Motorcycle Laws in Nevada Every Rider Should Know

If you ride a motorcycle in Nevada, there’s more to know than just how to handle your bike. Many riders have questions about local laws, especially after an accident. Knowing these rules ahead of time makes a huge difference if something unexpected happens. It helps you protect yourself – physically, legally, and financially.

Nevada motorcycle laws aren’t here to spoil your fun. They exist to keep everyone safe and make sure you know what to expect on the road.

Helmet Laws in Nevada

Nevada requires every motorcycle rider and passenger to wear a helmet. It also needs to meet safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Here’s what you should check:

• The helmet must have a DOT sticker
• It needs proper padding and chin straps
• It must be damage-free – no cracks, dents, or heavy wear

If an accident happens, wearing the right helmet could save your life and will also impact how clearly liability gets determined. If you ride without one, it can give insurance companies reason to argue against you.

Lane Splitting Isn’t Legal

Nevada law prohibits lane splitting. You cannot ride between lanes, even in heavy traffic. Riders sometimes assume Nevada follows California’s example, but that’s not the case. You can ride side-by-side with another motorcycle, but only if both riders agree. Riders cannot share a lane with a car or larger vehicle.

Licensing and Endorsements

Every motorcycle rider in Nevada needs a Class M endorsement. You can get it through the DMV by passing a written test and a riding skills test. If you complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course, you can skip the skills test.

Law enforcement officers and insurance companies will check whether you held a valid license at the time of a crash. If you rode without one, they may question your judgment or riding ability – even if someone else caused the crash.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Nevada law requires motorcycles to meet specific equipment standards. If your bike lacks certain features, the other side may argue your bike played a role in the crash – or made your injuries worse.

Make sure your motorcycle has:

• Headlights, taillights, and brake lights that work
• Front and rear turn signals
• At least one mirror
• A muffler to reduce noise
• Handlebars no higher than your shoulders
• Rear reflectors for bikes made after 1973

Worn-out parts or non-functioning equipment can shift the blame during an accident investigation.

Insurance Requirements

Nevada law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. This covers damages or injuries you cause to others in a crash.

Minimum coverage includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $20,000 for property damage

These numbers represent the bare minimum. If your bike gets totaled or you suffer serious injuries, minimum coverage doesn’t go very far. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage isn’t required, but it can make a serious difference if the other driver carries too little insurance or none at all.

Right-of-Way Rules Still Apply

Motorcycles follow the same right-of-way laws as cars. That sounds simple, but it plays a significant role in liability after a crash. If a driver turned left in front of you, they likely broke the law. But if you ran a red light or missed a stop sign, even briefly, the blame can shift.

Staying Prepared Starts with Knowing the Law

You don’t need to memorize every statute, but understanding the basics – helmet laws, licensing, lane rules, and right-of-way – helps you stay safer and speak up when something goes wrong. Nevada’s motorcycle laws protect your rights on the road and give you a clearer path forward if a crash happens.

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