A Las Vegas, NV motorcycle accident lawyer can help by investigating the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence of traffic law violations, and pursuing the compensation you deserve for injuries, medical bills, and other damages caused by negligent drivers.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws
A leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Nevada is traffic law violations. Here is an overview of the state’s motorcycle laws that are designed to ensure the safety of riders and the general public on the roads and limit personal injuries in Los Vegas and the rest of Nevada.
Motorcycle Licensing and Registration in Nevada
To legally operate a motorcycle in Nevada, you must obtain a Class M license. Aspiring riders must be at least 16 years old and typically begin by getting a Nevada Driver’s License or permit, as it is a prerequisite for a motorcycle endorsement. You must hold a valid instruction permit for at least six months if under 18.
Individuals can then apply for a Class M license by passing both a written knowledge test and a riding skills test. The written test assesses understanding of motorcycle laws and safety, while the skills test evaluates practical riding abilities. Alternatively, riders can enroll in a Nevada Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) course, which, upon successful completion, exempts them from the skills test.
Nevada also recognizes motorcycle endorsements from other states, but you must apply for a Nevada license within 30 days of residency.
Nevada’s Helmet Laws
Nevada has a universal helmet law that requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets at all times. All helmets must also be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation because they have been tested and provide the highest level of protection.
Key Features of DOT Helmets
- Certification: Must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218
- Impact Protection: Designed to absorb energy and reduce head injuries during collisions
- Retention System: Includes sturdy chin straps that keep the helmet securely in place
- Penetration Resistance: Must resist object penetration during a crash
- Labeling: Includes a DOT sticker on the back indicating compliance with federal safety standards
Motorcycle Registration and Inspection Requirements in Nevada
All motorcycles operated on public roads must be registered with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To register, you must provide proof of ownership, a Nevada insurance policy, a valid license or motorcycle endorsement, and pay all required fees. Title transfers must be completed within 30 days of purchase or relocation to Nevada. Registration must be renewed annually and can be completed online, by mail, or in person.
Out-of-state motorcycles require a VIN inspection before registration. This inspection verifies the vehicle’s identity and checks for theft or tampering. Homemade or rebuilt motorcycles also require this step. Nevada does not require emissions (smog) testing for motorcycles at this time. Operating an unregistered or expired motorcycle may result in fines and impoundment.
Insurance Requirements in Nevada
Motorcyclists must purchase motorcycle insurance before riding. The minimum required by Nevada law is:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability for one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability for more than one person
- $20,000 for property damage liability per accident
Liability insurance does not pay for your expenses if you are responsible for a collision. However, you can purchase optional forms of coverage, such as collision insurance, which will pay for the repairs to your bike regardless of who is at fault for an accident.
Nevada Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Beyond helmets, there are other equipment regulations in place to enhance safety. Motorcycles must have the following:
- One headlight, at least
- Front and rear brakes
- Electric turn signals (if manufactured after 1972)
- A rearview mirror on each handlebar
- Horn
- Muffler
- Fenders on front and back wheels
- Footrests, for passengers too
- A rear reflector visible from 300 feet and mounted 20 to 60 inches above the ground
- Red taillight visible from at least 500 feet
- Brake light that is visible from at least 300 feet in daylight
Handlebars cannot extend further than six inches beyond a rider’s shoulders when sitting.
Restrictions for Riders Under 18
For motorcyclists under 18 in Nevada, there are specific restrictions in place to enhance safety and ensure responsible riding. Minors are required to obtain and hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months. During that time, they must also complete 50 hours of supervised experience and document it on the DMV drive log. A motorcycle safety course must also be completed, but if no course is offered within 30 miles of your home, you can complete an additional 50 hours of supervised experience. Minors with a motorcycle instruction permit can only ride during daylight hours and cannot carry passengers or drive on freeways and other high-speed roads.
Riding Regulations
Like any other vehicle on the road, motorcycles are subject to traffic regulations. Motorcyclists are expected to follow all standard traffic rules, including obeying traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way guidelines.
Lane Positioning
Lane-splitting in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal. Motorcycles must stay within their designated lane.
Passing
Motorcycles must pass other vehicles on the left, like other vehicles, and cannot pass within the same lane.
Speed
Motorcycles must follow posted speed limits and avoid excessive speeds.
Passenger Rules
Nevada allows motorcycles to carry passengers if the bike is equipped for two-up riding. The following requirements apply:
- Passenger must ride on a permanent seat or securely attached passenger seat
- Passenger footrests must be available and used
- Passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets
There is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers under Nevada law, but riders should use good judgment. Children must be tall enough to reach the footrests securely.
Alcohol and Drug Laws for Riders
Nevada enforces strict DUI laws for motorcyclists. A rider is considered legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties for DUI on a motorcycle are the same as for drivers of other vehicles and include:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Mandatory DUI education programs
- Possible jail time
- Impoundment of the motorcycle
Refusing a chemical test can result in automatic license suspension under Nevada’s implied consent laws. Convictions remain on your record and may affect your insurance and future employment.
Motorcycle Accidents and Legal Liability
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Nevada, you must:
- Stop immediately and check for injuries
- Exchange contact and insurance information
- File a police report if the crash causes injury or more than $750 in damage
- Report the crash to the DMV within 10 days if required
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, you may recover damages from the other party. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Wearing a helmet, using legal equipment, and obeying traffic laws help strengthen your legal position if another party causes your collision.
Have You Been Injured?
Drivers of other vehicles are obligated by law to respect the rights of motorcyclists on the road. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable. Speak to an experienced and trusted Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer today for legal guidance.