Do you have to wear a bike helmet in washington?

It's about that perfect biking weather here in Washington State and especially the Yakima Valley.

I do like to bike around the neighborhood and parks with my kids.

Might even bring my electric scooter around as well

When we do, I always wear a helmet, but I do see others not wearing a helmet.

I'm not the other kids' dad so I'm not going to parent them on wearing a helmet.

But I also remember not wearing a helmet as a kid.

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That got me thinking, is it illegal if you don't wear a bicycle helmet in Washington?

Is it illegal to not wear a helmet on your bike?

Well, I hate to say Yes and No... so I'll break it down further.

Quick answer is no, it's not illegal. Washington is a state where you're not required to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Encouraged, of course, but not illegal.

There are some counties in Washington, however, that do require them.

So it's not a state law, but more of a county law.

According to maxmeyerslaw.com, here are the counties that require you to wear a helmet.

Aberdeen
Bainbridge Island
Bremerton
DuPont
Eatonville
Fircrest
Gig Harbor
Kent
King County
Lynnwood
Lakewood
Milton
Orting for everyone 17 and younger
Pierce County
Port Angeles
Port Orchard
Poulsbo for everyone 18 and younger
Puyallup
Renton
Spokane
Steilacoom
Tacoma
University Place
Vancouver
Any Military installation

Yakima county is off the list, as well as Benton and Franklin counties for Tri-Cities.

Still, though, it doesn't mean you should go without one. Just to be safe.

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