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Noise tests for exhausts

Updated: 27 January 2011

By law the noise coming from your exhaust system must be similar to or less than the noise it made when your vehicle was manufactured. Two exceptions are where:

  • the noise the exhaust emits is still well below legal noise limits
  • An Objective Noise Test proves the noise doesn’t exceed the legal noise limits.

During a warrant of fitness inspection, the vehicle inspector may perform a Noise Quick Check. If your vehicle then fails a (WoF) check because of a noisy exhaust the inspector may refer it for an Objective Noise Test, which is a metered test based on international standards.

Objective noise tests

Only a low volume vehicle certifier can carry out an objective noise test. The test costs around $200 and involves a stationary tail pipe test based on international standards.

If your vehicle passes the test, the certifier will attach a label to your vehicle that verifies it meets the requirements.

If your vehicle fails the test you cannot legally drive it on the road until you have repaired the exhaust. As with other warrant conditions, you can drive your vehicle if you’re taking it to be repaired or to get a new WoF.

The detailed requirements for objective noise tests are set out in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Equipment Amendment 2007.

Find your nearest low volume vehicle certifier (external link).

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