This paper focuses on the effect of the transverse reinforcement—its amount, spacing, and direction—on torsional strength in an effort to simplify the governing codes and provide general information on the behavior of spun-cast prestressed concrete poles under pure tor- sion. The rationale behind the typical code values for spacing and direction of the transverse reinforcement is not apparent. A total of 14 specimens were produced as part of a testing program. The testing program consisted of two groups of seven specimens with two different tip diameters: 6.5 in. (165 mm) and 8.3 in. (210 mm). Within each group the spacing and direc- tion of the wound helical transverse reinforcement was varied. Each specimen was clamped at the butt end, and a counterclockwise torque load was applied at 2 ft (0.6 m) from the tip end. Applied torque and rotation of the tip were recorded using an inline load cell and electronic clinometers. The test concluded when the rotation reached approximately 13° to 15° or failure occurred. Experimental cracking torque values were compared with code-calculated theoretical values using current codes. Precracking and postcrack- ing torque-twist responses were analyzed with elastic torsion and torsional compression field theory mod- els. It was concluded that the primary function of the transverse reinforcement is to minimize the longitu- dinal precracking due to prestressing transfer forces. The prestressed concrete pole failure mode in torsion is brittle and sudden, and the transverse reinforcement provides no postcracking ductility.