Exhaust Noise in Maine
Conditional
Maine treats an exhaust at or below 95 decibels, measured under SAE J1169, as compliant — a statutory safe harbor for vehicles other than motorcycles. Cutouts and bypasses are banned separately.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Because this is a safe harbor rather than a flat cap, staying under 95 dB by the SAE test is an affirmative protection in Maine.
Specific Limits
- Nature
- statutory safe harbor
- dB limit
- 95 dB
- Applies to
- motor vehicles other than motorcycles
- Test standard
- SAE J1169
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exhaust noise legal in Maine?
Maine treats an exhaust at or below 95 decibels, measured under SAE J1169, as compliant — a statutory safe harbor for vehicles other than motorcycles. Cutouts and bypasses are banned separately.
What are the exact exhaust noise limits in Maine?
Nature: statutory safe harbor. dB limit: 95 dB. Applies to: motor vehicles other than motorcycles. Test standard: SAE J1169. Source: 29-A M.R.S. § 1912(6)(A) (cutouts: § 1912(2)).
Street-legal exhaust noise picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Maine.
Decibel meter
Measure your exhaust at the test RPM before a fix-it ticket does.
Shop on AmazonExhaust silencer insert
A removable insert that brings a loud exhaust back under your state's limit.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.