Washington Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Insurance is not required per RCW 46.30.020. We recommend good purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy as it can safeguard you from liability and help you save money long term
Buying motorcycle insurance up front as required avoids facing steep penalties later.
When looking for insurance quotes in Washington, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
There are two ways to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington state. If you complete and pass an approved rider course at a motorcycle training school, bring your completion card to any driver licensing office within six months to have the knowledge and riding tests waived. If you don’t take an approved rider course, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test, which allows you to get an instruction permit and pass the motorcycle riding test.
Please visit these Washington websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
In Washington state and helmets must be worn by drivers and passengers at all times. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find Washington motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in Washington. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Seattle - Evergreen Safety Council - S.s.c.c. #1
- Spokane - Spokane Motorschool - North Spokane
- Tacoma - Puget Sound Safety - Tacoma 2
- Auburn - Pacific nw Motorcycle Safety - Auburn Supermall
- Kirkland - Eastside Harley-davidson Riders Edge
- Renton - Evergreen Safety Council - Renton #2
- Snoqualmie - Snoqualmie Dirtfish
- Seatac - Evergreen Safety Council - Seatac
Accidents and Safety in Washington
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 233,508 motorcycles registered in Washington with only 78 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| WA | 233.508 | 78 | 95% | 5% | 43% |
| AK | 27.931 | 8 | 50% | 50% | 36% |
| ID | 64.163 | 29 | 62% | 38% | 32% |
| OR | 102.287 | 43 | 98% | 2% | 35% |
Sweet Rides in Washington
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Chinook Scenic Byway
- Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway
- International Selkirk Loop
- Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90
- Stevens Pass Greenway
- Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112
- White Pass Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Twisted Riderz
- Knights Paladin MC
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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