A traffic crackdown in Newport Beach March 28 led to more than 100 citations, many related to modified exhaust pipes, police said.
The traffic blitz was the result of mounting noise and street racing safety complaints from local residents.
“Many of these types of vehicles gather at non-permitted car shows and other locations within city limits,” Newport Beach police spokesperson Heather Rangel said in a statement.
“These loud and racing vehicles pose a safety risk and affect the quality of life of our residents and visitors.”
During its latest enforcement efforts, police cited 102 vehicles for vehicle code violations, which includes loud or modified exhausts. An additional 17 vehicles were inspected on-site for modified exhaust violations.
Two vehicles were referred to on-site DMV investigators for possible registration violations, and five others were cited for driving more than 100 miles per hour. One driver was traveling at 130 miles per hour, police said.
During the past several months, the Newport Beach police increased enforcement and education related to vehicle code violations.
It placed several electronic signboards with messaging in high traffic areas within the city to educate the public on vehicle exhaust laws in California, as well as notify the community of the upcoming enforcement operations.
As well, the department’s traffic division reached out to various “non-permitted” car shows and other locations to educate vehicle owners on the state’s vehicle code related to loud or modified exhausts and street racing.
The March 28 blitz was a partnership between Newport Beach police, city officials, the California Highway Patrol, the DMV, and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
