CVC 27150(a)Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Exhaust System Violation

A motor vehicle subject to registration with an internal combustion engine without an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise, or with a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193, or $25 if correctedDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Exhaust System Violation ticket?

CVC 27150(a) says every motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) Every motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.

What the Officer Must Prove

1Your vehicle has an internal combustion engine and is subject to registration
2It was not equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise, or its muffler or exhaust system had a cutout, bypass, or similar device

Arguments Commonly Raised for Exhaust System Violation

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Adequate muffler

If your vehicle had an adequate, properly maintained muffler in constant operation, describe it and keep any inspection record.

No cutout or bypass

If the exhaust system had no cutout, bypass, or similar device, describe it.

Correction

If your notice is marked correctable and you present proof of correction, certified as Vehicle Code 40616 describes, by mail or in person on or before the date on your notice, the court shall dismiss the charge (Vehicle Code 40522). The clerk collects a $25 transaction fee unless the notice is processed only by the agency that issued it (Vehicle Code 40611).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not keeping inspection or repair records
✗Not getting the correction certified and presented to the court by the date on your notice

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 27150(a) — Exhaust System Violation. A motor vehicle subject to registration with an internal combustion engine without an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise, or with a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device.

This section is a correctable (fix-it) violation: if the officer marks your notice correctable, the court shall dismiss the charge when you present proof of correction on or before the date on your notice (Vehicle Code 40522). The officer does not mark it correctable on finding fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or that you do not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)).

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 27150(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

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