With all the thrill motorcycling in Nevada brings, it isn’t without dangers. Before you hit the roads on your motorcycle, it’s best to familiarize yourself with Nevada’s traffic and safety laws, more so motorcycle regulations.
Nevada Motorists Have a Duty of Care
All motorists in Nevada must exercise the requisite degree of care while on the road. As a motorcyclist, you also need to understand what this degree of care is all about and what to do if you suffer injuries and losses due to another motorist’s negligence. If you get injured in a motorcycle crash, the attorneys at the law offices of Pacific West Injury Law can help you to recover compensation.
Nevada’s Legal Code for Motorcyclists
NRS – Chapter 486 is Nevada’s legal code for motorcycles. The code outlines the Nevada Motorcycle Equipment Requirements and the Nevada Motorcycle Manual.
Motorcycle Registration Requirements
When you move to Nevada or purchase a motorcycle in the state, you must register it with the state’s DMV within thirty days. Mopeds and electric bikes with less than 2HP motors, 50cc or less, and a maximum speed of 30MPH were initially not required to get registered or have a license plated. However, this law got amended to reduce motorcycle and moped theft.
You need a regular Class C driving license to ride a tri-mobile (a motorbike with three wheels) or a moped under 50cc on a public street in Nevada. You won’t need a motorcycle endorsement. Under Nevada’s legal code for motorcycles, you can only ride on public roads if you have a motorbike-operating license or a regular driving license endorsed for motorbikes.
Transferring Your Motorcycle License to Nevada
The Nevada DMV recognizes and allows the transfer of motorcycle licenses from other states. If you acquired a motorcycle license from another state, it would get transferred to Nevada DMV records when you move to the state and register your bike there.
As with other motorists, you must produce your motorcycle license when required by law enforcement officers in Nevada. If you’re moving from another state and don’t have a motorbike-operating license or a driving license endorsed for motorbikes from another state, you’ll have to acquire one from the Silver State’s DMV.
To acquire the license, you must take a motorbike riding skills test and a written test alongside an approved training course. The motorcycle endorsement and license in Nevada is “Class M.” Similarly, there are restrictions regarding the type of motorcycle you can ride after acquiring your license.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Nevada
Under NRS §486.231, motorcyclists and their passengers must always wear helmets. Protective facemasks and eyewear are required if a motorcycle doesn’t have a windscreen or windshield. The helmets and protective eyewear should get fastened securely.
When riding a three-wheeled motorcycle, you must have a protective face and eyewear, except when riding in an enclosed cab. You’re not required to wear protective equipment and clothing when participating in locally-authorized parades.
Motorcycle Traffic Laws
The laws that apply to other motorists also apply to motorcyclists. However, other traffic laws specifically apply to motorcyclists. These include:
- Not riding next to a car or passing it in the same lane.
- Not riding between stopped vehicles or between vehicles moving alongside one another.
- No more than two motorcycles should ride in one lane unless with permission from the other operator.
- Unless approved by the manufacturer, motorcycles shouldn’t carry more than one passenger.
- Passengers should ride astride behind the operators on a double seat, attached seat, or in a sidecar.
- Handlebars shouldn’t extend above the operator’s shoulders while sitting. One hand should stay on the handlebars at all times.
Required Motorcycle Equipment
Under Nevada’s motorcycle regulations, a motorcycle is roadworthy if it has the following equipment:
- Rear and front brakes.
- A functional horn.
- At least one headlight.
- Footrests for both the operator and passenger.
- Electric turn signals if the motorcycle got manufactured after 1972.
- A muffler.
- A rear reflector, visible from 300ft.
- A rearview mirror on each handlebar.
- A rear headlight that’s visible from more than 500ft away.
- A brake light that’s visible from 300ft away in daylight.
You have to ensure your motorcycle is properly maintained. Poor maintenance could result in faulty parts and breakdown/malfunction when riding, causing an accident.
Riding Under the Influence in Nevada
Nevada categorizes riding a motorcycle while under the influence as a severe offense. If you get pulled over for suspicion of DUI, you’ll need to take preliminary breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests. You may also be required to take a chemical test based on the situation.
Getting convicted of DUI in Nevada can result in significant prison or jail time alongside hefty penalties and fines based on the circumstances of your case.
Insurance Regulations for Motorcyclists
Under Nevada’s insurance laws, motorcyclists need the carry the same liability insurance other motorists need to have. They must carry proof of liability insurance whenever they ride in the state.
Nevada as an At-Fault State
Nevada is known for being an at-fault state. Individuals who cause a motorcycle accident are responsible for the resulting damages. Similarly, if you’re riding a motorcycle and get injured by another motorist, you can bring a lawsuit against them to recover your losses and damages.
Contact Our Team If You Get Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Nevada has some of the most scenic motorcycling routes and strict regulations to protect riders from catastrophic crashes. Nonetheless, motorcycle crashes still happen, resulting in devastating injuries and losses. We’re here to help if you get injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions.
The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law provide aggressive representation to maximize the compensation owed to you. We operate on a contingency basis, so you’ll only pay after we’ve recovered your losses and damages. Contact us to schedule a free case review with a member of our team.