9 motorcycle laws all riders in washington must follow

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9 Motorcycle Laws All Riders in Washington Must Follow


WHO NEEDS TO FOLLOW THESE LAWS?RCW § 46.04.330 defines a motorcycle as:

"[A] motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels, not including any stabilizing conversion kits." In addition, a motorcycle must also have a seat or saddle and handlebars for steering.

EXEMPT:

Electric personal mobility devices, power

wheelchairs, farm tractors, motorized foot

scooters, electric-assisted bicycles, and

mopeds


WHY ARE THE LAWS SO IMPORTANT?

YourSafety

ReduceLiability

Avoid Citations


9 Motorcycle Laws in

Washington You Should Know


#1: OBTAIN MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Before you can register a motorcycle, you must have a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.

TWO OPTIONS:1) Complete a motorcycle rider course.

2) Take a knowledge and riding skills test.


#2: REGISTER YOUR BIKEBefore you can take your bike out for a ride, you must

register it with the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Bring Proof of

Ownership.

Fill out an Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Display Valid

License Plate.


#3: RED LIGHT LAWSMotorcycles may not trigger red light sensors. Riders may

proceed through red lights under the following circumstances:

Come to complete stop at red light. Wait at least one cycle.

May not violate right of way of other vehicles or pedestrians.


ON STATE HIGHWAYS

#4: WEAR A HELMET

RCW § 46.37.530(1)(c) provides that all motorcyclists must

wear a helmet.

✓ON CITY STREETS

ON COUNTY ROADS

✓✓


#5: CHECK BIKE GEAREnsure your bike has the following basic safety features.

Left and right mirrors

Windshield or face protection

Horn that emits sound ≥ 200 ft.

Good muffler

Handlebars ≤ 30” above saddle

Head and tail lamps


#6: FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROADLike drivers, motorcycle operators must obey all the rules of the road, including traffic signals, yield signs,

and instructions by police.


#7: DO A SOUND CHECKWashington Administrative Code (WAC) §173-62-030

prohibits excessively loud motorcycles.

YOUR BIKE CANNOT EXCEED A SOUND LEVEL OF:

Over 78 dBA at speeds of 45 mph or less; andOver 82 dBA for speeds over 45 mph


#8: RIDE TWO ABREAST

Washington laws prohibit riding more than two abreast.

RidingSolo

Riding TwoAbreast

RidingThree or

More AbreastX


#9: AVOID LANE SPLITTING

Washington law prohibits motorcycle riders from riding between lanes of traffic.

YOU ARE ENTITLED TO FULL USE OF YOUR LANE. USE IT.


For more info about motorcycle laws in Washington or for legal

advice after a motorcycle accident contact:

Personal Injury Attorney Max Meyers: 425-242-5595