A Washington state legislation went into effect on July 28, 2019, mandating all motorcycle drivers to have liability insurance and evidence of insurance. They are no longer exempt from our state’s auto insurance requirement (leg.wa.gov).
Do motorbikes have to be insured?
Yes. It’s a legal requirement if you’re riding your motorcycle on the road. Only if you’ve declared your bike off the road and have a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) to confirm it will you be allowed to ride it again.
You might face a fine of up to £300 and at least six penalty points on your license if you’re caught riding without insurance. If you end yourself in court, you could be fined an infinite amount, have your license suspended, or have your bike seized.
Can you register a motorcycle without a license in Washington state?
All drivers in Washington must have both a driver’s license and a motorcycle endorsement, which is one of the most significant laws for motorcyclists.
Washington Motorcycle License and Registration
A driver must either finish a motorcycle rider school, which includes a knowledge and skills test, or take a knowledge and skills test for riding in traffic and avoiding collisions at the Washington Department of Licensing to acquire an endorsement.
Because two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles handle differently, they have separate endorsements.
You could be penalized if you ride without an endorsement. If you are driving your motorcycle on the road without the necessary endorsement, authorities may opt to impound it.
Motorcycles with fully enclosed seating and steering wheels are not required to have a motorcycle endorsement.
Washington Motorcycle Registration Requirements
Before you take your motorcycle out on the road, you must first register it with the state. To verify that the motorcycle is yours, you must present proof of ownership in the form of a title or bill of sale.
When you buy a motorcycle from a dealer, they will normally handle all of the paperwork related to the title transfer. If you receive a motorcycle as a gift or buy it from a private seller, you only have 15 days to get the title transferred from the date you acquire it. A bill of sale and title application must also be completed and signed in front of a notary public.
You must also attach an Odometer Disclosure Statement if the motorcycle is less than ten years old. A report on emissions testing is required in some areas. Check with your county to determine if this test is required for your car. All registered motorcycles in Washington must display a proper license plate at all times, according to state law.
Helmet Laws in Washington
Helmets are also required by law in Washington State when riding a motorcycle. The helmet must meet U.S. Department of Transportation requirements.
Motorcycle Equipment Laws in Washington
It also reduces your risks of suffering a traumatic brain injury in an accident and demonstrates to the court that you did everything you could to limit your damages when filing a personal injury claim.
All motorbikes must have left and right side mirrors that give view to at least 200 feet behind them, according to Washington law. Unless the driver is wearing safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield, motorcycles must also have a windshield. State law also mandates the use of a horn, muffler, head and tail lights, and handlebars that are no more than thirty inches above the seat.
Why is motorcycle insurance so cheap?
Motorcycles are less expensive to insure than vehicles for several reasons. When determining premiums, insurance firms consider elements such as safety ratings. Cars are much more expensive to insure than motorcycles, despite the fact that they are typically regarded safer to drive.
Is it legal to split lanes on a motorcycle in Washington State?
With a few exceptions, motorcycles are subject to the same traffic laws as ordinary passenger cars. It is illegal for certain motorcyclists to drive between two different lanes of traffic, a practice known as motorcycle lane splitting.
How does insurance work on a bike?
Your vehicle will be protected against theft, loss, and damage if you get a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance coverage. In the case of an accident, this policy will also provide personal accidental coverage for the owner or rider. Furthermore, third-party responsibility is covered under this sort of two-wheeler insurance.
Can I insure my bike without a license?
Yes, it doesn’t matter what type of license you have or if you don’t have any at all. Declaring a motorcycle SORN, which notifies the DVLA that it is off the road and not being used, is one method for insuring a motorcycle without a license.
Can I be insured to ride any motorcycle?
In general, only Fully Comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies will cover you to ride other motorcycles, whereas the minimal legal insurance, Third Party Only coverage, will not. If you plan on riding many motorcycles, a multi-bike insurance coverage may be the best option for you.
What happens if you get caught riding a motorcycle without an endorsement in Washington state?
The base penalty for driving a motorcycle without an endorsement is $48, with fees and assessments adding up to $136 in total. Motorcyclists who drive without proper endorsements will be fined an additional $250 under the new state rule.