Nevada has some of the best and most scenic motorcycle routes. You can have a thrilling experience when you take your bike out and hit the road. Despite all the buzz and excitement that accompanies motorcycles, there are some faults that you may face while out riding.

In truth, a motorcycle does not have a protective body, and if you were to crash, the accident could leave you with a severe injury. You will need to understand motorcycle laws in Nevada before taking your time out for a ride.

Legal Definition of A Motorcycle in Nevada

Nevada law defines a motorcycle or a motorbike as a vehicle which the manufacturer equips with a saddle or a seat for driver’s use. A motorcycle's design ensures it can travel on two or three wheels. This definition excludes electric bicycles, mopeds, and tractors.

What Are Nevada Legal Requirements For Motorcycles?

Under NRS section 486.181- 361, the law states that you can only ride your motorcycle on state roadways and highways once you meet the following requirements:

  • The motorcycle's seat must be high, ensuring that your feet do not reach or touch the ground simultaneously.
  • Your motorcycle should have fenders to protect the wheels.
  • Your motorcycle handlebars should be six- inches above your shoulders when you sit on the bike and have your weight depressing the seat.
  • From the ground, the positioning of the headlamps should be between 24 and 54 inches.
  • The headlamps color temperature should be at most 6000 kelvins.
  • Your motorcycle spotlights should be visible from at least 1,000 feet, especially if the weather is terrible, also, 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
  • Your bike should have a tail lamp emitting visible red light from at least 500 feet.
  • If your motorcycle was manufactured after 1973, it should have an electric lamp signaling on its rear and front ends. The color of the front electric signal lamp can be either white or amber, while the rear light can be amber or red.
  • The motorcycle should have at least two (2) rearview mirrors set on the handlebar, allowing you to see at least 200 feet to the rear of your bike.
  • Your motorcycle must have functional brakes, horns, and mufflers.
  • Your motorcycle should have a transparent windscreen.
  • You must always have one hand resting or holding on the handlebars while riding your bike.
  • You must obey any local noise and exhaust laws.
  • Your bike should have at least two headlights.
  • If your motorcycle can carry passengers, it should have adjustable footrests.

While buying a used motorcycle in Nevada, you should note that the state has no cooling-off or rescission period. However, you can sue your seller if there was no way you could have known that the motorbike was defective even after having repairs.

Understanding Nevada Motorcycle Laws

Under Nevada law, you can ride your motorcycle on all highways and public roads in the state. However, the law requires you to have an endorsement for a bike on your driving license or a valid motorcycle license. If you are from a different state, Nevada allows license transfer.

Additionally, it would help if you were aged 16 years and above to ride a motorcycle in Nevada. The law also requires registering your bike with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicle(DMV).

Safety Requirements To Meet Before Riding in Nevada

In Nevada, the law requires you to implement some safety measures before taking your bike out and riding on the highway or other public roadways. The law requires you always to have your helmet on, however light or slow the traffic is. Additionally, it would help if you had the following safety wear before you ride:

  • Protective glasses
  • Goggles
  • Face shields
  • Protective gloves.

When it comes to wearing a helmet, it must meet the criteria and standards set by the United State Department of Transportation (USDOT), Nevada DOT, and NHTSA . These standards include the following:

  • The helmet should weigh at least three pounds.
  • The inner part of the helmet must consist of a one-inch thick liner made up of firm polystyrene foam.
  • The helmet must have sturdy chin straps connected with rivets.
  • It must have the manufacturer's label clearly showing the model name, type, year of manufacturer, and materials.
  • The helmet should have external components extending about two-tenths of an inch from the helmet's surface.
  • Your helmet should have the Department of Transportation sticker indicating that you comply with its rules and regulations.

Nevada Helmet Laws

Under NRS Section 486.231 of Nevada law, you must always wear a helmet, whether a motorcycle operator or passenger. The law also requires you and your passenger to:

  • Wear properly fastened helmets on the highways and other public roads.
  • Wear protective eyewear unless your passenger is riding in a closed cab

However, if you are participating in a local parade, the law does not require you and your passenger to wear protective wear if you do not wish to.

If law enforcement agents cite you for riding without a helmet, you should pay the fine. This fine will vary depending on the location. For example, if the police cite you for violating these laws in Reno, you will have to pay $80, while in Las Vegas, you will part with $208.

Nevada Motorcycle Rules on Passengers

In Nevada, the law does not allow you to have a passenger on your motorcycle unless your bike’s design allows you to carry a passenger and have a footrest for them. However, if you have a motorcycle passenger, they must always wear a helmet and other protective wear.

If the manufacturer designs your motorcycle to carry a passenger, the law allows them to ride:

  • Astride your bike on the seat prepared for the passenger.
  • Behind the rider/ driver.
  • Astride a seat attached to the driver's rear.
  • On the attached sidecar.

Additionally, ensure that your passenger knows all the safety measures they need to observe. Also, let your passenger comfortably reach their footrest and handholds, and give them additional instructions on what you want them to do.

Riding your bike with a passenger is a little bit complex, especially if it is your first time. Riding with a passenger can be more fun as you enjoy the thrilling experience and freedom the expansive highways offer you. However, it would be best if you did this safely by practicing the following safety tips:

  • Be an experienced rider who values safety above all else.
  • Practice riding with a passenger in a safe environment before hitting the roadways or the highway.
  • Remember to always take time before stopping or accelerating.
  • Before having the passenger on your bike, check the tire pressure, and adjust the suspension accordingly.

Nevada Motorcycle Traffic Laws

It would help to observe all the traffic laws when riding your motorcycle in Nevada. Additionally, you should obey traffic laws that apply specifically to motorcycle operators.

  • You can ride in a different lane than a motor vehicle.
  • You can utilize a different street in traffic.
  • You should not ride between two stopped cars or vehicles traveling alongside each other in the same direction.
  • You should not pass other motor vehicles traveling in the same lane.
  • You cannot ride your motorcycle on more than two-wide roads unless you have permission from the other motorcyclist.
  • You should only carry a passenger if the manufacturer designs your bike to do so.

Nevada Lane-Splitting Law

Lane splitting is riding between two traffic lanes moving in the same direction. As a motorist, the law allows you the right to use a traffic lane, where you can share the route with other motorcyclists. However, you can not share the same road with a passenger motor vehicle. Additionally, you can not pass a car in the same lane! If you find the traffic light or stop, you should never ride between two adjacent rows of motor vehicles.

Motorcycle Licensing in Nevada

You will need a valid motorcycle license in Nevada or a driving license from another state to operate a motorcycle in Nevada. Nevada DMV can add a Class M endorsement to your valid driving license after meeting all the legal requirements. You do not have to worry about this, as Nevada makes acquiring a motorcycle license easy! You will need to have a driving license first to obtain a motorcycle driving license. However, you can still receive a motorcycle license even without a driving permission, but you will have to pass both the skills and vision tests before proceeding further.

There are several ways that you could go about obtaining a motorcycle driving license as a Nevada resident, and they include:

For Nevada Resident Aged 16 years

If you are a Nevada resident aged 16 years, you can apply for a class M license by presenting your SSN and proving your identity. However, you must comply with the following requirements to qualify as a teen driver in Nevada.

  • Attend and complete a Nevada driver's education course.
  • After qualifying, receive a learner's certificate.
  • Complete at least 50 hrs of driving experience with a licensed driver aged 21 years and above and has held a driving license for at least one year.

Obtaining Class M Endorsement in Nevada

You can obtain a class M endorsement in Nevada by using the following ways:

Obtain an instruction manual

Obtain a Nevada motorcycle instruction permit by passing the DMV's written and vision tests. To better prepare for these tests, you can check the operator manual from the DMV beforehand.

Pass the DMV Driving Skill Tests

After obtaining your instructional permit, you can schedule an appointment with the DMV for your driving skills test.

Receive Your Motorcycle Driving License

To obtain your driving license, you will have to submit the following details to the DMV:

  • Proof of your age, social security number, and address.
  • Your instructional manual.
  • Form DMV 002 for adults aged 18 years and above. However, have your parents or guardian accompany you if you are a minor.
  • Sign financial responsibility during this visit.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to take the Nevada motorcycle written or skill test, you could take a motorcycle course that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has certified. While you take this course, you do not have to obtain an instructional permit. The course will cover all the basic concepts of operating a motor vehicle and motorcycle safety.

If you have relocated to Nevada, your motorcycle endorsement should be transferred within 30 days of moving into Nevada. To achieve this, you should visit a nearby DMV office with documents proving your identity, social security number, and residency. At the offices, fill in form DMV 002, turn in your out-of-state license, and at the same time pay $47.25 as the transfer fee.

If you are 18 or above, you will have to complete a motorcycle-approved course. Completing this course will enable you to avoid the skills and written tests. You will also have to pay a $26 fee for a DMVs skills and written test, which you must pass.

During your skill and written test, the DMV examiner will check the safety of your motorcycle and, at the same time, check if your registration and insurance are up to date. To pass the skills test, you must show the examiner that you know how your motorbike works, from the ignition, choke, clutch, gear shift, and throttle.

Are There DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Charges For Motorcyclists?

Just like any other driver out there, you will face DUI charges in Nevada when you:

  • Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • When your BAC test indicates a 0.08% alcohol level in your blood, the police can arrest you for a DUI offense. You do not have to be necessarily drunk to face these charges.
  • Drive after consumption of certain drugs. It will not matter if you are not high to face these charges.

When law enforcement agents pull you over on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, they will ask you to take BAC and sobriety tests. It is crucial to take these tests, and if the police arrest you, you will have to take more tests at the station.

If it is your first DUI offense, and the injuries were insignificant, you will face misdemeanor charges. A misdemeanor condition could result in the court imposing fines, probation, attendance of DUI school program, and in some instances, you can have the court suspend your driving license.

However, if your DUI results in severe injury or even death, you will face felony charges in Nevada. A felony conviction could result in imprisonment ranging from 2 to 20 years in state prison.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Nevada offers some of the most fantastic scenic views on your bike. However, the law requires you to carry liability insurance with you always. The minimum insurance requirement in Nevada is 15/30/10, and this means that to operate your motorcycle in Nevada, you must take the following:

  • A bodily injury liability coverage for one person at $25,000.
  • Bodily injury liability covers more than one person at $50,000.
  • Property damage liability cover at $20,000.

In most cases, when you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the expenses may be more than what your insurance can cover. The difference between the minimum insurance limit and your expenses could leave you taking care of your injuries from your pocket. To avoid such a scenario, you can set your insurance policy in a manner where you pay for higher premiums.

Different Types of Motorcycle Insurance Covers

Apart from the legally required liability coverage, you can also take the following covers:

Comprehensive Insurance Cover

Sometimes your bike may incur damages that are not a result of a collision; some of these damages could result from fire, natural disasters, or even theft. Motorcycle comprehensive insurance cover helps cover these damages.

Collision Motorcycle Insurance Cover

This insurance cover helps you pay for repairs after an accident where a collision with another motorcycle, a stationary object, or a motor vehicle damages your bike.

Underinsured/ Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

If you are involved in an accident with another party who is at fault but uninsured, or they may be insured, their coverage can not fully cover all the damages. Underinsured/uninsured insurance coverage will help reduce the amount that you could have to pay from your pocket, offering injury protection. When taking your bike out for that ride, you should always carry proof of your insurance coverage with you.

Contact An experienced Motorcycle Attorney Near Me

Although riding a motorcycle is one sure way of enjoying mother nature, it comes with its risks. The police may arrest you for failing to adhere to all the rules, or you could be involved in a devastating accident.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, or if the police arrest you for failing to follow all the rules, it's prudent to engage the services of a personal injury attorney to represent you. At Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm, our team of qualified attorneys will listen to your case, advise you and represent you in court if necessary.

You will need time to recuperate after an accident, and we ensure you have all the time to concentrate on healing and restoring your life. We will work hard to ensure the insurance agents do not harass you with numerous calls and that they lay you what is rightfully yours. If you have any questions regarding motorcycle laws in Nevada, call us today at 702-996-1224, and we will assist you accordingly.