Sound Level Rules and Testing
In 2002, a pilot program was undertaken at Silver Lake State Park to use a static or stationary sound level test on all types of ORVs, and that program will continue. Noise levels will be checked from a twenty-inch distance from the exhaust pipe at half the vehicle's rated RPM or as detailed in the automotive specs SAE J1169, March 92 or SAE J1287, June 86. The maximum noise level permitted under these conditions will be 94 dBa which is the current limit set by the Off-Road Recreation Vehicles Act of Part 811 of 1994 PA 451. All vehicles will be required to have a muffler and spark arrester. Mufflers must contain baffles that can be confirmed by inserting a flexible, plastic rod.
Generally speaking, the guidelines for testing at "half the rate RPM" will be based on some vehicle similarities. In most cases, full-sized vehicles with "V" configured engines will be tested at 2,500 RPM and all others at 2,000 RPM. Most reverse flow mufflers will meet the spark arrester requirements, as will most turbochargers. However, straight-through mufflers, such as glass-pack designs without baffles and mechanically driven superchargers, do not qualify as adequate spark arresters.
Motorcycles and ATVs will be tested like the full-sized vehicles by placing a sound meter at a forty-five degree angle, twenty inches from the muffler exhaust pipe. In most cases, 80 cc engines will be tested at 6,000 RPM, 125 cc at 5, 000 RPM, 250 cc at 4,000 RPM and 500+ cc at 3,000 - 3,500 RPM. The Motorcycle Industry Council produces an manual detailing the standards ATVs and motorcycles must meet. A muffler that meets Environmental Acoustic Reduction (E.A.R.) standards may be considered as a viable solution for motorcycles. Most ATVs with unaltered, factory-equipped exhaust systems, that have been properly maintained, will meet the requirements. Those vehicles that have been manufactured for "closed track" use only, such as many motocross or "dirt-bike" motorcycles, will most likely not meet the requirements. This is also often true where after market installations have altered the original exhaust system in attempts to gain additional horsepower.
Found this on the MI DNR website:
All ORVs must have, in good working condition and in constant use, a muffler that will meet or exceed all sound emission standards set by state law.
Exhaust noise must not exceed 99 dB(A)—or 94 dB(A) on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1986—when tested according to the provisions of the SAE J1287 test. (Refer to the manufacturer's documentation.)
Users should replace all worn or damaged exhaust systems with a quality muffler.