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A TikToker going by the handle srt_ray6.4 recently posted video footage of an interaction he had with a police officer who claimed that the exhaust on his Dodge Challenger Hellcat was not in line with state regulations relating to decibel levels, despite the car allegedly being stock.
In two videos, compiled by YouTuber SoCal Super, interactions with two police officers relating to the same citation can be seen. Although the circumstances of the stop are not clear, the first video shows a police officer stating the vehicle’s red key, which unlocks a Challenger or Charger Hellcat‘s full complement of 707 hp (527 kW/717 PS), is not appropriate for the road.
“For one, you’re driving with the red key, which is for track performance. It opens up the exhaust,” the officer states in the TikTok video. “And secondly, that blowback on the exhausts is not stock.”
Read Also: California To Introduce Sound Sensors To Crack Down Loud Exhausts
@srt_ray6.4 Imagine not knowing the difference of what a V8 is supposed to sound like and your only answer is 🤷🏼♂️ #cars#fypシ #fyp #foryoupage #hellcat #police#lapd ♬ original sound – raycervantes49
Although the driver objects, the officer informs the driver that they will be receiving a citation to go see a state referee. California‘s law enforcement is allowed to direct drivers to a third party expert to ensure that all emissions and exhaust regulations are being followed. The $108 inspection is used to ensure that vehicles are “equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive or unusual noise.”
That appears to be the major concern here, as a second officer, the first’s manager, tells the driver that “stock — just so you know — stock these do not meet decibel levels.” According to the state’s website, however, it is “non-original exhaust equipment” that is not allowed to exceed 95 decibels. We have reached out to Dodge for more information on this issue and will update this story when they respond.
Citations can lead to fines, however, and require owners not just to get the inspection, but to appear in court in order to show that their car has been checked. Failure to appear can lead to further penalties, according to the state. If the car fails the check, a referee can provide owners with a vehicle compliance checklist that provides guidance on how to resolve the issue. It’s unclear how that would be applied in this circumstance.