HomeMy WebLinkAbout032 - 03/02/2004 - AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CODE RELATING TO MUFFLER NOISE AND TO MORE NARROWLY DEFINE PROHIBITED EXHAUST S ORDINANCE NO. 032, 2004
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING THE FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODE RELATING TO
MUFFLER NOISE AND TO MORE NARROWLY DEFINE
PROHIBITED EXHAUST SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2003, by Ordinance No. 16, 2003, the Council of the City of
Fort Collins adopted the Fort Collins Traffic Code (the "Traffic Code"); and
WHEREAS,at the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code,it was the understanding of staff
and Council that the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments,not only for
the purpose of clarification and correction of errors, but also for the purpose of ensuring that the
Traffic Code remains consistent with State traffic laws; and
WHEREAS, noise emanating from straight pipe muffler systems is excessive; and
WHEREAS,the Council has determined that the Traffic Code amendment which is proposed
is in the best interest of the City and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, it is the Council's desire to amend the muffler section of the Traffic Code to
include a provision prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles which utilize straight pipe exhaust
systems.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that Section 225 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
225. Mufflers - prevention of noise.
(1) Every motor vehicle subject to registration and operated on a highway shall
at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and
properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. No person
shall operate a motor vehicle that is equipped with a straight pipe exhaust
system, a cut-off, bypass or similar device. No person shall modify the
exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase
the noise emitted by the motor of such vehicle above that emitted by the
muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall
comply with all of the requirements of this Section.
(2) Any commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 42-4-235, C.R.S., subject to
registration and operated on a highway, that is equipped with an engine
compression brake device is required to have a muffler.
(3) For the purposes of this section, muffler shall mean a device consisting of a
series of chamber or baffle plates or other mechanical design for the purpose
of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and effective in
reducing noise. Straight pipe exhaust system shall mean any straight muffler
that does not contain baffles, including but not limited to glass packs, steel
packs and straight pipes.
(4) This Section shall not apply to electric motor vehicles.
Introduced and considered favorably on first reading and ordered published this 17th day of
February, A.D. 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the d day of March, D. 2004.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 2nd day of March, A.D. 2004.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk