Washington state motorcycle laws
| Road |
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| Safety Helmet |
Required by law |
| State Funded Rider Ed |
Available for all eligible applicants - required under age 18
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| Eye Protection |
Required by law unless equipped with windscreen |
| Daytime Use of Headlight |
Required by law-modulating headlight permitted |
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| Passenger Seat |
Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger Footrest |
Required if carry a passenger |
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| Passenger Age Restriction |
Prohibits passenger under age 5 |
| Helmet Speakers |
No Restrictions
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| Periodic Safety Inspection |
Required by law-random |
| Mirror Left(L) Right(R) |
Two required by law
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| Radar Detector |
No Restriction
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| Turn Signals |
Required if originally equipped. |
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| Muffler |
Muffler required. |
| Maximum Sound Level |
Max A-weighted sound level as measured at 50 feet (WAC 173-62-030): 1)78dBA at 45mph or less; 2)82dBA over 45mph.
Stationary 20 inch standard: Models before 1986--99dBA. |
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| State Insurance Requirements |
None required per RCW 46.30.020.
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| Handlebar Height |
Maximum of 30" above seat |
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| Rider-Education Waiver |
Skill & Knowledge Test |
| Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States |
Yes |
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| Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane |
Yes.
RCW 46.61.608 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic
(4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.
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| Lane Splitting |
RCW 46.61.608 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic
(2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
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| Lemon Law Coverage |
Yes; Washington (WA) State Legislature - Revised Code, Title 19, Chapter 118
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| Motorcycle Endorsement |
Required by Law |
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| Off Road
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| Safety Helmet |
Required by Law - Effective 1/1/07
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| Eye Protection |
Not Required |
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| Minimum Operator Age |
RCW 46.09.117
Operation by persons under thirteen.
(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, no person under thirteen years of age may operate an off-road vehicle on or across a highway or nonhighway road in this state.
(2) Persons under thirteen years of age may operate an off-road vehicle on a nonhighway road designated for off-road vehicle use under the direct supervision of a person eighteen years of age or older possessing a valid license to operate a motor vehicle under chapter 46.20 RCW.
[2005 c 213 § 5.]
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| Rider Education Certification |
Not Required |
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| Operator License |
Not Required |
| Headlight |
Required after sunset |
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| Taillight |
Required after sunset |
| Muffler |
Required by law |
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| Maximum Sound Level |
86 db(A) measured at 50 feet
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| Spark Arrestor |
Required by law |
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| Registration |
Required by law |
| Vehicle Title |
Not Required |
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| Trails Program |
Available |
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