(1) It is unlawful:
(a) For any person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or
motor-driven cycle not equipped with mirrors on the left and
right sides which shall be so located as to give the driver a
complete view of the highway for a distance of at least two
hundred feet to the rear of the motorcycle, moped, or
motor-driven cycle: PROVIDED, That mirrors shall not be required
on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle over twenty-five years
old originally manufactured without mirrors and which has been
restored to its original condition and which is being ridden to
or from or otherwise in conjunction with an antique or classic
motorcycle contest, show, or other such assemblage: PROVIDED
FURTHER, That no mirror is required on any motorcycle
manufactured prior to January 1, 1931;
(b) For any person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or
motor-driven cycle which does not have a windshield unless
wearing glasses, goggles, or a face shield of a type conforming
to rules adopted by the state patrol;
(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 motorcycle
helmet except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle
or when the vehicle is equipped with all of the following:
(i) Steering wheel;
(ii) Seat belts that conform to standards prescribed under
49 C.F.R. Part 571; and
(iii) Partially or completely enclosed seating area for the
driver and passenger that is certified by the manufacturer as
meeting the standards prescribed under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.216.
The motorcycle helmet neck or chin strap must be fastened
securely while the motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle is in
motion. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles and
motorized foot scooters shall comply with all laws and
regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets;
(d) For any person to transport a child under the age of
five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle;
(e) For any person to sell or offer for sale a motorcycle
helmet that does not meet the requirements established by this
section.
(2) The state patrol may adopt and amend rules concerning
standards for glasses, goggles, and face shields.
(3) For purposes of this section, "motorcycle helmet" means
a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer
shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a neck
or chin strap type retention system, with the manufacturer's
certification applied in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218
indicating that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established
by the United States department of transportation.
[2009 c 275 § 5; 2003 c 197 § 1; 1997 c 328 § 4; 1990 c 270 § 7. Prior: 1987 c 454 § 1; 1987 c 330 § 732; 1986 c 113 § 8; 1982 c 77 § 7; 1977 ex.s. c 355 § 55; 1971 ex.s. c 150 § 1; 1969 c 42 § 1; 1967 c 232 § 4.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule -- IRLJ 6.2.
Short title -- 1990 c 270: See RCW 43.70.440.
Construction -- Application of rules -- Severability -- 1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability -- 1982 c 77: See note following RCW 46.20.500.
Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Maximum height for handlebars: RCW 46.61.611.
Riding on motorcycles: RCW 46.61.610.