H-1115.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1512
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
By Representatives Nealey, Haugen, Hochstatter, Rayburn, May, Grant, Paris, Kremen, Prince, Van Luven, D. Sommers, Beck, Zellinsky, Bowman, Sprenkle, Chandler, McLean and Betrozoff.
Read first time January 31, 1991. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
AN ACT Relating to motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped helmets; amending RCW 46.37.530; and adding a new section to chapter 46.16 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 46.16 RCW to read as follows:
The department may issue a temporary letter of authority authorizing a nonprofit group organized under national charter or state incorporation to participate in a community parade, pageant, fair, convention, or other special community activity without wearing a helmet. If a letter of authority is granted for more than one event it shall list all the events covered and the dates of participation.
Sec. 2. RCW 46.37.530 and 1990 c 270 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) It is unlawful:
(a) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle not equipped with mirrors on the left and right sides of the motorcycle which shall be so located as to give the driver a complete view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle: PROVIDED, That mirrors shall not be required on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle over twenty-five years old originally manufactured without mirrors and which has been restored to its original condition and which is being ridden to or from or otherwise in conjunction with an antique or classic motorcycle contest, show, or other such assemblage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no mirror is required on any motorcycle manufactured prior to January 1, 1931;
(b) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle which does not have a windshield unless wearing glasses, goggles, or a face shield of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol;
(c) For any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped on a state highway, county road, or city street unless wearing upon his or her head a protective helmet of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or automobile that is licensed as a motorcycle or when the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and roll bars approved by the state patrol. The helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap which shall be fastened securely while the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is in motion. Except that a person may ride without a helmet in special events under a letter of authority from the department of licensing pursuant to section 1 of this act;
(d) For any person to transport a child under the age of five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle;
(e) For any person to sell or offer for sale a motorcycle helmet which does not meet the requirements established by the state patrol.
(2) The state patrol is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and amend rules, pursuant to the administrative procedure act, concerning the standards and procedures for conformance of rules adopted for glasses, goggles, face shields, and protective helmets.