Hey, WA riders: is it legal......?
 

Hey, WA riders,

Is it legal for MCs to ride in the HOV lanes on I-5 in and around Seattle?

(I'm guessing there is a helmet law, too, right?)

From Vancouver USA, the closest HOV lanes are in Portland and two wheelers are allowed to use them anytime. Yes WA is a helmet state (at one time it was not but that has long ago changed). That doesn't really answer your Seattle question though does it? Sorry.

Believe they are.......I ride in them...I-5 into Seattle.
Can use the HOV lanes coming into Vancouver, B.C. if you are a motorcyclist.....

Faber, it's legal for MC's to ride in HOV lanes in WA. Sorry to say that helmet laws do apply.

Very much legal. I do it all the time over there. Most states that I have been to that have HOV or carpool lanes made it legal for bikes as well. I know in CA you get free pass over the bridges during commute hours when on a bike

It's legal in all 50 states. Even solo riders.

In Washington MCs are also allowed to use the HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes without charge. Hot lanes allow single passenger cars to drive in them for a toll that varies by time of day.

I remember the good old days of riding in Wa. without a helmet. I was ripping and roaring up and down I-5 back in 84-85.

I avoid going into Seattle or Bellevue unless I can ride. I like using the carpool lanes, and I like the manuverability being on two wheels provides. I've got friends who hate to ride in the city, but I'd much rather be on two wheels than in a car.

Thanks, guys.

I'm new to the area and just figuring out the differences between riding here and in Montana.

I notice a lot of guys on bikes wear the hi-viz jackets. With the weather (and the traffic), that doesn't seem like a bad idea.

It also looks like MCs get to cut to the front of the line for ferries. Sweet!