Nevada Motorcycle Laws

Breaking a Nevada motorcycle law can put your life at risk and ruin your odds of securing compensation after a traffic accident. It’s incredibly important as a Nevada motorcyclist to know and obey the rules that relate to your specific vehicle type. Following the rules is the only way to make sure you’re always on the right side of the law – before and after a collision. Learn the most important Nevada motorcycle laws, get the proper equipment, and commit to safe motorcycling before you hit the open road.

Breaking a Nevada motorcycle law could cause a serious accident. In these cases, the motorcyclist’s insurance company may be liable for damages. The other driver or injured party may use the broken motorcycle law as proof of the motorcyclist’s negligence per se, or negligence without further need for proof. The best way to avoid legal trouble and keep yourself and others safe is to reach out to a Nevada motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Nevada Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Studies show that motorcycle helmets are about 67% effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries and 37% effective in preventing motorcyclist deaths. Yet Nevada is one of just 19 states that enforces a universal helmet law. Nevada law states that all motorcyclists in Nevada must wear approved safety helmets – including passengers. Motorcyclists must also wear protective eyewear or face shields if the vehicle doesn’t have a windshield.

Helmets must meet federal safety and performance standards. Look for the Snell Foundation or DOT sticker on your helmet. Not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Nevada can result in a fine. It could also diminish your amount of recoverable damages if, in an accident claim, the defendant uses your lack of helmet-wearing against you to allege that you contributed to a face, head, or brain injury. Always wear a helmet!

Motorcycle License Requirements

You cannot operate a motorcycle in Nevada without a special motorcycle driver’s license (Class M). You will need to submit a DMV-002 Application for Driving Privileges with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to start the Class M licensure process. Then, you will need to pass written and road tests before receiving your license. You will need to demonstrate that you know and understand how to use your motorcycle’s controls. You will also need to prove that you understand the applicable traffic laws.

Traffic Laws Relating to Nevada Motorcyclists

In Nevada, motorcyclists have the same rights and duties as other vehicle drivers. They must obey all traffic laws and roadway signage the same as other motorists. Motorcyclists have the right to use an entire lane, as well as to ride two abreast with another motorcycle. Motorcyclists in Nevada cannot, however, share a lane with a motor vehicle or ride between lanes (lane-split), even if the driver stops the vehicle. Motorcyclists must yield the right of way at intersections and when making turns, as applicable.

Required Motorcycle Equipment

You cannot legally operate a motorcycle in Nevada if it does not have the proper equipment:

• At least one headlight
• A red taillight visible from at least 500 feet
• A brake light visible from at least 300 feet in daylight
• One rear reflector,
• Front and rear brakes
• Electric turn signals (if on a motorcycle manufactured after 1972)
• Rearview mirrors
• Fenders
• A horn
• A muffler.

Failing to maintain the proper equipment on your motorcycle could result in a traffic ticket, as well as liability in the event of an accident.

Safe Riding Laws

Motorcyclists have a duty to drive safely in Nevada. They must obey posted speed limits, use proper signals to communicate their intentions, keep enough space between them and other vehicles, yield the right of way to pedestrians, and always pay attention to the road. Drinking alcohol and operating a motorcycle is illegal in Nevada, with the maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) level at 0.08%. Motorcyclists must use reasonable care when operating their vehicles, preventing accidents as much as possible.

If you or a family member was seriously injured in a car accident, call a Las Vegas accident attorney at J. Cogburn Law Offices today for a free case consultation.