Enforcement is selective on loud motorcycles

To the Editor:

Here's just one example of how our law enforcement division takes it on themselves to decide which laws to enforce, if and how they should be enforced, and on whom.

Why would motorcycles be allowed to be exempt from muffler laws when they are generally the primary offenders? Not only are they in violation of Indiana law, but they are so offensive so as to be intolerable just on the grounds of common courtesy and common decency. No one has not been rudely subjected to a motorcycle with straight pipes roaring past their home or just sitting at the light revving their engine, so as to intimate they are exempt from not only rules of courtesy, but Indiana law, too.

When I grew up, even excessively noisy glass-packed mufflers on your car could earn you a ticket and generally did or at least an order to quiet the car or get ticketed for not doing so and then show proof the issue has been remedied with quiet exhaust.

Straight pipes such as are run on some motorcycles these days were definitely not tolerated and the law has not changed. Why then, does law enforcement turn their heads to this blatant violation of a law that has changed very little in 50-plus years and likely never will due to the fact that no one has the right to invade another's state of peace and comfort by making rude and obnoxious noise in any way, shape, or form and especially with a moving vehicle that can spread the disturbance into residential areas, areas with nursing homes, churches, the elderly and anyone wanting to enjoy a certain level of privacy and peace?

There is nothing wrong with riding a motorcycle or with the people who do.

The defect lies in law enforcement not enforcing a very clear and easily enforced law. Perhaps some riders and owners have argued successfully with law enforcement that their bike has not been altered and came with no mufflers. I assure you that their vehicle is in violation of the law. Every vehicle must be equipped with a muffler that suppresses noise and is in good working order. Period.

Does law enforcement treat Harley riders (the most common offenders) differently for some reason and why?

Does law enforcement not consider it their duty to enforce the law?

Can they pick and choose which laws to enforce and on whom?

If that is the case, we need new leadership and an accounting of what is going on in law enforcement.

James E. Fenton
Seymour, Ind.