Max Meyers Law wants Washington state motorcyclists to stay safe while riding. These 9 motorcycle laws are designed to keep everyone safe while sharing the road. Following these laws may have an impact on your injury case if you are ever in a motorcycle accident.

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9 Motorcycle
Laws All Riders
in Washington
Must Follow

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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

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WHY ARE THE LAWS SO
IMPORTANT?
Your
Safety
Reduce
Liability
Avoid
Citations

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9 Motorcycle
Laws in
Washington You
Should Know

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#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.

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#2: REGISTER YOUR BIKE
Before 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.

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#3: RED LIGHT LAWS
Motorcycles 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.

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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
✓
✓

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#5: CHECK BIKE GEAR
Ensure 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

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#6: FOLLOW THE RULES
OF THE ROAD
Like drivers, motorcycle operators must obey all the
rules of the road, including traffic signals, yield signs,
and instructions by police.

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#7: DO A SOUND CHECK
Washington 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; and
Over 82 dBA for speeds over 45 mph

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#8: RIDE TWO ABREAST
Washington laws prohibit riding more than two abreast.
Riding
Solo
Riding Two
Abreast
Riding
Three or
More
Abreast

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#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.

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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