Inspecting modified off-road motorcycles: Vehicle dealers

Who can inspect modified off-road motorcycles?

To perform safety inspections on modified off-road motorcycles, you must be a:

• Licensed motorcycle dealer, or
• Motorcycle repair shop

If you aren't licensed, you can:

• Apply for a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license
• Apply for a business license from the Department of Revenue

How to perform a safety inspection

When you inspect a modified off-road motorcycle to see if it's legal for road use, you must follow the steps below.

1. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN).
2. Inspect all the legally required equipment, including:
   • Head lamp, tail lamp, and stop lamp
   • Reflectors
   • Brakes
   • Mirrors
   • Horn
   • Tires
   • Turn signals
   • Fenders
   • Windshield (if necessary)
3. Complete Part 1 of the Off-Road Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form and sign it. By signing the form, you're agreeing that the equipment meets state and federal requirements.
4. Give the signed form to the motorcycle owner.

The law doesn't say how to perform the inspection. It's your responsibility to ensure that the motorcycle meets all requirements.

Inspection fees

• You can't charge more than $100 per inspection (RCW 46.16A.435).
• The customer must pay you the fee.
• You must attach a receipt to the Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form showing the amount you charged.

Laws and rules about inspections

Federal laws

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

State laws and rules

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

All RCW links go to app.leg.wa.gov.

Explanation of abbreviations

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