Inspecting modified off-road motorcycles: Vehicle and vessel dealers

You must be a licensed motorcycle dealer or motorcycle repair shop in Washington to perform safety inspections on modified off-road motorcycles. To learn how to get your license, see:

• Motorcycle dealer’s license: Miscellaneous vehicle dealer.
• Business license to repair motorcycles: Business Licensing Service: Start a business (Department of Revenue).

Inspection requirements

When you inspect a modified off-road motorcycle to determine if it’s legal for road use, you must:

• Check the vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Inspect all the equipment identified in RCW 46.61.705, including:
  • Head lamp, tail lamp, and stop lamp.
  • Reflectors.
  • Brakes.
  • Mirrors.
  • Horn.
  • Tires.
  • Turn signals.
  • Fenders.
  • Windshield (if applicable).
• Complete Part 1 of the Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form and sign it to certify the equipment complies with state and federal requirements.

Note: The law doesn’t specify how the inspection is to be performed. It’s up to you to ensure that all equipment installed complies with state and federal requirements.

Inspection fees

You can’t charge more than $100 per inspection (RCW 46.16A.435). The fee must be paid directly to you, and you must attach a receipt to the Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form showing the amount you charged.

State and federal requirements

Federal requirements

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Motorcycle Equipment Manufacturer Labeling Requirements

Washington State laws and rules

• RCW 46.04.363: Off-road motorcycle
• RCW 46.09.470: Operating violations — Exceptions
• RCW 46.16A.030: Registration and display of plates required — Penalties —Expired registration, impoundment
• RCW 46.16A.435: Off-road motorcycles — Declaration required — Contents
• RCW 46.37.200: Stop lamps and electric turn signals displayed
• RCW 46.37.522: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — When head lamps and tail lamps to be lighted
• RCW 46.37.523: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Head lamps
• RCW 46.37.524: Motor-driven cycles — Head lamps
• RCW 46.37.525: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Tail lamps, reflectors, and stop lamps
• RCW 46.37.527: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Brake requirements
• RCW 46.37.528: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Performance ability of brakes
• RCW 46.37.529: Motor-driven cycles — Braking system inspection
• RCW 46.37.530: Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles — Helmets, other equipment — Children — Rules
• RCW 46.37.420: Tires — Restrictions
• RCW 46.37.425: Tires — Unsafe — State patrol’s authority — Penalty
• RCW 46.61.705: Off-road motorcycles
• WAC 308-94A-004: Certificates of title and registration

Explanation of abbreviations

• RCW—Revised Code of Washington (Washington State laws)
• WAC—Washington Administrative Code (Washington State agency regulations)