The director of public safety may authorize sample tests of new snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all-purpose vehicles to determine their degree of conformity to rules adopted under section 4519.20 of the Revised Code. In prescribing tests for muffler equipment, the director may require sound pressure levels in decibels to be measured on the "A" scale of a sound level meter having characteristics defined by the American standards association standard S1.4-1961 "General Purpose Sound Meter," and also may require the use of applicable measurement practices outlined in the procedures for sound level measurement of snowmobiles endorsed by the international snowmobile industry association, January 1969, or such other sources of standards for the measurement of sound levels as the director may consider advisable.

Upon finding that any make or model of vehicle authorized to be tested under this section does not meet an applicable standard adopted by the director, the person conducting the test shall report that fact to the director, who immediately shall notify the manufacturer of the vehicle and the registrar of motor vehicles. Upon receipt of a notification, the registrar shall refuse to issue a certificate of registration to an owner or dealer with respect to any vehicle of the same make or model as that named in the notification until the vehicle has been modified in such manner as the director shall prescribe, and meets the applicable standard.

Effective Date: 07-01-1999.