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Vehicles · Classifications
& Required Equipment
The vehicle classification and required equipment for a
vehicle depends on the type of vehicle and its intended use. Below
is a list of the main vehicle classifications in Washington State along
with a brief description and a link to additional requirements for
each vehicle.
If you are unable to get your questions answered by the information
on our Web site, please e-mail them to equipment@wsp.wa.gov.
Street Legal Vehicles
- Passenger Vehicle –
any vehicle that has four or more wheels in contact with the ground.
These vehicles must meet the state and federal requirements for a
motor vehicle.
- Motorcycle –
any vehicle that has two or three wheels in contact with the ground.
These vehicles must meet the state and federal requirements for a
motorcycle.
Street legal vehicles with speed restrictions
- Moped – any vehicle that
travels less than 30 mph AND has an engine size of less than 50cc
AND has two or three wheels in contact with the ground. These vehicles
must meet the state and federal requirements for a motor-driven cycle.
- Low Speed Electric Vehicles –
any electric vehicle that travels on four wheels at a speed less
than 35 mph may be classified as a Medium Speed Vehicle (25-35mph)
or a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (up to 25mph). These vehicles
must meet the state and federal requirements for low speed electric
vehicles.
Motorized Devices not classified as vehicles
The following devices must operate under certain restrictions:
- Electric Assisted Bicycle –
any bicycle with an electric motor that is not capable of propelling
the device (with or without motive power) at speeds greater than
20 mph. These vehicles must be ridden in accordance with all state
and local restrictions and must have the required equipment as outlined
in state law.
- Electric Personal Assisted Mobility Device (EPAMD) –
a self-balancing device with two wheels not in tandem, designed to transport only
one person by an electric propulsion system at speeds not greater than 20 mph.
These vehicles must be ridden in accordance with all state and local restrictions
and must have the required equipment as outlined in state law.
- Motorized Foot Scooter –
a device with no more than 2 ten-inch or smaller diameter wheels
that has handlebars, is designed to be stood upon by the operator,
and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor
that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a speed no more than twenty miles per hour on level ground.
These vehicles must be ridden in accordance with all state and local
restrictions and must have the required equipment as outlined in
state law.
- Off-Road Vehicle/Motorcycle –
any non-street licensed vehicle when used for recreational purposes
on non-highway roads, trails, or a variety of other natural terrain.
Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, all-terrain vehicles,
motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles, and dune buggies. These vehicles
must be ridden in accordance with all state and local restrictions.
Trailers
Trailers must have all of the proper safety equipment installed
on them in order to be legally operated on the public highway. Refer
to the Inspection and Trailer Requirements
document for additional information outlining these requirements.
Special Motor Vehicle Required Equipment
- Fenders - Shall cover the entire tread width, at least 15 degrees
to the front, and 75 degrees to the rear. Shall extend down to at
least the center of the axle. RCW
46.37.500 & WAC
204-90-040
- Hood - With both primary and secondary latches. RCW
46.37.517 & WAC
204-90-040
- Doors - With door latches. RCW
46.37.517 & WAC
204-90-040
- Floor Pans - Under the entire passenger compartment, capable of
supporting the weight of the number of passengers that the vehicle
is designed to hold. WAC
204-90-040
- Defroster/Defogger - All vehicles, after 1938, must be equipped
with a working defroster/defogger. WAC
204-90-040
* Optional on street rods (not less than 40 years old) and kit vehicles,
operated on improved roads, and in "good" weather. RCW
46.37.518 & WAC
204-90-040
Aftermarket equipment or alterations
No alterations may be made to
a vehicle which prohibits the required equipment on the vehicle from
performing as intended. More information regarding restrictions
and requirements for aftermarket equipment on vehicles may be found
by clicking on the following link.
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