Legal Decibel Limit For Motorcycle Exhaust In Philippines
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation in the Philippines, and many riders have customized their bikes to make them stand out on the road. One popular modification is the installation of aftermarket exhaust systems, which can produce a louder and more aggressive sound than the stock exhaust. However, there are laws in place that regulate the noise level of motorcycle exhausts. In this article, we will discuss the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines and its impact on riders.
What is decibel?
Before we dive into the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines, let's first define what a decibel is. A decibel, often abbreviated as dB, is a unit of measurement used to express the intensity of sound. It is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 dB, which represents the threshold of human hearing, to 194 dB, which is the sound level at which sound waves can cause physical damage to the human body.
For reference, a normal conversation between two people is around 60 dB, while a rock concert can reach up to 120 dB. The louder the sound, the more decibels it produces.
Legal Decibel Limit For Motorcycle Exhausts in the Philippines
According to Republic Act No. 8749, also known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts is 99 dB for motorcycles with an engine displacement of 400cc or less, and 100 dB for motorcycles with an engine displacement of more than 400cc. This means that any motorcycle with an exhaust system that produces more than 99 dB or 100 dB, depending on the engine size, is considered illegal and can result in penalties for the rider.
The penalties for violating the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines can vary depending on the severity of the offense. The first offense can result in a fine of up to PHP 2,000, while subsequent offenses can result in fines of up to PHP 3,000 and the impounding of the motorcycle. In some cases, riders may also be required to attend seminars on responsible driving and environmental protection.
Impact on Riders
The legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines has a significant impact on riders, particularly those who have modified their bikes with aftermarket exhaust systems. These riders may be tempted to install exhaust systems that produce a louder sound, but doing so can result in penalties and fines.
Additionally, loud exhausts can be a nuisance to other motorists and pedestrians, as well as contribute to noise pollution. This is why the government has taken steps to regulate the noise level of motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines.
Riders who wish to customize their bikes with aftermarket exhaust systems should ensure that the exhaust meets the legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines. They can also consult with professionals to determine the best exhaust system for their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The legal decibel limit for motorcycle exhausts in the Philippines is an important regulation that aims to reduce noise pollution and promote responsible driving. Riders should be aware of the legal decibel limit and ensure that their exhaust systems comply with the regulations. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines that can have a significant impact on their finances and driving privileges.