Can an Electric Car Really Get a Ticket for a Loud Exhaust?
You’d think driving an electric vehicle would save you from old-school car hassles. No tailpipes, no rumbling V8s, and definitely no “loud exhaust” tickets. But as one Dodge Charger EV owner in Minnesota recently discovered, the reality isn’t always so simple.
Why Did a Dodge Charger EV Get Pulled Over for Noise?
Mike, a content creator with Distressed Media, was cruising through Stillwater, Minnesota—a town known for its strict noise ordinances—when things took a bizarre turn. He was stopped at a red light, about eight cars back, when the lead car apparently floored it and roared off. A state trooper, stationed across the intersection, swung around and pulled Mike over.
The accusation? A loud exhaust and disturbing the peace. The twist: Mike’s car, a Dodge Charger Daytona EV, doesn’t even have a traditional exhaust system. Instead, it features Dodge’s Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust—a fancy name for a system of speakers that simulate the sound and vibration of a gas-powered muscle car. It’s all digital, all for show.
How Did the Conversation with the Trooper Go?
Mike tried to explain. “It’s an EV. There’s no exhaust. There’s not even an engine,” he told the officer. But the trooper wasn’t having it. No debate, no discussion—just a ticket for a loud exhaust and another for not having a front license plate.
If you’ve ever tried to argue with an authority figure who’s already made up their mind, you know how this feels. Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it.
What’s Up with the Ticket? Is It Even Valid?
Here’s where things get even stranger. Months after the incident, Mike’s ticket still isn’t showing up in the court system. He’s called the courthouse every week for ten weeks, trying to get a court date or some clarity. Nothing. It’s as if the ticket exists in a kind of legal limbo.
There’s a good chance the local authorities realized how absurd it would be to prosecute someone for a noise their car physically can’t make. Or maybe the paperwork’s just lost in the shuffle. Either way, Mike’s left hanging.
What’s the Deal with Dodge’s Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust?
Let’s clear up some confusion. The Dodge Charger Daytona EV’s Fratzonic system is unique. It uses external speakers to pump out a synthesized “muscle car” sound—up to 126 decibels, according to Dodge’s own specs. That’s about as loud as a real Hellcat. The idea is to give EV drivers some of the visceral excitement of a traditional muscle car, even if it’s all digital.
But here’s the kicker: the system can be turned down or off. And, according to Mike, he wasn’t revving or accelerating—he was just sitting at a light. The noise the trooper heard? Almost certainly from another car.
Are Noise Ordinances Ready for the EV Era?
This story isn’t just about one unlucky driver. It highlights a bigger issue: local laws and enforcement haven’t caught up with the realities of modern vehicles. Many noise ordinances were written with gas engines and physical exhausts in mind. Now, with EVs that can simulate engine sounds—or run nearly silent—there’s a whole new gray area.
A 2023 report from the National League of Cities notes that municipalities are struggling to adapt existing traffic and noise laws to new vehicle technologies. Some cities have started updating their codes, but most are still playing catch-up.
What Should EV Owners Watch Out For?
If you drive an EV with a sound generator, it’s smart to know how your system works and what local laws say about vehicle noise. Some states, like California, have already clarified that EVs can’t be cited for traditional exhaust violations. Others, like Minnesota, are still figuring it out.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, document everything. Record your interactions (where legal), keep copies of your car’s specs, and be prepared to explain how your vehicle operates. It might not get you out of a ticket on the spot, but it could help later.
The Big Takeaway for Drivers
The world of cars is changing fast, but sometimes the rules—and the people enforcing them—don’t keep pace. The result? Pure magic, or pure confusion, depending on your luck. For EV owners, especially those with sound-emulating tech, it pays to stay informed and ready to advocate for yourself.
The big takeaway? Navigating new tech isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.