(1) It is unlawful:
(a) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven
cycle not equipped with mirrors on the left and right sides of
the motorcycle 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 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 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 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 motorcycle helmet neck or chin strap must be
fastened securely while the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is
in motion. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles 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, pursuant to
the Administrative Procedure Act, 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 a sticker indicating
that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established by the
United States Department of Transportation.
[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.