BILL REQ. #:  S-0547.1 

Read first time 01/20/2003.   Referred to Committee on Highways & Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to motorcycle equipment; and amending RCW 46.37.530 and 46.37.535.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.37.530 and 1997 c 328 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (((1))) It is unlawful:
     (((a))) (1) 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))) (2) 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))) (3) For any person under the age of twenty-one years 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 commercially manufactured protective motorcycle helmet ((of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol)) except when the vehicle is (a) an antique motor-driven cycle ((or)) at least twenty-five years old, (b) an automobile that is licensed as a motorcycle, or ((when the vehicle is)) (c) equipped with seat belts and roll bars ((approved by the state patrol)). The motorcycle 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. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles shall comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets;
     (((d))) (4) 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)).

Sec. 2   RCW 46.37.535 and 1990 c 270 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     It is unlawful for any person to rent out motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or mopeds unless the person also has commercially manufactured motorcycle helmets on hand for rent ((helmets of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol)).
     It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to rent a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped unless the person has in his or her possession a commercially manufactured motorcycle helmet ((of a type approved by the state patrol, regardless of from whom the helmet is obtained)).