PNW area riders: what's law enforcement like there?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
You're not going to have any problems. I Echo others already said helmet is a must. You are good on the exhaust be smart.
I have been living in riding here for
22 yrs. No issues. Getting gas in Oregon sucks. However on a bike you will pump your own gas but some attendants get weird and stand there and watch you or they won't let you swipe your own card at the pump they do it for you.
I have been living in riding here for
22 yrs. No issues. Getting gas in Oregon sucks. However on a bike you will pump your own gas but some attendants get weird and stand there and watch you or they won't let you swipe your own card at the pump they do it for you.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 574
Likes: 156
From: Big Sky Country
Thanks all! Really appreciate the feedback. Didn't seem like I would have a problem, but rather not find out the hard way...
Assumed helmet would probably be necessary; not my favorite thing but I have a full in case of rain and a half I can use for nanny states.
Wouldn't have given pipes a second thought, but a local in Morrison CO (SW Denver metro) told me last spring that local PD had started enforcing a noise ordinance and were pulling over lots of bikes on a popular route through their hoighty toighty little enclave.
Assumed helmet would probably be necessary; not my favorite thing but I have a full in case of rain and a half I can use for nanny states.
Wouldn't have given pipes a second thought, but a local in Morrison CO (SW Denver metro) told me last spring that local PD had started enforcing a noise ordinance and were pulling over lots of bikes on a popular route through their hoighty toighty little enclave.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 3,411
From: Idaho Panhandle
Helmet, enforced. You will need to wear one or be stopped.
Speed, if your not doing 5 over, you'd better br in the slow lane. Faster, they'll get you. That's the freeways, most arterials, you need to use judgement. I would not push over 5 over.
They do not enforce cellphone laws in Washington. You are more likely to get stopped in a car for not wearing a seatbelt than talking, texting, on a phone. Even the cops do it.
We ride all over the West, they are no better or worse than elsewhere. Several years ago, they had a bunch of new recruits, many did not know the laws, especially concealed carry laws. Fingers on triggers, sweeping their partners with loaded weapons. It was pretty embarrassing. Hopefully, training or maturity has caught up to this group.
For most Washington cops, it's just a job, book'm Danno, rather ticket'm Danno, let the judge straighten it out.
There are sppedtraps in many local towns. Look for hidden speed signs.
For the most part, while there are noise ordinances, they have too many important things to do than harass you. You are more likely to hear from neighbors who thing motorcycle riders must be Trump supporters and will just go out of their way to make your life shitty.
Speed, if your not doing 5 over, you'd better br in the slow lane. Faster, they'll get you. That's the freeways, most arterials, you need to use judgement. I would not push over 5 over.
They do not enforce cellphone laws in Washington. You are more likely to get stopped in a car for not wearing a seatbelt than talking, texting, on a phone. Even the cops do it.
We ride all over the West, they are no better or worse than elsewhere. Several years ago, they had a bunch of new recruits, many did not know the laws, especially concealed carry laws. Fingers on triggers, sweeping their partners with loaded weapons. It was pretty embarrassing. Hopefully, training or maturity has caught up to this group.
For most Washington cops, it's just a job, book'm Danno, rather ticket'm Danno, let the judge straighten it out.
There are sppedtraps in many local towns. Look for hidden speed signs.
For the most part, while there are noise ordinances, they have too many important things to do than harass you. You are more likely to hear from neighbors who thing motorcycle riders must be Trump supporters and will just go out of their way to make your life shitty.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 716
Likes: 435
From: Snohomish county WA
My experience is don't act a fool and they wont bother you. Yes you need something on your head here in WA. Don't go commando on your head or you will get pulled over. Get pulled over for an infraction is the only time they may check and give you trouble for a novelty helmet. Never had a problem with loud exhaust but again don't act a fool and they wont hassle you for it. Play nice and you will have a great time with a lot of nice roads to ride on. I ride back roads at 10-15 over and have passed a few cops on the roads but again its all about when and where. Wa state doesn't require motorcycle insurance so they most likely wont ask for it. You do need an endorsement to ride here so that my be something you need to look into. Again only if you get pulled over. I have lived here 50+ years and have ridden street for 32 of them. Only time I had a problem is when I was doing stupid **** at the wrong time and place.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 680
Likes: 224
From: Buhl, Idaho
That's funny, since I used to live in Washington. I have 6 inch horns glued to my helmet, and not one cop stopped me for it, but some have actually waved at me, or given a thumbs up at me. Also have a get back whip, all led lights, non stock exhaust, etc. Just don't get stupid, and they'll likely leave you alone. Like anywhere else, some cops are pretty decent, and others.... you know.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
Not much to worry about, as the others have posted, don't draw attention to yourself and ride respectively and you won't have any issues. We usually do a few day tour of the PNW states most summers and have yet to get even a second glance from the law and I am far from the quietest and slowest out there,use your head and enjoy the ride out here.
Last edited by tfi racing; May 29, 2019 at 02:17 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,373
Likes: 364
From: Washington
A lot of revenue raised by radar. Especially on I-5 and I-90.
The only noise ordinance is in West seattle
Make sure you ride the North Cascades Highway 20 and have rain gear onboard
Brake light is cool so is exhaust. A helmet is required.
The only noise ordinance is in West seattle
Make sure you ride the North Cascades Highway 20 and have rain gear onboard
Brake light is cool so is exhaust. A helmet is required.
Last edited by woodman; May 29, 2019 at 09:12 AM. Reason: Adding
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 25
From: Ketchikan Alaska
I am just south of Portland and never tried without the helmet. Not worth the ticket so I just wear mine when I go out.
I haven't been pulled over yet on the bike, but also have made sure registration is current, lights all work, don't speed (to much) and have the DOT helmet. I have had lights flashed at me for passing a little aggressive.
I haven't been pulled over yet on the bike, but also have made sure registration is current, lights all work, don't speed (to much) and have the DOT helmet. I have had lights flashed at me for passing a little aggressive.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,453
Likes: 2,839
From: Oklahoma
Thanks all! Really appreciate the feedback. Didn't seem like I would have a problem, but rather not find out the hard way...
Assumed helmet would probably be necessary; not my favorite thing but I have a full in case of rain and a half I can use for nanny states.
Wouldn't have given pipes a second thought, but a local in Morrison CO (SW Denver metro) told me last spring that local PD had started enforcing a noise ordinance and were pulling over lots of bikes on a popular route through their hoighty toighty little enclave.
Assumed helmet would probably be necessary; not my favorite thing but I have a full in case of rain and a half I can use for nanny states.
Wouldn't have given pipes a second thought, but a local in Morrison CO (SW Denver metro) told me last spring that local PD had started enforcing a noise ordinance and were pulling over lots of bikes on a popular route through their hoighty toighty little enclave.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 574
Likes: 156
From: Big Sky Country
For the most part, while there are noise ordinances, they have too many important things to do than harass you. You are more likely to hear from neighbors who thing motorcycle riders must be Trump supporters and will just go out of their way to make your life shitty.
Wait a minute--does this mean I need to leave my MAGA hat at home?