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Are dirt bikes street legal in Washington?

Washington's law on plating and riding a dirt bike on public roads, quoted from its own page, with the equipment and license rule.

The law in Washington

Yes, with a plate. Washington lets you register a dirt bike for public roads if it meets the state's rules.

"(1) A person may operate an off-road motorcycle upon a public road, street, or highway of this state if the person: (a) Files a motorcycle highway use declaration, as provided under RCW 46.16A.435, with the department certifying conformance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and state standards; (b) Obtains and has in full force and effect a current and proper ORV registration or temporary ORV use permit under chapter 46.09 RCW; and (c) Obtains a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW for a motorcycle."

RCW 46.61.705 Off-road motorcycles., checked November 2026.

Street Legal Dirt Bike CheckWashington

Which state?

Dirt bike · Washington

Street legal with a plate

Yes, with a plate. Washington lets you register a dirt bike for public roads if it meets the state's rules.

"(1) A person may operate an off-road motorcycle upon a public road, street, or highway of this state if the person: (a) Files a motorcycle highway use declaration, as provided under RCW 46.16A.435, with the department certifying conformance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and state standards; (b) Obtains and has in full force and effect a current and proper ORV registration or temporary ORV use permit under chapter 46.09 RCW; and (c) Obtains a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW for a motorcycle."

Conditions

"(3) Every person operating an off-road motorcycle under this section is granted all rights and is subject to all duties applicable to the driver of a motorcycle under RCW 46.37.530 and chapter 46.61 RCW."

Registration and plates

"If it's been modified to meet the requirements for road use, you may get a license plate for a 2-wheeled motorcycle (defined as having handlebars and a seat that is straddled by the rider) that was originally manufactured for off-road use only."

Required equipment (11)

(a) A head lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.523 and 46.37.524, and used in accordance with RCW 46.37.522;
(b) A tail lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525;
(c) A stop lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525;
(d) Reflectors meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525;
(e) Brakes meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.527, 46.37.528, and 46.37.529;
(f) A mirror on both the left and right handlebar meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.530;
(g) A windshield meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.530, unless the driver wears glasses, goggles, or a face shield while operating the motorcycle, of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol;
(h) A horn or warning device meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.380;
(i) Tires meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.420 and 46.37.425;
(j) Turn signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200; and
(k) Fenders adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water, rocks, or mud from the roadway. Fenders must be as wide as the tires behind which they are mounted and extend downward at least half way to the center of the axle.

Driver's license

"(c) Obtains a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW for a motorcycle."

Riding in Washington

31 off-road parks listed in Washington. National forest roads open to your vehicle today.

See Washington off-road parks

Other states

Dirt bike road laws in other states

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Common questions

Street legal dirt bike questions

Yes, with a plate. Washington lets you register a dirt bike for public roads if it meets the state's rules. Source: RCW 46.61.705 Off-road motorcycles..

Washington's law says: "If it's been modified to meet the requirements for road use, you may get a license plate for a 2-wheeled motorcycle (defined as having handlebars and a seat that is straddled by the rider) that was originally manufactured for off-road use only."

Washington's law says: "(c) Obtains a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW for a motorcycle."

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