the specifications of 540 CMR 3.03(4) shall be used together with ½ of the redline speed as specified by the manufacturer of the particular motorcycle.