Plates for modified off-road motorcycles
If it's been modified to meet the requirements for road use, you may get a license plate for a 2-wheeled motorcycle (defined as having handlebars and a seat that is straddled by the rider) that was originally manufactured for off-road use only.
How to make your off-road motorcycle street legal
- Install all of the following equipment:
- A head lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.523 and 46.37.524, to be used whenever the motorcycle is in motion on a highway.
- A tail lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525.
- A stop lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525.
- Reflectors meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525.
- Brakes meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.527, 46.37.528, and 46.37.529.
- Mirrors on both the left and right handlebar meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.530.
- A horn or warning device meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.380.
- Tires meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.420 and 46.37.425.
- Turn signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200.
- Fenders adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water, rocks, or mud from the roadway. Fenders must be as wide as the tires behind which they are mounted and extend downward at least half way to the center of the axle.
- A windshield meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.530, unless the driver wears glasses, goggles, or a face shield of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol.
- Have the motorcycle inspected by a licensed Washington State motorcycle repair shop or motorcycle dealer.
- Ask the inspector to complete Part 1 of the Off-Road Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form and sign it.
- All items on the safety inspection must pass for the form to be accepted at a licensing office.
- Submit all of the following to any vehicle licensing office:
- Your completed Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form.
- A copy of the receipt showing you paid for the safety inspection (attached to the form).
- The title for the motorcycle. If the bank has the title, you'll need to work with your bank to get the title and motorcycle highway use declaration form submitted.
Title, registration, and license plate
When you've completed the process of making your motorcycle street legal:
- The comment "modified for on-road use" will be printed on the title and registration to show that it's street legal.
- You'll need an ORV decal and a motorcycle license plate to ride on public roads. (The law requires modified off-road motorcycles to meet both ORV requirements and requirements for on-road use).
Frequently asked questions
How can I find out if a motorcycle dealer or motorcycle repair shop is licensed?
Ask for their Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and Search business and professional licenses online. Repair shops will have a business license; dealers will have both a professional license and a business license. The status should be open and active.
How much will the safety inspection cost?
The dealer or repair shop can't charge more than $100 per safety inspection. Make sure a copy of the receipt is attached to your Motorcycle Highway Use Declaration form.
What if I decide to remove the equipment that's installed?
If you remove the equipment, the motorcycle isn't street legal. You must submit the title to a vehicle licensing office and remove the license plate. A new title will be issued with the comment "not eligible for road use."
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement on my driver license?
Yes. You must also comply with all applicable Rules of the road and laws for motorcycle drivers under RCW 46.37.530.
Related Washington State laws
- RCW 46.61.705: Off-road motorcycles
- RCW 46.16A.435: Off-road motorcycles — Declaration required — Contents
- RCW 46.16A.030: Registration and display of plates required
- RCW 46.37.522: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — When head lamps and tail lamps to be lighted
