Some of you just are not understanding the origin and dets of this story.
- The Elantra "N" is a special OEM model that has a track/sport mode which uses a special tune (called "N" mode) that makes the exhaust LOUD. REALLY, REALLY LOUD. Much louder than is allowed for use on the street, and not certified as part of the approved street-use program.
- The driver was using this special track/sport "N" mode while on the public street
- The cop pulled the vehicle over with the belief that the vehicle was too loud
- The driver ADMITTED he was using the "N" mode on the street; a mode that is not certified for street use
- A citation was issued, as mandated under CA law
When a cop suspects a violation has occured, and the state law mandates a citation, and the driver admits to the violation at the scene, just what is the problem up to this point??????
NOTE: the "N" mode is not the "normal" mode; it stands for "Nurburgring" - their inspriation for the high performance model
Here is the Elantra N owner's manual supplement:
"
In the N Custom mode, you can calibrate a variety of chassis and powertrain settings to match your driving preferences and road conditions. Or just max out everything by pressing the dedicated N Mode button on the steering wheel. Depending on the drive mode, a twin-outlet variable exhaust valve system lets you select exhaust sounds ranging from normal to powerful pops, snaps and snarls." (underline my emphasis)
This entire story never would have caught anyone's attention but for one screw up ... the sound test tech ran the vehicle in the wrong mode during the test, which caused the vehicle to fail the test, and because this is an OEM program, as there is nothing to "fix" for a retest.
The OEM is not at fault.
The cop is not at fault.
The driver is partially at fault.
The inspection referee is mostly at fault.