This web page is not associated with any motorcycle organization.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING A MOTORCYCLE STREET-LEGAL
Motorcycle requirements are controlled by the revised code of Washington
which is ONLINE.
Includes:
Horn
Two mirrors
Tail Light
Brake Light
Head Light with high and low.
Tires not labeled "Not For Highway Use"
Brakes
Tickets for MC tires that are not DOT approved are UNLAWFUL.
See this link for RCW tire requirements:
Title 46 RCW MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 46.37 RCW VEHICLE LIGHTING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
RCW 46.37.420 Tires--Restrictions.
http://www.mrsc.org:8080/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=528413&advquery=windshield&infobase=rcw.nfo&record={6336}&softpage=Doc_Frame_Pg42&x=35&y=14&zz=Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles--Helmets, other equipment--Children—Rules
Also, RCW 46.37.425 Tires--Unsafe--State patrol's authority--Penalty.
DOT tires are not a legal requirement!
Tickets for MC gas tanks that are not steel are UNLAWFUL.
Steel gas tanks are not required!
See RCW 46.37.465 Fuel system at the same link.
Key points are:
There shall be no signs of leakage.......
.........is securely attached..........
Tickets for MC's that do not have turn signals are UNLAWFUL.
Refer using this link:
http://www.mrsc.org:8080/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=528413&advquery=windshield&infobase=rcw.nfo&record={6336}&softpage=Doc_Frame_Pg42&x=35&y=14&zz=
MC lights requirements are covered in the sections below:
46.37.522 Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles--When head lamps and tail lamps to be lighted.
46.37.523 Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles--Head lamps.
46.37.524 Motor-driven cycles--Head lamps.
46.37.525 Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles--Tail lamps, reflectors, and stop lamps.
Turn signals are not required!
You might say that RCW 46.37.070 Stop lamps and turn signals required. " says that turn signal are required. However, this section does not apply to motorcycles or "motor-driven cycles" as the RCW likes to call them. See RCW 46.37.010 "Scope and effect of
regulations--General penalty. " (6) The provisions of this chapter (46.37) with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable."These means the requirement in a section (paragraph) of 46.37 does not apply unless it specifically mentions that it applies to motorcycles. Example: paragraph
46.37.410 Windshields required, exception--Must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.
See section 3 (of RCW 46.37.410): The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. After January 1, 1938, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a new motor vehicle first sold or delivered after that date which is not equipped with such device or devices in good working order capable of
cleaning the windshield thereof over two separate arcs, one each on the left and right side of the windshield, each capable of cleaning a surface of not less than one hundred twenty square inches, or other device or devices capable of accomplishing substantially the same result.Ever seen a Harley windshield with a wiper on it? Nope!
This is my opinion from reading the law, (they seem quite obvious). I am not an attorney. (I have to say that).
Please give this information and/or link to any dual-sport rider you know.
If you get a ticket for any of the above, Email me. It may be time for a class-action suit against any agency that issues these kinds of tickets.
[email protected]