Hello,
I currently have an x-18 R Nitro pocket bike in Washington state, and i've been trying to get it licensed for weeks now, but the DOL is giving me a hard time in licensing it.
Here's the full conversation...
DMV
DMV...
ARE X18's Really legal to drive in Washington state as street legal?
Should I peruse further?
I currently have an x-18 R Nitro pocket bike in Washington state, and i've been trying to get it licensed for weeks now, but the DOL is giving me a hard time in licensing it.
Here's the full conversation...
DMV
MeGood Morning,
We have done some research and from what we have found out, we are unable to register a pocket bike because of federal standards. If you would like more information about this then you can contact Washington state patrol at 360-596-4017. Have a great day.
DMVHello,
Thank you for looking into this. I just have one last question. . What if i were to register it as a motorcycle. As long as it reaches a height limit, has mirrors, blinkers, headlight etc. all the legal requirements WA state cannot turn my bike down to be registered as a street legal bike.?
Thank you.
MeGood Afternoon,
I have contacted Washington state patrol and asked them. This is what they told me.
“Washington State has adopted federal standards in registering vehicles. In order to register a motorcycle as street use in the state of Washington it would have to have a valid VIN and the manufacture would have to state that it meets federal standards and safety standards to be registered as street legal. She told me that these bikes do not meet those requirements and are not allowed to be registered as street legal.” This is coming straight from Washington state patrol. As I stated in my previous email we would not be able to register the vehicle as street legal. Have a great day.
Hello,
I just looked at the bike once again to see if it has these requirements, and i found the manufacture vin number. As we'll as a statement located directly above the vin stating...
"This vehicle conforms to an applicable U.S Federal motor safety standard (FMVSS) effection to the date of manufacture shown above."
It looks like this vehicle does meet all the VIN requirements, and has met federal standards and safety.
Thank you.
DMV...
Good afternoon Chris,
The Customer Service call center forwarded your concerns regarding titling and licensing a pocket bike. On September 27, 2004 a media release from the Washington State Patrol went out to the public. It reads in part : “Pocket bikes, pocket rockets, and other similar type of mini motorcycles are small, 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 anyplace prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles. Pocket bikes are similar in performance to a motor-driven cycle or a motorcycle. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.04.330, however pocket bikes do not meet many of the equipment requirements for motorcycles that may be legally operated on roadways.”
In additional research VIN **** was run through a Vin decoding application. The response was undetermined. It was also run through the National Motor Vehicle Information System (NMVTIS) and there was no vehicle titling history for your pocket bike. These are also good indicators that the pocket bike is not intended for road use.
If you choose to ride your pocket bike, I would suggest checking local ordinances in the city/area you reside. The Customer Service representative who assisted you provided good information and I’m in agreement with that information. I will attach some RCW’s regarding equipment requirements for your review along with the printout of the undetermined VIN. If you still wish to pursue this matter further, please contact the State Patrol Equipment and Standards section.
Thank you,
ARE X18's Really legal to drive in Washington state as street legal?
Should I peruse further?