Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky
I'm skeptical this is a valid interpretation. The "N" button is prominently on the steering wheel, and I had a quick look at Hyundai's site and at the owner's manual. Both describe pressing "N" as just one of several driving modes, to be used to enhance fun and performance similarly to how "eco" enhances economy.
The vehicle may not have met California regulations from the factory, but this issue was larger than a single owner. I see it as an issue of California certifying a car to be used on its roads, with a manufacturer setting advertised to be used on roads, and for it to be illegal based on California's laws.
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The car was tested in various modes and both the sport and the N mode put the car over the 95 decibel limit. That makes those track or off road modes only. The 95 limit is not just California, it's the limit here in free Montana as well. Nobody wants the peace and quite shattered by excessive, pointless noise whatever it's from. So leave the load exhaust for the track or at least some backroad and not neighborhoods like this kid.
Used to be just "lake pipes" named for the dry lake high speed competition. But if you un capped the lake pipes on the street you get a ticket. The N mode is basically like factory installed lake pipes. It makes a legal street car illegal at the push of a button. Exhaust cutouts used to be legal too, but too many people used them on the street and got them 100% banned most places even if closed and using the factory mufflers.