Cruzing through the states! And maybe Mexico?

Fuzzbuster

Fuzzbuster

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I know some states have strict enviro requirements for motos and vehicles. If you are from a different state or country are you exempt from the requirements or a target for enforcement? If you are stopped in lets say Cali and have an exhaust that is not up to code can they impound your bike? 2nd question is has anyone ridden through the states and into Mexico? Is it wise or a bad idea?
 
Fuzzbuster said:
I know some states have strict enviro requirements for motos and vehicles. If you are from a different state or country are you exempt from the requirements or a target for enforcement? If you are stopped in lets say Cali and have an exhaust that is not up to code can they impound your bike? 2nd question is has anyone ridden through the states and into Mexico? Is it wise or a bad idea?
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I don’t think anybody is going to bother you in California about your exhaust pipe if your from out of state. I would not recommend going to Mexico however, especially in a car or on a bike, you can walk across the border though. A lot of people just park at the border and walk across. I had a very negative experience in Tijuana years ago, I had a cop pull a gun on me for peeing in a deserted alley at 2 o’clock in the morning. He was “fining me” $100 US and trying to get me to give him my id. I told him I’ll pay the fine and show my identification at the police station.I’ve never been back to Mexico since. I read a book years ago written by a guy from Calgary or Edmonton that rode his KLR 650 through Mexico and Central America. You may want to read that before planning your trip.
 
Also, watch where you pee.
 
Don’t ride like a hooligan and you should be ok. I’ve ridden the US and out of country plate and breaking the law will get you noticed pretty quick. Not sure about specific state law seizing your vehicle for a loud exhaust or other infraction but, I’m at the age law enforcement is generally pleasant. This has been my experience in states along the eastern US.
 

Vehicle Code 21750. Adequate muffler required​

27150. (a) Every motor vehicle 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.
Click to expand...
www.californiacarlaws.com

California Vehicle Exhaust Noise Laws (2025)

California allows modifying vehicle exhaust, but up to a certain noise level. Learn all important California vehicle exhaust laws valid for year 2025.
www.californiacarlaws.com www.californiacarlaws.com

Motorcycles are exempt from a lot of the restrictions but the above is worded in such a way that your car would be exempt as well, since it's not subject to registration in California being your personal vehicle that you are visiting with. If you were going to move there and import your car, then it would of course be subject to all local requirements.
 
I've ridden through many parts of the US with a "race-only" exhaust on my sportbikes. Passed by cops while doing (roughly) the legal speed limit and never a problem.

I think the noise and tint violations are cherry-on-the-top tickets if you're driving/riding like a d!ck.

They give the LEO the choice of extra toppings to pile it on thick on top of a speeding ticket, just to really stick it to you. Probably not going to get a noise or tint ticket alone, unless you're at a car/bike meet, then it's like shooting fish in a teacup... with a canon...
 
Lightcycle said:
I've ridden through many parts of the US with a "race-only" exhaust on my sportbikes. Passed by cops while doing (roughly) the legal speed limit and never a problem.

I think the noise and tint violations are cherry-on-the-top tickets if you're driving/riding like a d!ck.

They give the LEO the choice of extra toppings to pile it on thick on top of a speeding ticket, just to really stick it to you. Probably not going to get a noise or tint ticket alone, unless you're at a car/bike meet, then it's like shooting fish in a teacup... with a canon...
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Usually the noise or tint stops are like the license plate light stops,the cop is profiling and when they spun the wheel of misfortune for you that is what come up.
Driving a Canadian plated/insured bike in Mexico could be fun but it you are involved in any sort of traffic accident or attract police attention it can get very intense in a hurry.
 
I was advised that my vehicle insurance is only good in Canada & US.
You need to get extra insurance for Mexico.
When I was involved in vehicle rental I was starting to see pink slips stating "Canada Only"
 
Relax said:
And then we have others like Itchy Boots and other women doing similar trips on their own, seemingly without issue.
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We lived in Colombia for six months. Rode all over the place. Didn't want to leave.

Same in Mexico, spent almost a year there in total.

Was just back there for a month last April, riding all over Northern Mexico. Had a great time. 🤷‍♂️
 
Relax said:
And then we have others like Itchy Boots and other women doing similar trips on their own, seemingly without issue.
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The FARC has since made "peace" with the government. Still lots of crime I would suspect.
 
guzzirider said:
I was advised that my vehicle insurance is only good in Canada & US.
You need to get extra insurance for Mexico.
When I was involved in vehicle rental I was starting to see pink slips stating "Canada Only"
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This is a very important thing to consider.
 
guzzirider said:
When I was involved in vehicle rental I was starting to see pink slips stating "Canada Only"
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Which rental agency was this?

I've rented from Budget/AVIS, Hertz and Enterprise in the last 12 months and have not been told by either of these companies that I was not allowed to take the rental to the US?

guzzirider said:
You need to get extra insurance for Mexico.
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Mexico's a whole different kettle of fish.

Not only do you need Mexico-specific insurance, you also need to temporarily import your vehicle into the country and put up a security deposit which gets forfeited in the event you leave the country without your vehicle. Only exception is Baja California.
 
Evoex said:

Vehicle Code 21750. Adequate muffler required​


www.californiacarlaws.com

California Vehicle Exhaust Noise Laws (2025)

California allows modifying vehicle exhaust, but up to a certain noise level. Learn all important California vehicle exhaust laws valid for year 2025.
www.californiacarlaws.com www.californiacarlaws.com

Motorcycles are exempt from a lot of the restrictions but the above is worded in such a way that your car would be exempt as well, since it's not subject to registration in California being your personal vehicle that you are visiting with. If you were going to move there and import your car, then it would of course be subject to all local requirements.
Click to expand...
Incorrect interpretation. It really means all vehicles that could be subject to registration in California.

There's also an accompanying clause CVC4000 that goes over what vehicles are allowed on public roads which makes them subject to registration.

Basically, they've specifically phrased it to be the opposite of your assumption. 21750 applies to any vehicle that could be registered. Any vehicle that can't be registered but is using public roads is addressed in CVC4000.

Any motorcycle sold in NA would most likely be subject to 21750, and if it wasn't subject to 21750, it'd be because you were operating a vehicle that is not allowed on public roads, which is probably worse.
 
Well luckily my new not working bike came with an exhaust! I thought it had a stock one but once I got it home I realized it is an aftermarket (Didn't actually see that side of the bike before purchasing 😂) it is adjustable for sound? News to me, never heard of that but I guess adjustable by adding or removing some baffles? I will probably make it on the quiet side for long hauls because I already have ringing in my ears! Mexico is sounding a little dicey... usa is sounding expensive! First I need to get a stuck pilot screw out of the carb and see if the bike is a runner!
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