Legal Question in Traffic Law in Pennsylvania

Car Muffler

I was recently harrassed by my bosses neighbor because my muffler is too loud for him. It was 8:00 at night and he walked up to my car, said he was the police commissioner and that he didnt want me riding my car in his neighborhood. What do you think I should do about this? I called the police and they said he is allowed to say anything he wants to me as long as he isn't threatening. Any advice?


Asked on 3/11/08, 10:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Car Muffler

You asked about a person who requested you not drive in his neighborhood with a loud exhaust.

First thing to do is to make sure that your exhaust is legal. If it is within the legal tolerance (decibels measured at so many feet) then there is nothing that the person can do. Even if it is not within the legal tolerance he can only report it to police officers who would actually have to observe the infraction before issuing a ticket.

If this person's conduct continues then you should also file a police report or a complaint with the police review board.

The officers are correct that his conduct seems to be okay. Anyone can pretty much say anything so long as there is no threat. But you certainly are not obliged to stop driving through "his" neighborhood (as long as your exhaust is legal, you can drive through anytime you should like).

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 3/12/08, 12:07 pm


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