File 01 · ABATE of Washington, compiled from public sources

The record shows who showed up.

Washington bills since 2009 where ABATE of Washington appears on the public testimony record. Not a complete list of ABATE's work.

ABATE of Washington says membership is open to anyone interested in promoting freedom of choice, whether you own or ride a motorcycle, or not. Members get A Voice in Olympia.

Join on abate-wa.org

Quotes: abate-wa.org/about-ua, /join

From the testimony record · 2020

SB 6565

Topic: parking
Bill: how motorcycles may park
ABATE: Testified in support
Report wording: “PRO”
Also testifying
Outcome: Passed (C 163 L 20)

Source: bill report on leg.wa.gov · checked 2026-10-25

Compiled from public sources. Not ABATE's official record.

Linocut print: a rider in a plain leather jacket, seen from behind, walks up stone steps toward a column with a helmet under one arm. — Illustration, not a real ABATE event or member.

File 02

The Record

Compiled from public sources. Not ABATE's official record.

a ABATE's record

c. 1975ABATE reaches Washington and starts in a motorcycle clubhouse, then spreads to independent riders and other clubs.“the only way to get something accomplished in any legislation was by having the numbers.”
Jan 1979At a Super Bowl Sunday meeting at the Sherwood Inn in Federal Way, members decide to become ABATE of Washington, incorporate, and run as a chapter organization.“this is where the chapters started.”
Mar 21, 1979ABATE of Washington becomes a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization.“This is our official birthday.”
1980ABATE of Washington hires a lawyer to help create its bylaws and policies.“virtually the same bylaws and policies we use today.”

Source: abate-wa.org/the-history-of-abate, paraphrased · checked Oct 25, 2026

b The law on the books

Summary of Washington law as of October 25, 2026, not the full text. Read the linked RCW for the exact wording. General info, not legal advice.

Filter by topic

TopicCiteSummaryStatus

HelmetsRCW 46.37.530(1)(c)RCW 46.37.530 makes it unlawful to operate or ride a motorcycle on a state highway, county road or city street without a motorcycle helmet, with the chin strap fastened while moving. Exceptions are listed in the section.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Helmet stickerRCW 46.37.530(3)RCW 46.37.530 defines a motorcycle helmet as one carrying the manufacturer’s certification that it meets U.S. DOT standards (49 C.F.R. 571.218).On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

EyewearRCW 46.37.530(1)(b)RCW 46.37.530 makes it unlawful to operate a motorcycle without a windshield unless wearing glasses, goggles or a face shield of a type meeting state patrol rules.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

MirrorsRCW 46.37.530(1)(a)RCW 46.37.530 requires left and right mirrors giving a view at least 200 feet to the rear, with an exception for some restored bikes over 25 years old built without mirrors.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Kids on the backRCW 46.37.530(1)(d)RCW 46.37.530 makes it unlawful to carry a child under five on a motorcycle.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Lane splittingRCW 46.61.608(3)RCW 46.61.608 prohibits riding between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Police on duty are exempt.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Full use of the laneRCW 46.61.608(1),(4)RCW 46.61.608 entitles motorcycles to full use of a lane, bars other vehicles from depriving them of it, and limits motorcycles to two abreast in a single lane.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Passing in the laneRCW 46.61.608(2)RCW 46.61.608 bars a motorcyclist from passing in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken, except when passing a pedestrian or bicyclist with at least three feet of space.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

PassengersRCW 46.61.610RCW 46.61.610 allows a passenger only on a motorcycle designed to carry more than one person, on a seat designed for two or a firmly attached seat, with foot pegs or an added bucket seat and seat belt.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Ape hangersRCW 46.61.611RCW 46.61.611 bars operating a motorcycle on a public highway with handlebars or grips more than 30 inches higher than the operator’s seat.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Lights onRCW 46.37.522RCW 46.37.522 requires head lamps and tail lamps to be lit whenever a motorcycle is in motion on a highway.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

HeadlightRCW 46.37.523RCW 46.37.523 requires at least one head lamp mounted 24 to 54 inches high, and multiple-beam road lighting on motorcycles.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Loud pipesRCW 46.37.390(1),(3)RCW 46.37.390 requires a working muffler, bars cut-outs and bypasses on a highway, and bars modifying an exhaust to be louder than the original muffler. The modification rule does not apply to vehicles 25 or more years old.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

EndorsementRCW 46.20.500(1),(6)RCW 46.20.500 requires a motorcycle endorsement on a valid driver’s license to drive a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle. Riding without one is a traffic infraction with an added $250 penalty. Under subsection (6), a licensed driver may operate a motorcycle with a partially or completely enclosed seating area, seat belts and a steering wheel (RCW 46.04.330(2)) without the endorsement.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

Insurance limitsRCW 46.29.090(1)RCW 46.29.090 sets liability limits of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage, for a policy to count under the financial-responsibility law.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

ProfilingRCW 43.101.419RCW 43.101.419 requires police training to address motorcycle profiling, and requires local agencies to add a statement condemning it to their profiling policies.On the bookschecked Oct 25, 2026

c ABATE on the testimony record

Washington bills since 2009 where ABATE of Washington appears on the public testimony record.

Not a complete list of ABATE's work; earlier years and non-testimony work aren't included.

Topic Side Outcome Year

2026HB 2174risky roadsTestified, listed as Other

local "accident risk zones" on dangerous roads

Source wording: “Other” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Washington Counties Risk Pool; Washington State Association of Counties

Last checked 2026-10-25

2025SB 5309weight feesTestified in support

lower weight fees for motorcycles

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2025ESSB 5801transportation fundingTestified, listed as Other

2025 transportation revenue package

Source wording: “Other” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 417 L 25)

Last checked 2026-10-25

2024SSB 5178road debrisTestified in support

large debris removal from state highways

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2023SB 5401lane splittingTestified in support

lane splitting / filtering

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2023SHB 1171rider training and licensingTestified in support

motorcycle safety education advisory board

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 137 L 23)

Last checked 2026-10-25

2023HB 1112vulnerable road usersTestified, side not stated

criminal penalties for negligent driving that kills a vulnerable road user

Source wording: “testified (side not stated)” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 471 L 23)

Also testifying: King County Prosecutors

Last checked 2026-10-25

2022HB 1624rider training and licensingTestified, side not stated

motorcycle safety education advisory board

Source wording: “testified (side not stated)” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2022SB 5622lane splittingTestified in support

lane splitting / filtering

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2020HB 2186road debrisTestified in support

debris escaping from vehicles

Source wording: “In support” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2020SB 6565parkingTestified in support

how motorcycles may park

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 163 L 20)

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019SB 5007helmet choiceTestified in support

motorcycle helmet use

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019SB 5254lane splittingTestified in support

lane splitting / filtering

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019SB 5303rider training and licensingTestified against

"addressing motorcycle safety"

Source wording: “CON” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Washington Road Riders Association

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019HB 1116rider training and licensingTestified against

House "addressing motorcycle safety"

Source wording: “Opposed” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 65 L 19, as SHB 1116)

Also testifying: Washington Road Riders Association; Evergreen Safety Council

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019EHB 1058parkingTestified in support

how motorcycles may park

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Traffic Safety Commission

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019SB 5653parkingTestified in support

how motorcycles may park

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019SB 5128electric bikesTestified in support

lower electric motorcycle renewal fee

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2019ESHB 1510narrow track vehiclesTestified, listed as Other

narrow track vehicles

Source wording: “OTHER” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2018SB 6070parkingTestified in support

how motorcycles may park

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2018SB 6107electric bikesTestified in support

lower electric motorcycle renewal fee

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2018HB 2900vulnerable road usersTestified, side not stated

tougher penalties when drivers endanger vulnerable road users

Source wording: “testified (side not stated)” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2017SB 5156helmet choiceTestified in support

motorcycle helmet use

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2017SB 5378lane splittingTestified in support

lane splitting / filtering

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2015SB 5198helmet choiceTestified in support

helmets required only under 18

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Harley Riders Group

Last checked 2026-10-25

2015SB 5623lane splittingTestified in support

lane splitting / filtering

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2015SB 5438red lights (bicycles and mopeds)Testified in support

bicycles and mopeds may stop and proceed through red lights that don’t detect them (extends the 2014 motorcycle rule, C 167 L 14)

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 32 L 15, as SSB 5438)

Also testifying: WA Bikes

Last checked 2026-10-25

2014SB 5141 (2013-14)red lights that miss bikesTestified in support

stop and proceed through a red light that doesn't detect a motorcycle

Source wording: “In support” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 167 L 14)

Also testifying: Washington Road Riders Association

Last checked 2026-10-25

2013SB 5143helmet choiceTestified in support

helmets required only under 18

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2013SB 5142road planningTestified, side not stated

include motorcycles in transportation planning

Source wording: “side not stated” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 26 L 13)

Also testifying: WA Road Riders Assn.

Last checked 2026-10-25

2013SHB 1334conversion kitsTestified in support

motorcycle conversion kits

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 174 L 13)

Also testifying: WA Road Riders Assn.

Last checked 2026-10-25

2013SB 5263passing bikes and walkersTestified in support

motorcycles passing pedestrians and bicyclists

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 139 L 13)

Also testifying: WA Road Riders Assn.

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011ESB 5242profilingTestified in support: one witness listed as "ABATE/BOLT"

addressing motorcycle profiling (now RCW 43.101.419)

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 49 L 11)

Also testifying: Confederation of Clubs; Washington Road Riders Association

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011HB 1333profilingTestified in support

House version of the motorcycle profiling bill

Source wording: “In support” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Confederation of Clubs; Washington Road Riders Association

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011SB 5141 (2011)learner permitsTestified against

limiting motorcycle instruction permits

Source wording: “CON” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 246 L 11)

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011HB 1543learner permitsTestified against

House version, limiting motorcycle instruction permits

Source wording: “Opposed” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011SB 5027off-road bikes on the streetTestified against

makers must mark bikes "off-road use only"

Source wording: “CON” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2011SB 5185paradesTestified in support

pausing some motorcycle rules during parades and demos

Source wording: “PRO” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Also testifying: Washington Road Riders Association

Last checked 2026-10-25

2009SB 5482equipment rulesTestified against

changing rules for two- and three-wheeled vehicles (WSP request)

Source wording: “CON” · Legislative bill report (leg.wa.gov)

Outcome: Passed (C 275 L 09)

Last checked 2026-10-25

From ABATE of Washington's own newsletter and website, not the Legislature's testimony record.

2026SB 5309 and HB 2601weight feesABATE’s newsletter called these “our weight fee bills”

motorcycle weight fee bills (ABATE newsletter)

Source wording: “our weight fee bills” · ABATE newsletter, April 2026

Outcome: Did not clear cutoff (per ABATE newsletter)

Last checked 2026-10-25

2026HB 1367shoulder ridingABATE’s newsletter asked members to sign in, in support

motorcycles may use the right shoulder in slow traffic (ABATE newsletter)

Source wording: “Please sign in, in support” · ABATE newsletter, February 2026

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

2014Newsletterred lights that miss bikesABATE’s website posted a call to action on this bill

ABATE call to action on the red light bill (abate-wa.org, archived 2014-02-02)

Source wording: “CALL TO ACTION” · abate-wa.org, archived 2014-02-02 (web.archive.org)

Outcome: Outcome not recorded here

Last checked 2026-10-25

File 03

Find your chapter

Confirm meeting details with the chapter before you go. All 19 chapters on abate-wa.org

Chapters: abate-wa.org/chapter-information · Town locations: U.S. Census Bureau Gazetteer · distance is straight-line · checked Oct 25, 2026

File 04

What members do

Illustration, not a real ABATE event or member.
Encourage favorable legislation for bikers
Register and vote
Illustration, not a real ABATE event or member.
Promote safe riding habits
Illustration, not a real ABATE event or member.
Monthly meetings, runs & community projects

Items: abate-wa.org/about-ua

File 05

Join

New membership, price includes service fee
1 Year Membership	$31.62
3 Year Membership	$73.05
5 Year Membership	$110.00
Dues for Life Membership	$311.10

PRICE INCLUDES SERVICE FEE

Join on abate-wa.org

Prices: abate-wa.org/join-abate-of-washington · checked Oct 25, 2026