Washington Bike Laws: What You Need to Know

Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements

In Washington, all dirt bikes used off-road must be registered as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). A metal ORV tag must be visibly mounted on the bike.

Titling:

• Required for ORVs unless exempt (e.g., competition-use-only bikes or bikes not manufactured for road use before 1990).

Safety Gear Requirements:

• Helmet: Required for all riders regardless of age.

   

• Eye Protection: Recommended for all riders.

   

• OHV Education: Minors under 16 operating on public lands must be supervised and may be required to complete a state-approved safety course.

Age Restrictions (WA ORV Guidelines):

• Under 13: Prohibited from operating ORVs on public lands unless specifically allowed by local ordinance or on private property.

   

• Ages 13–15: May operate with adult supervision and following local rules.

   

• 16 and older: May operate independently with appropriate licensing or certification.

Operation on Public Roads:

• Dirt bikes not converted to street-legal status cannot be ridden on public streets, roads, or highways, except to cross them at a 90-degree angle where permitted and safe.

Lighting Requirements:

• If riding from dusk to dawn, a headlight and taillight are required and must be operational.

Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal

Washington allows the conversion of dirt bikes to street-legal motorcycles under the Dual-Use Motorcycle Program.

Conversion Steps:

1. Required Equipment:

    

   • DOT-approved headlight with high and low beams

      

   • Taillight with brake light

      

   • Turn signals (front and rear)

      

   • Mirrors (left and right sides)

      

   • Horn audible from at least 200 feet

      

   • DOT tires

      

   • Speedometer and odometer

      

   • Exhaust system compliant with noise and spark arrestor regulations

      

2. WSP Inspection:

    

   • A Washington State Patrol inspection is required to verify compliance with street-legal requirements.

      

3. Title and Registration:

    

   • Submit proof of WSP inspection to the Washington DOL to obtain a street-legal title and registration.

      

   • The registration must specify the bike as a “modified off-road motorcycle.”

      

4. Insurance:

    

   • Liability insurance is mandatory for all street-legal motorcycles.

      

5. License Plate:

    

   • A valid Washington plate must be mounted in a visible and legal position.