Legal Decibel Limit For Motorcycle Exhaust In India
India, being one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world, has been facing a problem with noise pollution from motorcycle exhausts. The sound of a motorcycle exhaust can reach up to 100 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise level of a chainsaw or a rock concert. This can be harmful not only to the environment but also to the health of people living in the vicinity. Hence, the Indian government has set a legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts to tackle this issue.
What is a decibel?
A decibel (dB) is a unit that measures the intensity of sound. It is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 dB (the threshold of hearing) to 140 dB (the threshold of pain). Every increase of 10 dB is equivalent to a tenfold increase in sound intensity. For example, 70 dB is ten times as loud as 60 dB.
When it comes to motorcycle exhausts, the sound is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA), which takes into account the sensitivity of the human ear to different frequencies of sound. The A-weighting is denoted by the letter A after the decibel value (e.g., 80 dBA).
The legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts varies from country to country. In India, the limit is set by the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), which is a set of regulations established by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
What is the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in India?
The legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in India is 80 dBA at a distance of 7 feet from the vehicle. This means that the exhaust noise should not exceed 80 dBA when measured from a distance of 7 feet. In addition, the CMVR also mandates that all new motorcycles sold in India must comply with this limit.
It is important to note that the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in India is not applicable to aftermarket exhausts. Aftermarket exhausts refer to exhaust systems that are not manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and are installed by the owner of the motorcycle. These exhausts are not tested for noise levels and are not required to comply with the legal limit.
What are the penalties for violating the legal decibel limit?
Violating the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in India can result in a penalty. The penalty for the first-time offense is a fine of Rs. 1,000 (approximately $14). For subsequent offenses, the fine can go up to Rs. 2,000 (approximately $28).
In addition to the fine, the motorcycle owner may also be required to remove the offending exhaust and replace it with a compliant one. The motorcycle may also be impounded until the compliant exhaust is installed.
Why is it important to comply with the legal decibel limit?
Complying with the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to reduce noise pollution, which can have a negative impact on the environment and the health of people living in the vicinity. Excessive noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbance.
Secondly, complying with the legal decibel limit can also help to reduce the number of accidents caused by noise pollution. Loud exhausts can distract other drivers and make it difficult to hear emergency vehicles.
Lastly, complying with the legal decibel limit is the responsible thing to do. It shows that the motorcycle owner cares about the environment and the well-being of others.
Conclusion
The legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in India is 80 dBA at a distance of 7 feet from the vehicle. Violating this limit can result in a penalty and the requirement to replace the offending exhaust with a compliant one. It is important to comply with the legal decibel limit to reduce noise pollution, prevent accidents, and show responsibility towards the environment and others.