ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation cracking down on illegally modified mufflers and exhaust systems.

The new law increases penalties against drivers and repair shops that illegally modify mufflers and exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy, an act Hochul’s office says is “associated with aggressive driving that harms community health, safety and comfort”.

Maximum fines for having and installing illegal equipment will be raised to $1,000, an $850 increase. Inspection stations will also now be required to inspect motorcycles to ensure mufflers and exhausts haven’t been illegally modified.

"Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their community, and that includes cracking down on excessively noisy vehicles on our streets," Governor Hochul said. "This legislation deters drivers from installing illegal vehicle equipment that results in dangerous noise levels that can contribute to hearing loss and increased emissions."

The bill also has a provision, saying if repair shop owners make these modifications three times within 18 months, they risk losing their certificate of inspection stations and operating certificate.