Need to get fix-it ticket certified in Los Angeles. Ideas?

[clumpymold]

Hey all,

I received an exhaust violation fix-it ticket a while back which I got signed off by a friend. I sent the signed ticket to the courthouse only to receive it back.

The letter they sent back stated that the violation must be certified:

"The proof of correction must be certified."

They also included a copy of a certified ticket. Scans below.

Anyway, they say, at the bottom:

"All registration, driver's license, and mechanical defects require a certificate of correction from a Sheriff Inspection station, CHP office, or law enforcement agency. Any station licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair may also certify brake, smog devices, lamps, or muffler violations..."

Any idea or suggestions on what to do? My exhaust was never actually removed and it's still loud (as usual for a B&B exhaust). I would prefer NOT to have to remove the exhaust only to have to put it BACK on when I get it signed off. I'll even pay a small "fee" to have a shop just stamp it for me. If ANYONE knows anything, please let me know.

I'm thinking I may just go find some local shady shop and see if they're certified and get them to stamp it. Anyone else in this situation?

Curtis

clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

[QWKBMW]

You need to go to a State Referee.

They will sign it off. You cannot pay them off. You will have to remove your exhaust.

[clumpymold]

You need to go to a State Referee.

They will sign it off. You cannot pay them off. You will have to remove your exhaust.

Wow, thanks for the quick reply.

Anyway, what is that (State Referee)? And the ticket says any location that is also licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. What sort of shops are those?

Is there NO way to get it stamped without removing it? How do people normally get these tickets "fixed"? I mean, do they sign it AND stamp it now? Did my officer just not know?

[clumpymold]

Pictures added.

[MR 325]

Go to a CHP office, hope the guy is cool, lol

[clumpymold]

Go to a CHP office, hope the guy is cool, lol

Wait, are you serious? I don't even know where a CHP office is. And what if they're not? Could they cite me again?

[NakNak]

I think your just going to have to take the B&B off and give it to me Curtis . Free bump.

[QWKBMW]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply.

Anyway, what is that (State Referee)? And the ticket says any location that is also licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. What sort of shops are those?

Is there NO way to get it stamped without removing it? How do people normally get these tickets "fixed"? I mean, do they sign it AND stamp it now? Did my officer just not know?

Its state licensed shop. You got a ticket for your emissions/exhaust system. CA doesn't screw around with emissions.

The State Referee has to sign off your car.

Look in the phone book or call your local CHP office.

[AsianImage]

You can try using a friend's car and switch plates and hope they do not check the VIN.

It is a hit and miss. I have had tint/exh tickets when the CHP leaned over the counter and pointed at my car from his chair and signed me off...and then I had anal jerks go out and check everything. Even brake lights and signals. Stuff not even on the ticket. Soooo...I dont know if that helped but if you have a pal that has a very similar car it may work.

[clumpymold]

Its state licensed shop. You got a ticket for your emissions/exhaust system. CA doesn't screw around with emissions.

The State Referee has to sign off your car.

Look in the phone book or call your local CHP office.

I see. Well, I went here:

http://www.smogsearch.com/

And searched for any Referee centers near me. None. Hmm. There are, however, some Test & Repair stations nearby. I guess I'll try those to see can help.


Garrett: Haha, yeah, sure.

[rommelrules]

Wait, are you serious? I don't even know where a CHP office is. And what if they're not? Could they cite me again?

Yes. I've gotten two "loud exhaust" tickets and didn't remove my exhaust for any of them, when getting it stamped or certified. In both instances, I was asked to start the car and give it a little gas. Officer asked me if it was stock, I said no, but at idle/little gas, my exhaust is nowhere near as loud as when I'm on it-- which is when you're most likely to get a ticket. If you're lucky and the officer determines that you're within the allowable db levels, you're good to go.

Basically, you need to find an officer who is willing to sign it off.
In both cases I didn't know the officer. I just went to the nearest CHP station.

[randywalters]

You didn't specify if your "exhaust" ticket was for excessive noise or for smog related issues. If it's simply excessive noise than any of the agencies or BAR shops can sign the car off it they deem it quiet enough. It's basically a judgement call and some officers are more lenient/cool than others. Some local police agencies charge a small administration fee (like here in El Segundo) but the CHP office does not charge to sign you off. They're easy to find too.

However if it's a smog issue (catalytic converter etc) then you have to take it to a licensed BAR shop as they have the equipment to check the car for emmisions compliance. They may charge for this service.

[clumpymold]

Yes. I've gotten two "loud exhaust" tickets and didn't remove my exhaust for any of them, when getting it stamped or certified. In both instances, I was asked to start the car and give it a little gas. Officer asked me if it was stock, I said no, but at idle/little gas, my exhaust is nowhere near as loud as when I'm on it-- which is when you're most likely to get a ticket. If you're lucky and the officer determines that you're within the allowable db levels, you're good to go.

Basically, you need to find an officer who is willing to sign it off.
In both cases I didn't know the officer. I just went to the nearest CHP station.

Hmm, yeah, I've heard of that. The thing is, I ALREADY have the ticket signed off. I just need it to be "certified" with is essentially a stamp. Is this going to be a problem? Would they question the signed off ticket and NO stamp? Would they even check my car if they were to only give me a stamp?

You didn't specify if your "exhaust" ticket was for excessive noise or for smog related issues. If it's simply excessive noise than any of the agencies or BAR shops can sign the car off it they deem it quiet enough. It's basically a judgement call and some officers are more lenient/cool than others. Some local police agencies charge a small administration fee (like here in El Segundo) but the CHP office does not charge to sign you off. They're easy to find too.

However if it's a smog issue (catalytic converter etc) then you have to take it to a licensed BAR shop as they have the equipment to check the car for emmisions compliance. They may charge for this service.

Oops, sorry. Yeah, my ticket was for excessive noise. So you're saying I should just take it to any muffler shop that is BAR certified and have them subjectively determine it? My exhaust, unfortunately, IS pretty loud. I don't think it'd pass. It's not annoyingly loud at startup though.

[whitedove]

you can go too CHP . i told thm my cat had a whole and i fixed it they were coll about it .i think because the guys oat the desks r rookies

[rommelrules]

Hmm, yeah, I've heard of that. The thing is, I ALREADY have the ticket signed off. I just need it to be "certified" with is essentially a stamp. Is this going to be a problem? Would they question the signed off ticket and NO stamp? Would they even check my car if they were to only give me a stamp?

That's weird. I would borrow a friend's car and go to your friendly CHP
station and request the stamp. Maybe the CHP officer forgot to stamp it last time... You certainly have nothing to lose.
Just explain what's going on. As long as it wasn't signed off a couple
months ago, maybe they'll just stamp it and send you on your merry way.

Honestly, if it's already signed off, I don't think you have much to worry about.It seems like they just missed a "red-tape" step.
Then again, one never knows with the police.

[clumpymold]

That's weird. I would borrow a friend's car and go to your friendly CHP
station and request the stamp. Maybe the CHP officer forgot to stamp it last time... You certainly have nothing to lose.
Just explain what's going on. As long as it wasn't signed off a couple
months ago, maybe they'll just stamp it and send you on your merry way.

Honestly, if it's already signed off, I don't think you have much to worry about.It seems like they just missed a "red-tape" step.
Then again, one never knows with the police.

Does it matter what color? I have close friends but their cars are either white or silver.

It's not that the CHP officer forgot to stamp it. I had a "friend" sign it off. I'm worried that the CHP officer stamping it would wonder how come it's already signed off WITHOUT the stamp.

[M3 Pete]

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdPAge....n-Sep_2003.htm

Vehicle Exhaust Noise Level Certification


California law requires that all vehicles must be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive noise from the exhaust system. It also prohibits the operation of a passenger vehicle (other than a motorcycle), or a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 6,000 pounds, that has an exhaust noise level greater than 95 decibels, when tested under specified conditions.
If you have been issued a citation for operating a vehicle in violation of Vehicle Code Section 27150 or 27151, you must take your vehicle to a state Referee Center.

Note: The Referee is only authorized to inspect and certify passenger cars and trucks under 6,000 GVWR that have been cited for a violation of Section 27150 or 27151 of the Vehicle Code. The maximum decibel level applies only to those vehicles. Citations issued to other vehicles (motorcycles, trucks exceeding 5999 pounds GVWR) are not part of this program. Check with the agency that issued the citation, and/or the court, to find out how to show proof of correction for these other vehicles.

The following steps outline the procedures you'll need to follow to get a certificate of compliance, which shows your vehicle's exhaust noise level is within the applicable standards.

STEP 1

If you feel your vehicle's exhaust system has been modified or has deteriorated so that the noise level exceeds current standards, you should have the exhaust system repaired before proceeding to step 2.

OR

If you have reason to believe that your vehicle's exhaust noise level meets the current standards, proceed directly to step 2.

[Note that citations have a court appearance date.]
[Timely action can help you avoid additional fines and penalties.]

STEP 2

Have your vehicle tested at a state Referee Center. To make an appointment, call the Referee Scheduling Center at (800) 622-7733. Have the citation and vehicle registration with you when you call. The Center will tell you any fees that will need to be paid for the test.

STEP 3

The Referee will conduct an exhaust noise level test in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1169, May 1998, to determine if your vehicle's exhaust noise level exceeds the noise standard (95db).

If your vehicle meets the standard, the Referee will give you a "Certificate of Compliance." Take the certificate to the court (See Step 5).

If your vehicle does not meet the standard, the Referee will give you a report that lists the recorded decibel readings. Your vehicle must be repaired to meet the standard of not more than 95 decibels (See Step 4).

STEP 4

If your vehicle does not meet the standard, additional repairs must be made before you can make a second appointment with the Referee Scheduling Center.

STEP 5

Once your vehicle receives a "Certificate of Compliance" from a Referee Center, present the certificate to the court as proof that your vehicle is in compliance with California law.

NOTE: Inspection fees and any necessary repairs are your responsibility. You may also be required to pay a fine and other legal costs when reporting to the court. Also, note that most citations have a deadline. Timely repairs can help you avoid additional fines and penalties.

If you have any questions, please contact the local law enforcement agency that issued the citation or the Bureau of Automotive Repair at (800) 952-5210.

[active9x]

man, I hope I don't have to do any of this, I just got my tri-flo a couple of months ago

[rommelrules]

No, any friend's car will do-- I'm not suggesting that you pass some other
car for yours, but rather that they don't hear your exhaust.

But all that is irrelevant if it wasn't signed off by a CHP officer.
What do you mean by a "friend"? Was that person authorized to sign it off?
If not, rip the ticket and request a copy before you get into more trouble.

Frankly, you're making this more complicated than it needs to be.
Here are your options:

A)If you feel fairly certain that your exhaust will not pass an auditory evaluation at a CHP station, then either borrow a stock exhaust and go
get it signed off and stamped or go through all the steps outlined by Pete: go to a referee, get the db measured and risk failing and having to start all over again. You decide what's in your best interest.

B) Go with your current exhaust to a CHP station, pray that you'll pass
the auditory inspection by whatever random officer is there,
and if you do, he'll sign it off and stamp it. Voilà.
The stamp is just the CHP station stamp. Look at the example they sent you.

Whatever you do, don't try to shortcut or beat the system.
It'll only prolong the agony and drag this on and on and on.
The best thing to do is to do things the right and put this all behind you.

[clumpymold]

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdPAge....n-Sep_2003.htm

Vehicle Exhaust Noise Level Certification


California law requires that all vehicles must be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive noise from the exhaust system. It also prohibits the operation of a passenger vehicle (other than a motorcycle), or a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 6,000 pounds, that has an exhaust noise level greater than 95 decibels, when tested under specified conditions.
If you have been issued a citation for operating a vehicle in violation of Vehicle Code Section 27150 or 27151, you must take your vehicle to a state Referee Center.

Note: The Referee is only authorized to inspect and certify passenger cars and trucks under 6,000 GVWR that have been cited for a violation of Section 27150 or 27151 of the Vehicle Code. The maximum decibel level applies only to those vehicles. Citations issued to other vehicles (motorcycles, trucks exceeding 5999 pounds GVWR) are not part of this program. Check with the agency that issued the citation, and/or the court, to find out how to show proof of correction for these other vehicles.

The following steps outline the procedures you'll need to follow to get a certificate of compliance, which shows your vehicle's exhaust noise level is within the applicable standards.

STEP 1

If you feel your vehicle's exhaust system has been modified or has deteriorated so that the noise level exceeds current standards, you should have the exhaust system repaired before proceeding to step 2.

OR

If you have reason to believe that your vehicle's exhaust noise level meets the current standards, proceed directly to step 2.

[Note that citations have a court appearance date.]
[Timely action can help you avoid additional fines and penalties.]

STEP 2

Have your vehicle tested at a state Referee Center. To make an appointment, call the Referee Scheduling Center at (800) 622-7733. Have the citation and vehicle registration with you when you call. The Center will tell you any fees that will need to be paid for the test.

STEP 3

The Referee will conduct an exhaust noise level test in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1169, May 1998, to determine if your vehicle's exhaust noise level exceeds the noise standard (95db).

If your vehicle meets the standard, the Referee will give you a "Certificate of Compliance." Take the certificate to the court (See Step 5).

If your vehicle does not meet the standard, the Referee will give you a report that lists the recorded decibel readings. Your vehicle must be repaired to meet the standard of not more than 95 decibels (See Step 4).

STEP 4

If your vehicle does not meet the standard, additional repairs must be made before you can make a second appointment with the Referee Scheduling Center.

STEP 5

Once your vehicle receives a "Certificate of Compliance" from a Referee Center, present the certificate to the court as proof that your vehicle is in compliance with California law.

NOTE: Inspection fees and any necessary repairs are your responsibility. You may also be required to pay a fine and other legal costs when reporting to the court. Also, note that most citations have a deadline. Timely repairs can help you avoid additional fines and penalties.

If you have any questions, please contact the local law enforcement agency that issued the citation or the Bureau of Automotive Repair at (800) 952-5210.

Wow, thanks for that. I definitely need that. I'm wondering if they'll charge for a first inspection/test. I'm pretty sure my exhaust won't pass.

I'll give them a call and see what the deal is. Thanks, Pete!

man, I hope I don't have to do any of this, I just got my tri-flo a couple of months ago

You just may have to if you live in LA. My B&B Triflo attracts a LOT attention. But then again, I also have really dark tint and my car is pretty low. They hate us "ricers".

No, any friend's car will do-- I'm not suggesting that you pass some other
car for yours, but rather that they don't hear your exhaust.

But all that is irrelevant if it wasn't signed off by a CHP officer.
What do you mean by a "friend"? Was that person authorized to sign it off?
If not, rip the ticket and request a copy before you get into more trouble.

Frankly, you're making this more complicated than it needs to be.
Here are your options:

A)If you feel fairly certain that your exhaust will not pass an auditory evaluation at a CHP station, then either borrow a stock exhaust and go
get it signed off and stamped or go through all the steps outlined by Pete: go to a referee, get the db measured and risk failing and having to start all over again. You decide what's in your best interest.

B) Go with your current exhaust to a CHP station, pray that you'll pass
the auditory inspection by whatever random officer is there,
and if you do, he'll sign it off and stamp it. Voilà.
The stamp is just the CHP station stamp. Look at the example they sent you.

Whatever you do, don't try to shortcut or beat the system.
It'll only prolong the agony and drag this on and on and on.
The best thing to do is to do things the right and put this all behind you.

Okay, when I say "friend", I had an officer sign it off. I don't know him personally, but I just was referred. What do you mean "authorized" to sign it off? He is an officer of the law, if that's what you mean. Or are there certain police officers that are NOT allowed to sign it off?

I can get into more trouble if I bring my signed off ticket to a Referee station requesting it to be certified (i.e., simply stamped)? I hope not. I don't have much time. Should I request a copy of my ticket then?

I'm pretty sure my exhaust won't pass but I guess I'm also hoping that the officer there will be super nice and let me slide. I don't think I'm that lucky though.

So, basically, I have to swap out my exhaust for a stock one, then go get it "certified", right? Will the fact that my ticket is already signed off make a difference? Could that get me in trouble if they question me?

[rommelrules]

No, no, nevermind then. If it was an officer of the law then you're OK.

I still think you should start with the obvious. Go to a CHP station and see if you get lucky. You might pass. If they ask you why it's not stamped just say the truth.
You got it signed off by an officer, but you didn't know it needed to be stamped. So you are kindly requesting it be stamped. Who knows?
They might just stamp it and not even hear your exhaust. You have nothing to lose.

But if they want to hear it, just don't take it past 800 RPM's if they tell you to accelerate.

[clumpymold]

Okay, just an update.

I called the # above (1-800-622-7733) to schedule an appointment. The earliest time slot available was the 23rd. At ELAC. The college. Apparently, I have to take my car to the auto shop on campus and they'll use a sound meter to determine just how loud it really is. The inspection fee is completely FREE and if they deem it too loud, they'll let me know what to do. Hmm. I'm wondering if there could have been an easier way. If I just brought the car to some local exhaust shop that was certified.

I'll try tomorrow. I know some smog shop locally that was on that list of shops in www.smogsearch.com. I'll ask them if they can stamp it. If they can, great.

[clumpymold]

Okay. For those interested, I just got back from the Referee Station (at some College) and they FAILED me. Here are my three results (bear in mind, the max is at 95 dbA +/- 1.5 dbA - so 96.5 dbA):

1.) 100.50 dbA
2.) 98.50 dbA
3.) 99.10 dbA

Apparently, since 1 dbA is equivalent to 10x louder than the previous, I'm about 100x louder than allowed by law. Wow.

The fees for this test are FREE until the 1st of September. I have a reschedule on the 30th but my ticket is due on the 29th (which sucks). Now I need to call them (again, since I just tried and it was too busy) to get an extension.

Anyway,

Anyone know where to get a silencer? I figured that would be easier than swapping out exhausts.

Local LA area, preferred. Monterey Park would be even better.

[clumpymold]

Hmm, after speaking with some exhaust shops, they say that there is NO silencer for my type of exhaust (DTM tips). Is that true?

[2000Z3M]

right before you get there just stick some rags in the tail pipes, make sure you can get them out. I know the rags will lower your db level some but I dont know how much. I have never done this before so I don't know what might happen to the car. Best of luck
Chris