Washington Motorcycle Helmet Laws
STATUTE: Title 46. Motor Vehicles. Chapter 46.37. Vehicle Lighting
and Other Equipment. Section 46.37.530. Motorcycles, Motor-driven Cycles, or Mopeds--helmets,
Other Equipment--Children--Rules. :
"(1) It is unlawful:
"(c) For any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or
moped on a state highway, county road, or city street unless wearing upon his or
her head a protective helmet of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state
patrol except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or automobile that
is licensed as a motorcycle or when the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and
roll bars approved by the state patrol. The helmet must be equipped with either
a neck or chin strap which shall be fastened securely while the motorcycle or motor-driven
cycle is in motion; . . ."
STANDARDS: Title 46. Motor Vehicles. Chapter 46.37. Vehicle Lighting
and Other Equipment. Section 46.37.530. Motorcycles, Motor-driven Cycles, or Mopeds--helmets,
Other Equipment--Children--Rules. :
"The state patrol is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and amend rules,
pursuant to the administrative procedure act, concerning the standards and procedures
for conformance of rules adopted for glasses, goggles, face shields, and protective
motorcycle helmets."
MISCELLANEOUS MOTORCYCLE LAWS
State Funded Rider Education
Available for all eligible applicants.
Required under age 18.
Eye Protection
Required unless equipped with wind screen.
Daytime Use Of Headlight
Required by law.
Modulating headlight permitted.
Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrests
Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Age Restrictions
Prohibits passengers under age 5.
Mirror
Left and right required by law.
Periodic Safety Inspection
Random inspections, required by law.
65 MPH Speed Limit
In effect on designated rural interstate highways.
WASHINGTON: DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS
ILLEGAL
The Washington State Human Rights Commission receives and investigates complaints
of discrimination. RCW 49.60.120. The Washington law against discrimination, RCW
49.60, was established for "the fulfillment of the provisions of the constitution
of this State concerning civil rights." That "discrimination threatens not only
the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions
and foundation of a free democratic society." RCW 49.60.010. Any person injured
by an act of discrimination has the right to recover for actual damages, attorneys
fees and "any other remedy authorized by this chapter or the United States Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC ยงยง2000, et seq.)." RCW 49.60.030.