Washington Motorcycle Helmet Law

This list of Washington motorcycle helmet laws is a reference only and you should always refer to the Washington D.O.T. for current requirements.  Please e-mail us if you believe our Washington motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

Washington has full motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcycle riders!

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 WASHINGTON 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 §§2000, et seq.)." RCW 49.60.030.