WATERVILLE
Bikers vow to challenge tickets
Police end grace period over weekend
By Leslie Bridgers
Staff writer
WATERVILLE -- Police put local motorcyclists on alert this weekend, after handing out 13 tickets for loud exhaust pipes.
Gordon Austin, who was summonsed this weekend by Waterville police 0for having loud exhaust pipes, says he'll fight the ticket in court.
Staff photo by Leslie Bridgers
Bikers say they're outraged by the crackdown and plan on fighting their tickets, as well as the law that targets exhaust noise.
Changes to that law went into effect July 12, making it illegal to drive a car or motorcycle with an exhaust system that's modified to be louder.
Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey said last month that for two weeks after the law went into effect, his department would issue warnings for violations. That grace period ended Friday.
During the weekend, Massey said Monday, police issued summonses to 11 motorcyclists and two car drivers. The fine is $137.
Gordon Austin, who was one of the people to get ticketed, said the group of Harley-Davidson owners he hangs out with are collecting signatures for a petition to change the law.
"Everyone's just ripping, roaring mad," he said.
Austin lives in Canaan. Most days, he rides his motorcycle down to Waterville and hangs out by the Dunkin Donuts on College Avenue, where his friends get together in the late afternoon.
He used go for rides around town before meeting up with his friends, but now, once he crosses the Waterville border, he's staying put.
"I'm afraid to move," he said.
David Lefebvre, who owns The Starting Line Speed and Custom on College Avenue, said the changes to the law effectively make it illegal to upgrade a motorcycle's exhaust system, because replacement mufflers are all louder than the ones that come on the bikes.
Lefebvre said there's nothing in the law that says how loud is too loud, which puts inspectors like him in a precarious position, because they're only supposed to give out inspection stickers if bikes are in compliance with noise regulations.
"It's our word against the officer's word," Lefebvre said. "I think they need to give us some language that's more definitive."
Massey said he's heard the criticism that determining what's too loud shouldn't be at an officer's discretion. There are many laws in which police have to make a call about whether to hand out a ticket based on their common sense, he said.
But if a bike with an inspection sticker from Lefebvre's shop gets ticketed for excessive noise, his license is on the line, Lefebvre said. And there's no hard evidence that can show whether the officer or the inspector made the right determination.
"My mechanics are scared to put stickers on," he said.
Austin said he and his friends know people who ride motorcycles all around the state, and there's no other police department that's enforcing the new law to the extent that Waterville is.
York County sheriff's deputies set up a checkpoint on Route 1 in Arundel on Sunday, stopping 116 motorcycles to make sure the bikes were inspected and that the riders were aware of the changes to the law. They issued 21 tickets for motorcycles that hadn't been inspected or weren't legally registered.
Although Austin has changed his habits to ride in Waterville as little as possible, he said he's not about to downgrade his exhaust system because of the new law. He said it cost him $2,000 to replace his pipes, and it would cost just as much to change back.
"I'll pay my ticket if I have to," he said.
Lefebvre said the original exhausts for some older bikes aren't made anymore, so their owners couldn't change back if they wanted to.
Massey said he thinks some motorcyclists already have altered their riding and driving habits in light of the new law, because he's noticed less noise coming from exhaust pipes since it went into effect.
"It seems a lot of people are voluntarily complying with the law, and that's what we want," he said.
Massey also said he's gotten positive feedback from people who had been disturbed by excessive exhaust noise while they were sleeping, gardening or sitting on their porches.
"It's a quality of life issue," he said.
Leslie Bridgers -- 861-9252
lbridgers@centralmaine.com
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126 COMMENTS
C-Fairer said...
"I was 5 years old the first time I heard a Harley. I thought the heavens had opened up and that Thor was smashing the world to atoms," Dave Nichols, editor of Easyriders magazine, recalled. "You could hear that Harley thunder coming from miles away. It was, and is, the sound of rebellion. It is a sound as unique as American rock 'n' roll. ____________ Home of the Free, RIP
July 27, 2010 at 1:17 AM Report abuse
chddus1 said...
It is just another way of taking freedom from you fight this I don't think The noise is bad at all and it's only for summer in Maine thats a pretty short stretch .Wake up America .
July 27, 2010 at 4:45 AM Report abuse
rmatts said...
this is ridiculous.... well if they can't have their sweet sounding exhaust then i want to complain about the loudness of the sirens on emergency vehicles after 9pm when i'm trying to sleep!!!!!!!
July 27, 2010 at 4:59 AM Report abuse
icu2 said...
Excessively load exhaust systems are unnecessary on motorcycles or cars or trucks. Shut them down! I am glad this law is being enforced. Keep up the good work.
July 27, 2010 at 5:22 AM Report abuse
oob911 said...
Finally we might get back our FREEDOM to Peace and Quiet! Hope the cops continue enforcing this law. One bike can wake up several residents or tourists in the middle of the night with their so called thrill of freedom. There are too many bikes with illegal exhausts This is totally insane. Inspection laws are enforced for cars, trucks and buses. So why are bikes so special, and do not have to obey the inspection laws? We need check points in Old Orchard Beach.
July 27, 2010 at 5:48 AM Report abuse
springs said...
Even if parts of this law are found to be unenforceable, the first part which requires vehicles to have a muffler, seems to be enforceable. And it's very easy to see when a motorcycle doesn't have a muffler; http://www.noiseoff.org/motorcycles.php Since 42 percent of Maine's registered motorcycles in 2009 didn't bother to get an inspection sticker, that's reason enough to stop a loud motorcycle. And, any part of the law that's not enforceable, simply needs to have the wording changed. There are thousands of Mainers who want something done about loud motorcycles.
July 27, 2010 at 5:54 AM Report abuse
Gary said...
This law will not be overturned by a people's veto. The vast majority of Mainers, including many bike riders, aren't in favor of the rediculous noise polution caused by illegal exhaust systems...and that's on ANY type of vehicle.
July 27, 2010 at 6:01 AM Report abuse
Happy1957 said...
I don't agree with the new law as it is written. I agree that as in all situations, people take advantage, anything in moderation is good. I do agree that loud exhausts or louder than factory installed exhausts, especially foreign bikes are necessary in order for people to look around and see you. Unless you are a biker yourself and aware of the dangers, bikes are just not noticed by the average person. In today’s world of electronic distractions, people putting on make-up, eating, scolding their children and over all inattentiveness in vehicles, some sort of attention getter is necessary. If a bikes sound is heard coming around the corner, the first thing I do and assume others do too, is pick up my head and look for it, making me aware that it's present. I am an mature woman who has only been biking for two summers. I have an aftermarket exhaust installed, exactly as it came out of the package. It's not obnoxious, but loud enough to let the inattentive’s know that I'm coming.
July 27, 2010 at 6:09 AM Report abuse
SkyPilot55 said...
When I was a child, I thought like a child, I acted like a child - and I drilled holes in my motorcycle exhaust and then swapped to loud pipes. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways and habits, and now have a legal exhaust system on my Harley that still has a nice rumble, yet doesn't annoy the neighbors or my fellow riders. It's unfortunate that this new law is necessary, but some children never seem to grow up.
July 27, 2010 at 6:15 AM Report abuse
Dale6767 said...
It's a good law. It affects all vehicles, not just motorcycles, so stop feeling picked on. The argument that loud pipes make you more noticeable is garbage. If an inattentive driver doesn't see you, he isn't going to hear you either. Drive defensively. I just wish Skowhegan PD would get aggressive with this too, but it looks like they aren't going to bother.
July 27, 2010 at 6:28 AM Report abuse
cone42 said...
Our environment is already to full of noise pollution. I’m more then please that this law is in effect. I live on a busy road and have to listen to very loud bikes and cars all day long. I support this law 100%
July 27, 2010 at 6:34 AM Report abuse
usareader said...
I would prefer to hear the low rumble myself rather than some of the overly obnoxious sounds, not only from some motorcycles, but from some cars and trucks too. I agree, I would much rather hear the motorcycle knowing others may possibly hear it too and not pull out in front of them. I have a blind driveway. I'd rather hear the rumble than have the rider crash as I drive out of my driveway.
July 27, 2010 at 6:35 AM Report abuse
null said...
Its a lot quieter here on Spring street sense the eviction of True Ink Tattoos and its owner. I didn't have an opinion on loud pipes until I encountered this idiot. Even though many bikers, with louder pipes then his, frequented his establishment. They seemed to be able to come and go without being heard a mile away. Its not the pipes that are loud!! Its the want to be's that have caused this problem. Any bike , truck, or car can be loud if there's a fool on the throttle.
July 27, 2010 at 6:38 AM Report abuse
clodhopper said...
Maine people have spoke move out of maine if you dont like it, the new no noise law begins with these words which means the majority of mainers in the state want the new law. "ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF MAINE Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1912, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read Effective July 12, 2010
July 27, 2010 at 6:50 AM Report abuse
AwayForNow said...
If excessive noise is legislated, then legislators will be the only ones excessively noisy.
July 27, 2010 at 6:54 AM Report abuse
Tired said...
My car has to comply so can their bikes.
July 27, 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse
wollydevil said...
The police should come an sit in my door yard so they can hear the dump trucks coming before they gey here . I half to keep the doors an windows close so they don't drown out tv.Even with the doors an windows close they still manage to drown out my tv an i have it on loud.
July 27, 2010 at 7:17 AM Report abuse
PhyllisY said...
"It's a quality of life issue," he said. Exactly. Where do I send my donations to the Waterville Police Department?
July 27, 2010 at 7:18 AM Report abuse
Griz said...
the fact is Null is right noise makers brought this on themselves with their throttles and don't want to deal with the aftermath. Its just like guns the gun doesn't do the bad deed its the person holding it. Its not the bike or its pipes its the dummy on the throttle operating it.
July 27, 2010 at 7:30 AM Report abuse
mdenis46 said...
rmatts, what a ridiculous argument! Show me a loud motorcycle that's going on a potentially life-saving mission after 9PM! Only problem I have with loud noise (and from cars with cranked-up bass, too) is that if the decibel level is not specified in the law, then it's overly broad, and probably unconstitutional. Personal opinion -- those who must make the loud noises are just trying to draw attention to themselves, an immature attitude at best. I WANT to hear the rumble of a motorcycle as a safety measure, but the ROAR? Not necessary.
July 27, 2010 at 7:43 AM Report abuse
MeMissU said...
20,000 cars a day/night go by my front door, just six feet from the street and the noise keeps us from sitting on the porch or even recording my son on the piano, or of the children playing outside because of the bacground noise that affects the quality of our life...and, we're not moving! The bikes, trucks, boom-boxes, train station, Gregory's disposal at 6 a.m. etc..American Glass crashing metal and glass and drilling/sawing before business hours and on weekends is alot to live with, and I'm all for NoiseOFF and for even more laws put into effect regulating certain hours of the day or night for all activities that create noise pollution. It disturbs the peace, robs you from the enjoyment of home, and affects the quality of life, it's depressing, annoying, a nuisance, scary, disruptive, and makes you crazy, with no recourse but the Law! I'm for more Laws and more enforcement!! Already nuts here.
July 27, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
emankcin said...
Sort of makes you feel targeted, like being called a 'deadbeat.' I would advise that police need to stop and check all loud trucks too, as lots of those idiots change mufflers on brand new trucks just to make some noise. There is no need for it and if they can afford to change a brand new truck's muffler, they can afford a ticket. I would even be the bikers spokesman on this. I live in a huge valley and love the sound of a Harley coming and going on a quiet day.
July 27, 2010 at 7:49 AM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
Good luck trying to reverse the law! Majority of Mainer's are in favor of controlling excessive noise from motorized vehicles.
July 27, 2010 at 7:50 AM Report abuse
punk51 said...
what about the dam jake brake noise the rigs make in town????? the state could make a fortune from these idiots
July 27, 2010 at 7:56 AM Report abuse
d2FybG9yZA%3D%3D said...
This tops it. Maine has officially become a suburb of Mass.. Florida here I come. There is no inspection in Fla. and so has yet to become a police state like the rest of the northeast.I guess you folks no longer want my tax dollars as you have usurped the last of my freedoms.
July 27, 2010 at 7:57 AM Report abuse
clodhopper said...
maine is and always has been a state where people want it quiet. the tiny small number of people who like loud motorcyles,trucks,cars HAVE MADE IT SEEM and fooled people they are the majority with their loud noises. loud noise is not maine the way life should be. the new law means one thing: GAME OVER
July 27, 2010 at 7:59 AM Report abuse
cmh140 said...
I wonder how many fighting this crap it would take to clog the court system. Might as well give it a shot.
July 27, 2010 at 8:01 AM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
My modified pipes are quieter than the originals. You want me to put the factory pipes back on? OK!
July 27, 2010 at 8:05 AM Report abuse
bigjake said...
daaah??? where do they come up with this $137. dollars?? thats an awfull steep fine for such a unlawfull noise. they don,t even fine perverts that much. they just slap them on the hand and put them back on the streets. i can see for bikers being too loud when they first take off but like one commenter said, its only 6 months out of the year and besides it cost them all out rages to regester them for that length of time not counting insureance!! lighten up you law-wrighters. big jake
July 27, 2010 at 8:10 AM Report abuse
null said...
Sounds like a pretty dull weekend for the police. I am sure they could of found something better to do than hand out 13 tickets for loud exhaust. Our tax dollars hard at work- yea right!!!!!
July 27, 2010 at 8:14 AM Report abuse
Snow1 said...
wollydevil said:The police should come an sit in my door yard so they can hear the dump trucks coming before they gey here . I half to keep the doors an windows close so they don't drown out tv. Do you have a brain? These dump trucks and drivers are WORKING for a living, not simply out joy riding!
July 27, 2010 at 8:17 AM Report abuse
Sassy1 said...
Love the sound of Harleys in the summer!! & like chddus1 says:we have a very short stretch of summer in Maine!!! For Cripe's sake,people: GET A FREAKIN' GRIP!! Some ppl just complain to COMPLAIN!!
July 27, 2010 at 8:25 AM Report abuse
mch2o said...
I like after market pipes that are louder than stock...that being said they were never loud around town only when you really rev'd the crap out of it like ripping back roads. These Harley pipes that have no baffles are OBNOXIOUS! And the Honda Civics with trash can size mufflers-terrible. There needs to be a level that is set, like the previous poster said everything in moderation. We know cops are like everyone else that don't always use common sense so they need better verbiage.
July 27, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse
THVja3lkYWQ%3D said...
I am actually happy they finally put loud exhaust law I live right in down town and the noise is just horrible!! Especially when they do it on purpose.....My daughters cover their ears and people on motorcycles think it is funny so they rev it up even more!!! People need to have respect for those little ears!!
July 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
Jonsey said...
If a man needs an extra loud noise to prove something to himself then be ready to pay the fine. No one enjoys having their ear drums blasted because of your needs (whatever they may be). Grow up - do you ride a motorcycle for the fun of it or because it makes you a MAN???
July 27, 2010 at 8:31 AM Report abuse
roughrider said...
It's about time. BTW you can get parts even for older bikes - open your eyes and it is amazing what you can see.
July 27, 2010 at 8:43 AM Report abuse
mungo said...
All motorcyclists should be sensitive to community standards and respect the right of fellow citizens to enjoy a peaceful environment.
July 27, 2010 at 8:54 AM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
But if a bike with an inspection sticker from Lefebvre's shop gets ticketed for excessive noise, his license is on the line, Lefebvre said. And there's no hard evidence that can show whether the officer or the inspector made the right determination. ___ NO determination was involved by the inspection mechanic. Any twit with a basic toolbox can change a motorcycle exhaust. He brought it in with the factory pipes and got the sticker, then went home a changed it. So what? In order for the inspection mechanic's license to be pulled the loud pipes would have to be on the bike when inspected.
July 27, 2010 at 8:56 AM Report abuse
Griz said...
Jake brakes are included in this law
July 27, 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse
chromedome said...
Everyone seems to be missing the real point here, this is just another REVENUE ENHANCMENT gimmick the cash hungry Maine Legislature had found to extract money they don’t dare take by taxing.
July 27, 2010 at 9:08 AM Report abuse
enuffsaid said...
This is crazy. As if the PD has nothing better to do than hand out tickets for loud noise. Understandable that before and after a certain time there should be noise restrictions. But at the same time.... I do not ride myself, but I love to hear Harleys. I love the rumble in my chest. But, some do go overboard with them. I think there needs to be a happy medium with this law. Someone driving down Main St with their radio so loud it's making the windows in the shops vibrate, thats too much, and thats for attention. Loud exhaust on bikes.... Thats a bike. I have never seen a motorcycle pull up behind me and I said "Holy S*&t I didn't see that there" Bikes are loud, whether its stock, or after market. I do believe the noise can save lives, because you know they are there. No one will ever be happy with the laws, because people by nature like to complain. But our freedom to make our own choices is slipping away.
July 27, 2010 at 9:08 AM Report abuse
jules said...
Hmmmm... this really makes me wonder how many of the people that complain about "noise" go to watch fireworks??? Suppose those could be made to be just pretty without the noise?? Or should we ban those too??? BTW, I am not a man, but I do drive my own motorcycle. I ride for fun & because it is economical. Driving to & from work 5 days a week costs me $8.00 a week on my bike versus $45.00 a week in my truck. That's helping me to save money so I can buy a BIGGER, LOUDER bike!!!
July 27, 2010 at 9:15 AM Report abuse
Jpouliot said...
My god people!! Like a few others said, its only 6 months out of the year when you can ride a motorcycle. I live in town waterville and i never have problems with the bike noise. What I do have problems with is people squeeling their tires, but no one ever pulls over the punks who think its funny to do this all hours of the day. I think people should worry more about sex offenders and drug dealers then a bikers exhaust.
July 27, 2010 at 9:18 AM Report abuse
oldpole said...
Most harleys even with most of the aftermarket exausts, holding a steady rpm, will pass the factory 93db noise level. What fires up people most is the idiot with a tuned header on a rice, cranking 11,000rpm in a residential area.
July 27, 2010 at 9:20 AM Report abuse
brandiblue76 said...
This is for rmatts: Do you know how ignorant you sound comparing emergency vehicles to the noise made by these illegally modified noisemakers! Give me a break. You can't claim you're taking away one person's rights while infringing upon another's rights. Perhaps these folks could find a more positive, reasonable way to spend their time and money aside from disturbing the peace.
July 27, 2010 at 9:34 AM Report abuse
Valve said...
oob911, I see you're all over the web spouting your agreement with this law. Please get a life and use a different format for your perceived issues in OOB. Thank you
July 27, 2010 at 9:46 AM Report abuse
inthewind said...
I believe this law is poorly written, There is no way to judge what your bike was when it was stock, without mesuring decible's! keep fighting those ticket's as I will!!! and join ubm!They are the only voice we have in augusta!
July 27, 2010 at 9:47 AM Report abuse
enuffsaid said...
Brandiblue~ I think what rmatts is trying to do is make a point that there are other things besides bikes that are loud and disturb the peace that we have no control over. Why should it be acceptable for some, but not for others. Obviously emergency vehicles need to be loud in certain instances, but I think the point was that its not just loud pipes that disturb people.
July 27, 2010 at 9:52 AM Report abuse
brandiblue76 said...
enuffsaid - I think you've misunderstood my point. There is a massive difference between "noise" for necessity, such as work and emergency vehicles and "noise" for pure selfish enjoyment. How much clearer can I make that?
July 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM Report abuse
gracie39 said...
"ripping, roaring mad?" The only ones that have this opinion about this well-placed law are the rednecks who spent two grand on obnoxious pipes that annoy everyone within a one mile radius. All towns should be mandated to STRICTLY enforce this law, and ticketed individuals should be required to show proof that they have rectified the offense.
July 27, 2010 at 10:06 AM Report abuse
jules said...
If ANYONE gets stopped, ANYWHERE on your bike & gets a ticket.... STAND UP for yourself!! Do NOT just send in your fine!!! Take the time, go to court, tie up the judicial system!!! It will cost the state MORE in the end!!! A Judge, DA, court secretary, a court room, & an officer. And the Officer HAS to be there or you win!! It will NOT cost YOU any more, except your time, Maybe they will all think more about this law that was passed in the dark of the night!! As far as Wtvl's Chief Massey... Remove the M...ey. What's left??? He should spend more time on the BOOM Box stereos in town & the riff-raff in Wtvl than on the innocent biker!!!! Ok.... I'm wound up now!!! I want a BIGGER, LOUDER BIKE!!!! And I want it to be blue too. :)
July 27, 2010 at 10:09 AM Report abuse
enuffsaid said...
Brandiblue~ So maybe motorcycles, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, and any other vehicle that may be loud and not considered a "necessity" should be outlawed? How dare anyone have some enjoyment in their lives... Especially the people that have worked hard their entire life and retired after all those years of working and now want to ride a motorcycle for their enjoyment after retirement... How selfish. What are they thinking.... Now who sounds ignorant. Just because someone enjoys something that you dont like, doesn't make them selfish.
July 27, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
maggiemay said...
All you are is a bunch of whine ^$$ bikers who have NO RESPECT for other people then you wonder WHY don't other people respect you's>!!! Whah Whah.!!I'm glad they have cracked down on the loud bikes. Makes my community alot quieter for sure.Yes, they have also cracked down on trucks & cars also so stop your whining like a little kid.This law is not going to change back so get used to it or get out.!!!:):):)
July 27, 2010 at 10:23 AM Report abuse
FredTaylor said...
Don't blame the cops, our Legislature enacted this law. We should petetion to get rid of about 1/2 of our law makers. There is way too many of them for such a small and poor state. They have nothing productive to do so they create dumb laws by the bushel. Liars and thieves.
July 27, 2010 at 10:33 AM Report abuse
maggiemay said...
The fine of $137.00 is not nearly big enough. The bikers know the law so confiscate their bikes also.Maybe after they take a few, people will wake up and understand the LAW!!!!
July 27, 2010 at 10:40 AM Report abuse
Credi said...
I bought my truck from a dealer with an aftermarket exhaust a few years ago. I will be happy to change it if the State flips the bill.
July 27, 2010 at 10:44 AM Report abuse
JST said...
BOO! HOO! My son got a warning for the exhaust being too loud on his car. Guess what? He got it fixed. Being on a bike doesn't exempt you from the laws that pertain to everyone else. Deal with it and quit crying.
July 27, 2010 at 10:44 AM Report abuse
AR5 said...
Jules, instead of wasting all your time, energy and money on whining about this, how about you just comply with the law?
July 27, 2010 at 10:59 AM Report abuse
Jeanna said...
Common sense on part of the police, how about common sense on part of the bikers out there... do you really need to open the throttle every 500 feet or so while cruising at 25, 35, 45?? I know how proud you are of how much noise you can make from your bike, but do you need to make this display for everyone you encounter during your ride? It reminds me of high schoolers cranking their radio and accelerating as hard as possible after every stop sign just so people will notice them. In this instance I can't say that have I pity for people doing something annyoing as an attempt to get attention.
July 27, 2010 at 11:00 AM Report abuse
AR5 said...
"Austin lives in Canaan. Most days, he rides his motorcycle down to Waterville and hangs out by the Dunkin Donuts on College Avenue, where his friends get together in the late afternoon." ================================= How productive. He clearly has plenty of time to fix his motorcycle.
July 27, 2010 at 11:01 AM Report abuse
inthewind said...
Nice to see the crime rate in waterville has dropped! I see that the police have no crime's to solve or prevent and have nothing more to do than hassel biker's! 13 ticket's at least 20 minute's a piece, Lot's of time lost doing more important thing's!!!
July 27, 2010 at 11:06 AM Report abuse
jack33 said...
If America really is the "Home of the Free" then that must include freedom from other people's noise. ________________ NO it is NOT enough to say with great laziness "if you don't like it, go elsewhere. YOU must take your noise elsewhere, if you want to make the noise. You DO NOT ask others to leave. Cancer cigarette smokers tried and (thank God) failed this same argument. __________________ You are NOT free to inflict your needlessly loud, short-penis-compensating motorcycles on others. Motorcycles can be made quiet and still operate perfectly fine. Except for the short-penis problem.
July 27, 2010 at 11:13 AM Report abuse
Dale6767 said...
jules said... If ANYONE gets stopped, ANYWHERE on your bike & gets a ticket.... STAND UP for yourself!! Do NOT just send in your fine!!! Take the time, go to court, tie up the judicial system!!! It will cost the state MORE in the end!!! A Judge, DA, court secretary, a court room, & an officer. And the Officer HAS to be there or you win!! It will NOT cost YOU any more, except your time, Tax paying Mainers will foot the bill for all these trialsyou're encouraging. Sounds like you're not taking that fact into account, wonder why that is...
July 27, 2010 at 11:15 AM Report abuse
jules said...
maggiemay should crawl back under her rock in Bingham until her mailbox check gets here on the 1st.
July 27, 2010 at 11:15 AM Report abuse
MainenCrisis said...
Doesnt he have a job?
July 27, 2010 at 11:16 AM Report abuse
jules said...
AR5 said... Jules, instead of wasting all your time, energy and money on whining about this, how about you just comply with the law? Not really sure where that came from?? I am not wasting any time, energy or money & I am certainly NOT whining! I DO comply with the law..... whatever that may be. My bike has the original exhaust & I have a sticker. But..... If I could afford it, I WOULD have a BIGGER bike with a MUCH louder exhaust on it!!! That way, maybe, just maybe some of the very ignorant drivers that DON'T see me will be able to HEAR me!!!!! LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!
July 27, 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse
jules said...
Dale6767....... Tax paying Mainers will foot the bill for all these trialsyou're encouraging. Sounds like you're not taking that fact into account, wonder why that is... Yes I have taken that into account & when the costs are mounting then maybe TAXPAYERS will think twice about wanting ridiculous laws on the books!!! And for the record Dale6767... I AM a taxpayer. I work 40+ hours a week & have for 30+ years! Still don't earn enough to buy a BIGGER, LOUDER bike though! Someday...........
July 27, 2010 at 11:32 AM Report abuse
null said...
bikers do alot of money rasing rides for different causes for people in maine. i guess that doesnt matter but the hand is still out there. can,t waite for them to cancel the toy run
July 27, 2010 at 11:34 AM Report abuse
AR5 said...
Jules said, "I DO comply with the law..... whatever that may be" ============================== Then please stop whining and encouraging people to break the law.
July 27, 2010 at 11:37 AM Report abuse
Rebecca said...
I understand the argument that loud pipes make people aware of the bike. However, your pipes shouldn't be loud enough to cause physical pain, which many of them do( at least for me). I live on Main St and my apartment building is surrounded by other tall buildines. Bikers just love to gun it through that corridor and it hurts to listen to.
July 27, 2010 at 11:50 AM Report abuse
Jpouliot said...
jules i agree with you about maggiemay....and to Null...you are right, no one here has said anything about all the good the bikers do and the fund raisers they put on for the children. Like I said before, there are worse things going on out in the community to worry about then an exhaust you might hear for 2 seconds driving by your house. To OOB who says "Finally we might get back our freedom to peace and quiet" if thats what you want, go live in the woods somewhere and you will have your freedom to peace and quiet. I wish my kids had the freedom to play out side without having to worry about perverts, and petifiles. You chose to live in a highly populated area like OOB, so get used to it, or move.
July 27, 2010 at 11:51 AM Report abuse
AR5 said...
"You chose to live in a highly populated area like OOB, so get used to it, or move." ================================== That's the spirit. People should get used to others breaking a law or move. Really? That is your argument? For goodness sake's people, nobody is asking you to do brain surgery. Do you drive a car? Has it been such a tragedy in your life to make sure your car complies with this law?
July 27, 2010 at 11:59 AM Report abuse
papajuluet said...
Of course this small but loud special interest group is going to challenge a citation. That's what childish, self-centered miscreants do. This is typical of of group of faux-barbarians that have never exhibited the slightest degrees of concern for anyone else. Now that the law has finally gotten up to speed on this issue they are getting all "hurt" about it. What a pathetic bunch. Please help by signing the petition below. Thanks. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/niceandquiet
July 27, 2010 at 12:02 PM Report abuse
enuffsaid said...
AR5-- let me guess, you are a crabby person with no joy in your life so since nothing makes you happy, no one else should be happy either?? This isn't going to be a matter of just loud cars or bikes. What about in the winter when the snowmobiles are out?? True, some people are overboard with the amount of noise and when or where they do it, but seriously? If everyone just had some common sense and a little respect, then the issue might not be present. Not everyone on a loud bike is an @ss out to get attention. I would still rather see the law being used to enforce real crimes. Has anyone looked on the Maine.gov website? Have you seen the amount of perverts on the registry? I would rather see the PD working on that issue than pulling someone over for a loud exhaust in the middle of the afternoon. Priorities around here are messed up. And I would love to move. But they are messed up everywhere.
July 27, 2010 at 12:09 PM Report abuse
ModerateOne said...
Sounds like the Mayor of Waterville is against personal freedoms!
July 27, 2010 at 12:11 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
enuffsaid, your guess is wrong.
July 27, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse
Ricky105 said...
ITS ABOUT TIME. Cars have had to tone down their exhaust for years now. Motorcycles have run straight pipes for years now.With no one saying a word. Its about time...
July 27, 2010 at 12:32 PM Report abuse
fellowbiker said...
For those who say the bikes are not getting piked on and it applies to everyone...GET A CLUE!!!!! I was in Waterville this weekend and witnessed a biker getting picked on first hand. There was a car in front of me at the light with after market LOUD exhaust and bass bumping and a Harley in the right lane next to me...I could hardly hear the Harley over the noise of the car....yet the Waterville officer came flying up behind the motorcycle and pulled it over and the LOUD car went on its merry way...so don't tell me that they are not picking on the biker!!!! There should not be a law that you have to run stock exhaust, there should be a law that you can not be over a certain decible and that is it! and no I was not the biker that got pulled over in case you are wondering, I went down Main St behind the car grumbling because he should ahve been pulled over and not the biker, he was FAR LOUDER
July 27, 2010 at 12:33 PM Report abuse
wollydevil said...
Snow1 that dose not matter if that dump truck is to loud than the company should be ticked loud noise is loud noise no matter were it comes from. But yet its ok to be 15 feet from a parade with sirens blasting for 15 mins. an you think its great !! an you are all smiles
July 27, 2010 at 12:34 PM Report abuse
SnVzdFN0b3BJdA%3D%3D said...
I'm very happy to hear that they are enforcing this law. And to dispell some of the statements made in the comments section - you don't get a ticket for having an aftermarket exhaust - you get a ticket for having a LOUD aftermarket exhaust. If your aftermarket exhaust is quiet, you have nothing to worry about. Also, comparing bike pipes to fireworks is just stupid on so many levels. And the law applies to more than just bikes, which is the way it should be. Bikes, while a big part of the problem, are not the only problem, and I'm glad that obnoxious cars/trucks will also be fined. It's time to bring back quality of life as an important attribute to this state.
July 27, 2010 at 1:03 PM Report abuse
BobbyR said...
If find it interesting that Mr Gordon chose to take a picture not showing his straight pipes... After all this is an aritical about loud pipes and he's afraid to show his.... PPH should have insisted that he take a picture in front of his "Baffeless" pipes. To all you loud pipe bums, please get a peoples veto initiative on the ballot. We'll give you the biggest smack down you've ever seen! Congratulations to all the PD's for cracking down on these low lifes! They have asked for it now lets givem more enforcement!!!!
July 27, 2010 at 1:05 PM Report abuse
williealso said...
I somewhat agree with RMatt, I have nothing against emergency vehicle using their sirens whem responding to an emergency.Now if they are in a parade it is the same as loud pipes on a bike. People talk about young children covering their ears when a motorcycle goes by, go and see it being done when emergency vehicle blasting their loud horns and sirens going down the street in a parade. What is the different????
July 27, 2010 at 1:35 PM Report abuse
ZmF0Ym95NTk5OQ%3D%3D said...
I have had a bike for nearly 35 years and have never had a problem with the exhaust on any of my bikes,Stock or non-stock.It is all on how you ride.I was pulled over at the Arundel checkpoint on Sunday and the York County sheriif was respectful,but I did feel that the bikes were being singled out.All of my paperwork was up to date and my exhaust noise was not checked even though I have an aftermarket exhaust system,I was never informed of the the new law.As far as I am concerned I am legal.So does that mean when I go for a new sticker next month I should pass????
July 27, 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse
demelza said...
Boo-hoo..about time someone cracked down on you noise polluters. I know OOB has been a lot quieter..
July 27, 2010 at 1:53 PM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
The publics freedoms are increased each time one of these obnoxious motorcycles are being forced to be quieter.
July 27, 2010 at 1:56 PM Report abuse
august1 said...
Yes, another nanny law for the nanny state and for those who have nothing better to do but complain about summer noise. What on earth will you people complain about now? Perhaps the 5 year old on his bicycle ringing his bell? Honestly, get a life.
July 27, 2010 at 2:04 PM Report abuse
roger-park said...
Your Joking, These riders have the money to modified their bikes to make louder. But, can not find the cash to afford a muffler. To the point a law enforcement officer, doesn't know what a excessive exhaust system is? If the exhaust system, could be quieter then it should be.!! Let's be honest, all vehicle are required to have a muffler. Muffler, does what? Muffles sound. So, if your ride your bike. And, you can hear the bikes engine, thats good. Any other levels of sounds, that you need to share with the public. You can keep it. Your riding the bike, I do not want to ride your bike, so keep your sound to yourself. And, by the way it does not matter what rear jewelry your riding on, your never going to be Jesse James, Big Pauly Sr., Captain America or Harley himself.
July 27, 2010 at 2:05 PM Report abuse
roger-park said...
Your Joking, These riders have the money to modified their bikes to make louder. But, can not find the cash to afford a muffler. To the point a law enforcement officer, doesn't know what a excessive exhaust system is? If the exhaust system, could be quieter then it should be.!! Let's be honest, all vehicles are required to have a muffler. Muffler, does what? Muffles sound. So, if your ride your bike. And, you can hear the bikes engine, thats good. Any other levels of sounds, that you need to share with the public. You can keep it. Your riding the bike, I do not want to ride your bike, so keep your sound to yourself. And, by the way it does not matter what rear end jewelry your riding on, your never going to be Jesse James, Big Pauly Sr., Captain America or Harley himself. Later you organ donors
July 27, 2010 at 2:13 PM Report abuse
Shaker said...
Get ready Portland Airport, Bangor Airport and any other airports that have jets or turbo props flying in you will be next too much noise so we need to stop it. Go get them legislature.
July 27, 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse
doubtsit said...
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
July 27, 2010 at 3:00 PM Report abuse
roger-park said...
Your Joking, These riders have the money to modified their bikes to make louder. But, can not find the cash to afford a muffler. To the point a law enforcement officer, doesn't know what a excessive exhaust system is? If the exhaust system, could be quieter then it should be.!! Let's be honest, all vehicle are required to have a muffler. Muffler, does what? Muffles sound. So, if your ride your bike. And, you can hear the bikes engine, thats good. Any other levels of sounds, that you need to share with the public. You can keep it. Your riding the bike, I do not want to ride your bike, so keep your sound to yourself. And, by the way it does not matter what rear end jewelry your riding on, your never going to be Jesse James, Big Pauly Sr., Captain America or Harley himself.
July 27, 2010 at 3:00 PM Report abuse
TheFox75 said...
Good. Glad they're FINALLY getting tickets for this loud crap! It's ABOUT FREAKING TIME!
July 27, 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse
librlrepblcn said...
I changed my exhaust pipes for the sole porpose of looks. Unfortunately, there aren't any aftermarket pipes that are as quiet as stock ones. Does that mean I'm breaking the law? With almost every law, there is a grandfather law. Why do I have to spend more money to get my motorcycle to comply with a new law? It was perfectly legal prior to the new one.
July 27, 2010 at 4:14 PM Report abuse
NH said...
Just comply with the law. Problem solved. However, if you ride a bike and think laws don't apply to you, have fun going to court and paying tickets.
July 27, 2010 at 4:32 PM Report abuse
maggiemay said...
I don't get a mailbox check.I WORK for a living.!!!
July 27, 2010 at 4:33 PM Report abuse
Bole said...
And all guns should have silencers, they make too much noise.
July 27, 2010 at 4:49 PM Report abuse
Snow1 said...
wollydevill:you are an idiot. Take more jobs away from Maine to allow those lossers that don't work and just ride their "BIKES". grow up men and gals! I was in and out today yet I heard dump trucks, and BIKERS and the Bikers make much more noise. Not to mention, they are out later joy riding than dump truck drivers or long hauls!
July 27, 2010 at 4:52 PM Report abuse
watchout said...
There are many pickup trucks in the Belfast, Swanville,Monroe and Winterport area that are very loud, and certainly not stock. Some are almost new.Will these get the attention of Waldo county sheriff's officers? Don't hold your breath on that one..haven't seen any citations in the Belfast papers court news.
July 27, 2010 at 5:19 PM Report abuse
wollydevil said...
Snow 1 the dump trucks were going buy my house today were making as much noise as motorcycles if not more i could hear them coming down the road long before they got to my house (dump trucks )
July 27, 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse
librlrepblcn said...
clodhopper said... "Maine people have spoke"...That's funny, I don't remember voting? History should tell you that just because something was voted on by your representatives, doesn't mean that the majority wanted it. George W. didn't get the majority's vote his first term.
July 27, 2010 at 6:16 PM Report abuse
bastaa said...
It's a quality of life issue??? What an arrogant example of the bikers who quite frankly don't give an expletive. Egocentric too boot!!!! People's referendum??? Are you kidding? Heck let's have one on speed limits who needs them. Tell Mister wanna be Easy Rider, which he ain't, that he can take the baby out of the crib after he ruins the nap.
July 27, 2010 at 6:20 PM Report abuse
librlrepblcn said...
PhyllisY said... "It's a quality of life issue," he said. Exactly. Where do I send my donations to the Waterville Police Department?"...The best way?...Move to Waterville and pay your taxes...
July 27, 2010 at 6:21 PM Report abuse
librlrepblcn said...
MeMissU said... 20,000 cars a day/night go by my front door, just six feet from the street and the noise keeps us from sitting on the porch"...I've said it before...Was that street 6 feet from your house when you moved in? If so, you made the choice to live 6 feet from noise. You shouldn't be asking to change the laws because of the decisions that you made.
July 27, 2010 at 6:26 PM Report abuse
mungo said...
It has been against the law to modify a bikes muffler for many years. The law was rarely enforced in Maine in part because biker clubs promised to educate there fellow riders about loud pipes. Well "education" didn't work very well so now the police are forced to deal with it.
July 27, 2010 at 7:26 PM Report abuse
NancyJ said...
If these people fight their tickets as well as they fought to prevent the law from passing in the first place it won't be much of a fight. From the beginning and in many ways it's been a lot of flash but not much real substance.
July 27, 2010 at 7:59 PM Report abuse
wollydevil said...
Mungo The same can be said about cars an trucks that cause motorcycle accidents that education has not worked . Time for forcing police to deal with it.
July 27, 2010 at 8:09 PM Report abuse
ALee said...
I live on 201, very very busy rd. I hear traffic all day and night. Sometimes yes it gets annoying. But my driveway happens to be next to a hill on 201. More often than not I hear traffic before I see it. Hitting a car would be devistating. But hitting a motorcycle because I didn't see or hear it would be much much worse. There would be no doubt in my mind that biker and passenger would lose their lives. Honestly if it means they live I would rather be woken in the middle of the night by exhaust noise then pull off my road during the day and kill two people because of this law. I think there are many more things that could be targeted besides bikers or any vehicle that makes noise.
July 27, 2010 at 8:43 PM Report abuse
icu2 said...
I am glad to hear that the law is being enforced. I for one am tired of the loud exhaust systems on ALL veicles when it is totally preventable.
July 27, 2010 at 9:07 PM Report abuse
snowlover said...
"I'm afraid to move" If your exhaust is within the legal limit, you have no reason to be afraid to move. I certainly shouldn't have to listen to your excessively loud exhaust.
July 27, 2010 at 9:19 PM Report abuse
clodhopper said...
i agree with BobbyR, please.., i beg you..put the noise law on a ballot and watch how it get crushed like no other referendum in the history of the state
July 27, 2010 at 9:22 PM Report abuse
clodhopper said...
THERE ARE 1.3 MILLION PEOPLE IN MAINE 1 million,328000 mainers are for the noise law and want thenoise crap to stop in maine neighborhoods only about 5000 people in the state want to ride loud cycles,trucks,cars, and want to make it seem the whole state is with them. its not
July 27, 2010 at 9:38 PM Report abuse
Bernie said...
I don't own a Bike, but I support the bikers that ride and enjoy doing it 1000%. Like one person said, some people grow up and obey the Law. I have seen way more "fart cans" on cars that have 4 or 6 cylinders, but people put them on to sound more "Macho? I say this: Loud Pipes Save Lives and Those who ride decide. I have a CDL so you really get to see "up high" what people are doing behind the wheel like: "texting, smoking and putting on makeup. This is just another law that some people made a mistake and the rest of the “voting, complaining, people condemn all the bikers for it. Is it me or is Some Mainer's turning into a bunch of crybabies? Grow up.
July 27, 2010 at 9:45 PM Report abuse
mr.bronson said...
To all bloggers, pro and con, rest assured this will be challenged and until such time that there is a standard way to test and enforce a certain decibel level ie, 95 decibels @ 3000 RPM tested in a controlled setting such as a service bay 20' X 20' with 10' ceilings. Otherwise it seems that it would be pretty judgmental on what is considered LOUD EXHAUST.With this standard one would be able to change exhaust to performance exhaust as long as it passed the set decibel level.
July 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM Report abuse
bdog said...
I love that the police are enforcing this law. My car doesn't sound obnoxious...why is it ok for a motorcycle to be obnoxious? It doesn't serve any purpose other than irritating everyone and drawing unneeded attention to yourself. Great job to the police for cracking down on this nusiance. It's about time this law was passed.
July 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM Report abuse
bdog said...
I'm selling my "white" vehicle this week...winters coming and I don't want to get into an accident. Someone may not see me if it's snowing. Who ever buys it may want to remove the exhaust to off-set that.
July 27, 2010 at 10:12 PM Report abuse
DD said...
they need to start going to the race tracks everyone of them cars has no exhaust at all
July 27, 2010 at 10:15 PM Report abuse
Caveman said...
This is a law that will be repealed. The folks from away can reverse direction and go home. This is a loyal Maine past time and with our beautiful country roads we will prevail. Heck, we don't have a helmet law, the last three Governors rode Harley's to events (Baldacci doesn't count) and the libtards can go find their peace somewhere else.
July 27, 2010 at 10:43 PM Report abuse
Caveman said...
Who exactly sponsored this law. That's the first target.
July 27, 2010 at 10:49 PM Report abuse
chili said...
hehe doesn't look like a lot of supporters will sign your petition.....tone it down, it's not necessary. I think we can all hear ya loud and clear without the modified system. Accidents happen in a vehicle or on a motorcycle. The loud noise won't help ya. Stay in the lane and stop cutting in and out of traffic. Maybe the accident could be prevented...
July 27, 2010 at 11:02 PM Report abuse
papajuluet said...
That's really cool Caveman. In other words if you don't like knuckledraggers shattering the peace all hours of the day and night, without regard to anyone then you "can go find their peace somewhere else." Typical nonsense from the faux-barbarian crowd. You may not know this but it's ILLEGAL to disturb the peace. Even if you ride a Harley. Really. You represent a pathetic subspecies that will go away. Soon. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/niceandquiet
July 28, 2010 at 12:50 AM Report abuse
Denny said...
Quote of the day regarding Harley rider Gordon Austin: "Most days, he rides his motorcycle down to Waterville and hangs out by the Dunkin Donuts on College Avenue, where his friends get together in the late afternoon." Jeeze, what a pathetic life.
July 28, 2010 at 8:20 AM Report abuse
NYJ said...
chddus1 said....Wake up America.....Years ago, that is exactly what I used to do. Every morning before 5:00am I was rudely awakened by some knucklehead on his Harley as he accelerated quickly off the stop sign outside my apartment. The problem stopped when I moved.... I love the sound of a Harley too, but once the sounds become disruptive, they need to be curtailed. It is not about "rights", it is about order and civility for all. Let common sense prevail.
July 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM Report abuse
Nan said...
Caveman (such a fitting name). No one is depriving you of your so-called "past time." You are still free to ride the back roads all you want provided you have a legal exhaust. All the rest of us want is a little peace and quiet. BTW, no one can hear your loud pipes until you are past us. So no, they do NOT save the lives of bikers who like to weave in and out of traffic and sneak up on people from behind.
July 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
august1 said...
Nan, I ride with my husband and we don't "sneak up" on people and don't weave in and out of traffic. It's sad that a few of us still abide by the laws. We enjoy going out for a ride on the weekend and DO witness the people that don't abide by the laws. I still see kids in their wigged out cars with illegal pipes on them, wonder why the cops are not bothering them, makes you kind of think. If the law is for EVERY vehicle, then start ticketing the people who drive their cars with illegal pipes.
July 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
So... one guy in an attempt to satisfy his wildman should have the "freedom" to disturb hundreds as he blast down the road?? This just seems like such a no-brainer to me that basic consideration should dictate quieting these things down. I've been to several bike weeks and most harley riders today are phoney wannabes who perhaps need to grow up
July 28, 2010 at 11:02 AM Report abuse
Jpouliot said...
So tell me the difference between hearing a motercycle go past your house and hearing the sound of it for maybe a few seconds, and having your neighbor mow their lawn for two hours and listening to the loud annoying sound of a lawnmore? Does this mean maybe next year we will all have to go out and buy new quieter lawnmores because someone is going to complain about the noise? There are some prople who think its cool to have a super loud exhaust system, and rev their engions and squeel their tires all hours of the day, give them tickets. But bikers have been riding for years,and I think its people that abuse it rouin it for the ones who dont. I dont mind hearing the sound of a bike drive by my house. What I do mind is the cars with no exhaust squeeling out it the road. The car parked in front of my house with music so loud you can hear it a mile away. Ticket them.
July 28, 2010 at 6:59 PM Report abuse