Our Seattle Based Lawyers Explain Motorcycle Laws for Washington

State Motorcycle Laws to Ensure Your Safety and Legal Rights

Washington Motorcycle Laws

As any motorcycle accident attorney will attest to, having an intimate knowledge of state motorcycle laws is a crucial part of being a safe and responsible motorcyclist.

Basic Washington State motorcycle laws that should be known and followed are:

• Safety helmets must be worn
• Eye protection must be worn unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen
• Headlights must be used during the daytime; a modulating headlight is permitted
• A passenger seat is required if the rider is carrying a passenger
• A passenger footrest is required if the rider is carrying a passenger
• Passengers under the age of 5 are prohibited
• Turn signals are required if the motorcycle was originally equipped with them
• A muffler is required
• The handlebar must be no higher than 30" above the seat
• Motorcycles must not be operated with more than two side-by-side in a single lane
• A motorcyclist must not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken
• A motorcyclist must not operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles

If you would like to consult with a Seattle or Tacoma, Washington-area motorcycle accident attorney regarding a case involving motorcycle laws, please contact the office of Phillips Webster today.

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Off-road Motorcycle Laws

The state of Washington has separate laws regulating off-road motorcycles that, when followed, maximize the chances of safe off-road activity. Knowing and obeying these specific laws can help avoid injury and encourage safe off-road motorcycling.

Basic off-road motorcycle laws that should be known and obeyed are:

• A safety helmet must be worn when operating an off-road motorcycle
• Headlight use is required after sunset
• Taillight use is required after sunset
• A muffler is required
• A spark arrestor is required
• Registration of off-road motorcycles is required

Contact the office of Phillips Webster today to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney if you would like further information or clarification about off-road motorcycle laws.

Speak to a Seattle and Tacoma, Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle laws are enforced for the safety and protection of motorcyclists. If you have been cited for breaking a motorcycle law but feel that it was unjustified or incorrect, please contact our Seattle and Tacoma-area offices to speak with a Washington motorcycle accident attorney from Phillips Webster about your case.

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