Vehicle Noise Regulations

[Cahuna]

Just a heads up for everyone, changes to the wording of the Land Transport Rules around vehicle noise emmissions are currently in the consultation phase. By my reading it really just clarifies the existing testing criteria and sets out the procedure for when to undergo objective testing.

For those interested in reading it and giving a submissions (which can be done electronicaly) the info is at http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/consul ... equipment/

One interesting thing I did spot reading through is that if you do undertake an objective test and your vehicle passes it then you will not have to undergo an objective test again as long as you do not modify your exhaust after the test. So once you've passed you're legit, you don't need to keep getting it retested every time someone questions it.

I was also interested to note that there is a 2dB allowance for motorsport vehicles, something I was not previously aware of. I'm kind of surprised since I think that the dB limit for the road is 95dB, which is the same as for competition anyway. Leon?

[perfk]

It'd be nice to be able to test cars in a low-stress environment first and actually know how loud they are. I guess a garage with testing equipment would do this?

[big_boy]

one thing tho i had my exuast witch is way to loud for me at the moment tested at VTNZ they tested at 3,000rpm & it was just a pass 94.2db but when you load it up it miles louder so its really not going to affect some people that every one gets anoyed at

just for a note my exuast is factory manfold comeing thro as 2*2-1/4" pipes going thro 1 coby 16" on each exuast thro cannon stile 3-1/2 dump pipes on a 2.8L

this is alot louder than i thort it would be & than what you would every want to drive with but under no load its under the regulations but under load is very loud i mean my dad can here me comeing up the hill 1/2 way down south rd just because its loud at about 1500rpm under load

so what are they going to do about that?

[strx7]

Schedule A 3.8
Races: No vehicle may exceed 95 db(A).
The measurement shall be taken 30 metres at
a right angle from the track at a point where
the vehicle is at maximum power. No
compensation for differing climatic conditions
shall be applied.
(3) All Other Events: Noise emission from
competition vehicles shall not exceed 95 db(A)
and may be monitored at any time during a
competition, particularly where events include
the use of public roads and vehicles are operated
in close proximity to areas where excessive
noise may be of significant concern, i.e. citycentres,
residential areas, etc. Competitors are
reminded of the importance of maintaining
noise emissions to an environmentally
acceptable level, and to ensure that, where
appropriate, their vehicles are operated in a
considerate and appropriate manner at all times.



That equates to over 100dB at the tip

[no_8wire]

mmm I couldnt find the table which used to give mid engined cars and extra 4dB...have they removed that!

[Caveman]

thanks for the heads up chris

thankfully ive built a decent exhaust into my new car, however, its still loud as hell in the cabin due to engine noise and solid nolothane engine mounts

any one have an idea on the price to test an exhaust? Last I heard it would be around $100 dollars.

[Leon]

I was also interested to note that there is a 2dB allowance for motorsport vehicles, something I was not previously aware of. I'm kind of surprised since I think that the dB limit for the road is 95dB, which is the same as for competition anyway. Leon?

We've been feeding them information on our regs ... which could be amusing if now the road rules are 95db because the competition regs are that figure.

Now it's just down to if they use the same sort of testing, which of course they won't!!

[strx7]

when it comes to LTSA, if its obvious, they wont do it.

I recall a couple of years ago MSNZ did some investigation which said something like holders of competition licenses are 75 times less likely to be involved in a crash on public roads, therefore it'd be a good idea to teach people to drive/know their car better. LTSA's reponce to that was "we dont want people to race on the roads" ..................................


need we say any more in regards to LTSA's intelligence?

[Caveman]

mmm I couldnt find the table which used to give mid engined cars and extra 4dB...have they removed that!

Mid- and rear-engined vehicles
The objective noise test methodology allows an additional 4dBA for mid- and rear-engined vehicles. This allows for engine noise being included in the exhaust noise measurement due to the proximity of the engine. The 4dBA allowance is consistent with the international ISO 5130 Measurement of noise emitted by stationary road vehicles test methodology that the New Zealand objective noise test is based on, and with overseas practices.

[no_8wire]

cool...

[malc]

Schedule A 3.8
Races: No vehicle may exceed 95 db(A).
The measurement shall be taken 30 metres at
a right angle from the track at a point where
the vehicle is at maximum power. No
compensation for differing climatic conditions
shall be applied.
(3) All Other Events: Noise emission from
competition vehicles shall not exceed 95 db(A)
and may be monitored at any time during a
competition, particularly where events include
the use of public roads and vehicles are operated
in close proximity to areas where excessive
noise may be of significant concern, i.e. citycentres,
residential areas, etc. Competitors are
reminded of the importance of maintaining
noise emissions to an environmentally
acceptable level, and to ensure that, where
appropriate, their vehicles are operated in a
considerate and appropriate manner at all times.



That equates to over 100dB at the tip

I have always wondered how strict this is.
Being at the race track watching the formula libre/ formula 5000 cars, some of these cars are insanely loud. Its totally awesome and shouldn't change but they seem well over 95db

[strx7]

i could be wrong but i dont think the likes of the F5000 cars and other similar high powered single seaters come under schedule A in which case that noise rule doesn't apply.