FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5800

C 121 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing the use of modified off-road motorcycles on public roads.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Haugen and Shin).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: Currently, Washington State law does not permit the conversion of off-road motorcycles for on-street use.

Summary: A person may operate an off-road motorcycle upon a public road, street, or highway in Washington, if the person complies with the following requirements:

• file a motorcycle use declaration, in which the Department of Licensing (DOL) certifies conformance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and state standards;

• obtain and have in full force and effect a current and proper off-road vehicle (ORV) registration or temporary ORV use permit;

• obtain a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents; and

• install various outlined motorcycle components, if not already present on the off-road motorcycle.

An off-road motorcycle is defined. In order to be registered for on-road use, an off-road motorcycle must travel on two wheels with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and have handlebar-type steering control.

DOL must establish a declaration, which must be submitted by an off-road motorcycle owner when applying for on-road registration of an off-road motorcycle. The declaration must include the following:

• documentation of a safety inspection conducted by a licensed dealership or repair shop;

• documentation that the licensed dealership or repair shop did not charge more than $100 for the inspection, all of which goes to the dealership or repair shop;

• verification of the vehicle identification number; and

• a release signed by the owner that releases the state from liability.

Votes on Final Passage: