Since March 2025 A new noise rule for motorcycles has been introduced – and it is causing controversy. The revised regulation is the result of a decision that was already September 2024 at the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Europe.
There it was decided to implement the UNECE regulations 92 and 41 In March, the whole thing was officially adopted by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.
2025 Noise Rule for Bikes
The core of the change is a Anti-tampering requirement for optional exhaust silencer systems. The aim is to prevent motorcycles from being made louder by subsequent modifications than permitted by law at a hunt.
Those affected are primarily so-called dB-Killer, small silencers designed to keep engine noise under control. Instructions on how to remove these parts have been circulating in the scene for years – even though this is by no means permitted.
Why all this?
Motorcycles that are too loud are not an isolated case. Although noise limits have been in place since the 90s, not everyone adheres to them. Tampering with exhaust systems is an open secret in the motorcycle world—and now they want to address this issue. The new regulation makes removing such silencers significantly more difficult.
So Changes to exhaust systems are made technically impossible or significantly more complexThe whole thing was developed jointly by the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers, together with manufacturers of aftermarket exhaust systems and the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association.
These manufacturers are affected
All the big names are there: Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Yamaha, Honda and Triumph participated in the development and supported the changes. Manufacturers must therefore ensure that their exhaust systems cannot be easily tampered with.
What does this mean for bikers?
For many, it is a turning point. The possibility to express one’s own sound through Tuning Changing the sound was an important part of customization for some motorcycle enthusiasts. Now, this is becoming difficult—if not impossible. This is intended to reduce noise pollution, especially in cities.
For motorcycles of the Class 3that about 80% of the bikes on the road, a maximum value of 77 decibelsAnyone who is caught making loud modifications will have to pay a Fine of around 80 EUR expected.
And what do the drivers say?
Opinions differ. Many welcome the measure as a means of noise protection. Others feel patronized and see it as a restriction of their freedom. Whether the new rule achieves its intended goal remains to be seen – but controls are likely to increase in the future. You can find out all further information about the new noise rule in the video.
