BILL REQ. #:  S-0899.1 

Read first time 01/22/2003.   Referred to Committee on Highways & Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the definition of a motorcycle helmet; and amending RCW 46.37.530.

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) 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)) motorcycle 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 motorcycle helmet ((must be equipped with either a)) neck or chin strap ((which shall)) must 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) 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)) that does not meet the requirements established by ((the state patrol)) this section.
     (2) The state patrol ((is hereby authorized and empowered to)) may adopt and amend rules, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, concerning ((the)) standards ((and procedures for conformance of rules adopted)) for glasses, goggles, and face shields((, and protective helmets)).
     (3) For purposes of this section, "motorcycle helmet" means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a neck or chin strap type retention system with a sticker indicating that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.