Illegal/modified exhaust
Florida Statute § 316.272
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
Motor vehicles need a continuously operating exhaust system—including muffler, manifold pipe, and tailpiping—in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Using a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a highway is prohibited. The engine and power mechanism must also prevent excessive fumes or smoke. Document the defective or bypassed equipment, observed noise, or escaping fumes/smoke; a modified appearance alone does not establish a violation. A numerical noise allegation must use the applicable regulatory decibel limit and measurement procedure. This section is a civil nonmoving violation.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Equipment
- Type
- Non-Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Nonmoving infraction
- Points
- 0
- Fine / Penalty
- $30 base nonmoving penalty; offense-specific penalties/court costs may differ
Base fines are not the total payable amount. Costs, enforcement method, crash consequences, prior history, and court disposition can change penalties or points. A reported zero does not rule out license suspension or revocation.
Court & Enforcement
Court & Enforcement
- Mandatory Court
- No, generally
- NTA Eligible
- N/A — civil citation
- Custodial Arrest
- No — civil infraction (absent separate lawful basis)
NTA means notice to appear. Eligibility is conditional; these fields do not independently authorize arrest. Confirm the exact statutory track, lawful arrest authority, traffic procedure, and agency policy.
Arrest authority guideCivil infractions resulting in death or serious bodily injury require a hearing under §318.19.