Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.61
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.780 (2026)

Lamps and other equipment on bicycles

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) Every bicycle when in use during the hours of darkness as defined in RCW 46.37.020 shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the state patrol which shall be visible from all distances up to six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector. A light-emitting diode flashing taillight visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may also be used in addition to the red reflector.
(2) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
[ 1998 c 165 s 17; 1987 c 330 s 746; 1975 c 62 s 39; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 85.]

Notes:

Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Short title—1998 c 165: See note following RCW 43.59.010.
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1975 c 62: See note following RCW 36.75.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases, 1984–2014 · leading case: State v. Russell, 330 P.3d 151 (Wash. 2014).
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State v. Russell, 330 P.3d 151 (Wash. 2014). “See RCW 46.61.780. Officer Makein saw the cyclist change into the left lane and travel for several blocks in the direction of oncoming traffic, another traffic violation.”
Bauman v. Crawford, 704 P.2d 1181 (Wash. 1985). · cites it 2× “160 and RCW 46.61.780(1) each require a headlight on a bicycle operated after dark.”
State v. Rowell, 158 P.3d 1248 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 6× “We read RCW 46.61.780 as requiring lights. Mr. Rowell also argues that the State must prove that he knew the drugs were in his backpack.”
State v. Rowell, 138 Wash. App. 780 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 6× “We read RCW 46.61.780 as requiring lights. Mr. Rowell also argues that the State must prove that he knew the drugs were in his backpack.”
Bauman v. Crawford, 685 P.2d 1104 (Wash. Ct. App. 1984). · cites it 3× “160; RCW 46.61.780(1). 1 Nor does the plaintiff find such instructions objectionable.”
State v. Russell (Wash. 2014). “See RCW 46.61.780. Officer Makein saw the cyclist change into the left lane and travel for several blocks in the direction of oncoming traffic, another traffic violation.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.780(1) — 2 cases
Bauman v. Crawford, 704 P.2d 1181 (Wash. 1985). “160 and RCW 46.61.780(1) each require a headlight on a bicycle operated after dark.”
Bauman v. Crawford, 685 P.2d 1104 (Wash. Ct. App. 1984). “160; RCW 46.61.780(1). 1 Nor does the plaintiff find such instructions objectionable.”
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