This SAE Standard establishes the test procedure, environment, and instrumentation to be used for measuring the exhaust sound level of passenger cars, multipurpose vehicles, and light trucks under stationary conditions.

Measurements are taken under steady-state conditions. In this respect, this procedure differs from ISO 5130 which includes measurements under the dynamic conditions of an engine deceleration.

This sound level measurement procedure has been developed as a guide for governmental agencies establishing vehicle in-service sound level regulations and enforcement measurement procedures. It is directed at the assessment of vehicle exhaust noise and is not intended to determine maximum vehicle sound levels.