Did the legislature pass a new three-wheeled motorcycle law?
Yes, during its 2003 session the legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 5229, which establishes a special three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement knowledge and skills test for operators of motorcycles with sidecar, and trikes. The bill also requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to establish training for three-wheeled motorcycle riders.
When does the new license endorsement requirement become effective?
The law takes effect January 1, 2004.
When the law goes into effect what do I have to do to lawfully operate a three-wheeled motorcycle?
Like operating a two-wheeled motorcycle, you must have a driver license endorsement to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle. To get the endorsement you will have to pass a knowledge and operator skills test, or you will have to present a certificate showing that you have completed the three-wheeled motorcycle operator-training course.
I am currently endorsed, how do I get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?
From January 2, 2004 through June 30, 2004, three-wheeled motorcycle operators with a class 3 endorsement or an “R” restriction can have a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement added to their license without skill testing. Here’s how it works:
- Go to any Washington driver licensing office with your current driver license and motorcycle endorsement.
- Request a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement.
- Let the Licensing Representative know if you already have a two-wheeled motorcycle endorsement and specify if you do or do not want to keep it. If you surrender the two-wheeled motorcycle endorsement you will sign a form stating that you agree to take all the tests and pay all the fees if you ever want to get the 2 wheel endorsement back.
- A new license will be issued with an endorsement code that indicates you are legal to operate a two or three-wheeled motorcycle or both. The new endorsement codes are as follows:
- Type 3 – two-wheeled motorcycles only
- Type 5 – three-wheeled motorcycle only
- Type 7 – two and three-wheeled motorcycles
I am not an experienced operator, how do I get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement added to my license?
Inexperienced riders can get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement in one of two ways:
- Apply at a driver licensing office and pass the operator’s knowledge and skills test. The endorsement will be issued after you pass both tests. or;
- Take the three-wheeled motorcycle rider training class and present the class completion card at any driver licensing office in the state to get your new license and three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement.
In both cases a $5 application fee, $10 endorsement fee and $10 license issuance fee will be required to get the endorsement added to your license.
When will the training program for three-wheeled motorcycles be available?
The three-wheeled motorcycle rider classes will be available in the Seattle and hopefully Spokane area beginning in January 2004. You will need to contact the provider to get scheduled for a class. Class location and contact information will be available at www.dol.wa.gov/ds/wmspsite.htm or, beginning in January you can call (800) 962-9010, extension 9, for class information. Three-wheeled motorcycle training will be available in the Seattle and Spokane areas for at least the first year. Depending upon the demand for training it may be offered in other areas after the first year.
How long is the training course and how much does it cost?
The three-wheeled motorcycle operator course is sixteen hours long and it costs $100.
Will the training program provide a three-wheeled motorcycle (sidecar or trike) for me to take the training?
You will need to contact the specific provider to find out if they have a three-wheeled motorcycle to loan. It is not a State requirement for them to do so.
Will I get a waiver for license testing if I take a rider education course for three-wheeled motorcycles?
Yes, this program will provide the same incentive as the two-wheel training program, in that successful completion will reward you with a certificate that qualifies you for a waiver of both the knowledge and skill tests. To be accepted, the certificate must be presented within six months after the course completion.
Why is the Senate bill also known as the Monty Lish Memorial Act?
Monty Lish was a longtime advocate of motorcycle operator and rider safety in the greater Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle area. Monty worked at the Evergreen Safety Council where he supported the implementation of three-wheeled motorcycle training and then actively supported the legislation to create a state training program.
Will I get a ticket if I ride without a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?
Yes, a police officer may issue a traffic infraction if you are found to be operating without the required endorsement.
Where will the three-wheeled motorcycle testing be available?
Plans are to establish three-wheeled motorcycle testing sites in the following regions:
- Bellingham
- Seattle
- Centralia
- Vancouver
- Yakima
- Spokane
- Tri-Cities
- Wenatchee
What do I need to have for the training and is any equipment provided?
Normally only classroom materials and course instruction are provided during the training. You can contact the course provider to find out what else they may provide, but in most cases you should expect to provide:
- A three-wheeled motorcycle, registration and insurance
- A three wheel endorsement, instruction permit, or other legal manner to get the three-wheeled motorcycle to the course
- Pen/pencil for taking notes
- DOT-approved helmet (the trainers have a limited number of loaner helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
- Long pants, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Sturdy over-the-ankle leather shoes and full-fingered leather gloves
- Sun-block or foul weather gear as needed (courses go on rain or shine)
- A snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- And, if under the age of 18, a signed parental permission form
What if I don’t want to take the three-wheeled motorcycle training, can I still get the endorsement?
Yes, you can qualify for the three-wheeled endorsement by qualifying on both the three-wheeled operator knowledge and skills tests. Check with the driver licensing office in your area for the location of the nearest office giving the skills test.
What do I study to prepare for the three-wheeled endorsement examinations?
The department is preparing a three-wheeled operator study guide that will be available by the time the law goes into effect.
If I buy a three-wheeled motorcycle from a dealer, does the dealer train me to ride?
Usually no, three-wheeled motorcycle dealers are not obligated to train you to operate it. However, there are some dealers that do offer training and some that may pay the fee for the state-approved training course. It is best to check with the dealer.
I am under 18; can I get a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?
Yes, as long as you have a basic driver license and signed proof of parental permission you can apply for an endorsement. Then to qualify for the endorsement, you must also complete the rider education course.
Does the fee that I pay for the training cover the entire cost?
No, the Department of Licensing subsidizes the motorcycle safety training courses and pays the balance of the fee that exceeds the $100 paid by the student. The amount of the subsidy depends on the contractor’s costs for providing the training.
Where does the money come from that subsidizes the training course?
Training course subsidies are authorized by the legislature from fees that are paid by motorcyclists who apply for an original or renewal driver license motorcycle endorsement.
What is the difference between a motorcycle with a sidecar and a trike?
A motorcycle with a sidecar has handlebars, a saddle for the operator, a transmission driving a single rear wheel and a sidecar with a seat and additional wheel usually attached to the right side of the motorcycle; the cycle-sidecar cannot lean into turns. A motorcycle-based trike is a modified motorcycle consisting of a motorcycle with the single rear wheel removed and a differential and two drive wheels added with handlebars and a saddle for the driver and passenger. A trike cannot lean into turns.
Are three-wheeled motorcycles safer to ride than two-wheeled motorcycles?
Yes and no. A three-wheeled motorcycle may have greater overall stability, but carrying a passenger in a sidecar or on a trike can change the center of gravity in unexpected ways. The handling and turning behavior of a three-wheeled motorcycle is quite different than a two-wheeled motorcycle. This may lead to driving errors if the operator hasn’t been trained or taken the time to learn the handling characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle.
How can I get to be a trainer for three-wheeled and other motorcycle operators?
If you are interested in being a WMSP Rider Coach please complete the Rider Coach Application, which can be obtained at www.dol.wa.gov/ds/wmsp.htm.
–from the Digital Gangster
