Local authorities enforce state laws on pocket bikes/mini motorcycles

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 28, 2004

WASHINGTON STATE -Pocket bikes, pocket rockets, and other similar type of mini motorcycles are small (most measure only 12- to 18-inches in overall height), fast, and manufactured primarily as a racing bike and intended for off-road use only.

Pocket bikes may not be legally operated on public roads. Additionally, they may not be operated on sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, or any place prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles.

Long Beach Police Department and the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office will enforce this law.

Pocket bikes are similar in performance and application to that of a motor-driven cycle or a motorcycle. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.04.330 which states in part, “Motorcycle” means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, on which the driver rides astride the motor unit or power train and is designed to be steered with a handle bar, …”

However, pocket bikes do not meet many of the equipment requirements for motorcycles that may be legally operated on roadways. These requirements are outlined in statutes and include: a minimum wheel base of three feet six inches (RCW 46.44.050); minimum headlamp height of 24 inches (RCW 46.37.523); minimum tail lamp height of 15 inches (RCW 46.37.525); two mirrors (RCW 46.37.400); pneumatic rubber tires (RCW46.37.420); and other requirements.

Additionally, pocket bikes are not manufactured with a conforming 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), indicating the manufacturer did not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards which are required for motor vehicles of any class to be operated on public roads. Operators of motordriven cycles or motorcycles must also have a valid driver’s license, a motorcycle endorsement, and must wear a helmet.

Under RCW 46.20.024, it is a misdemeanor for any person to cause or knowingly permit a child, who is under the age of 18, to drive a motor vehicle on any highway without the state’s authorization. All RCWs may be viewed in their entirety by accessing the Office of the Code Revisers Web site at slc.leg.wa.gov.