Do You Know Nevada Motorcycle Laws?
This month the Nevada Highway Patrol reported a fatal motorcycle crash on U.S. 95 northbound. The motorcycle driver reportedly lost control of the motorcycle. The driver and passenger were ejected from the motorcycle and the driver tragically lost his life. This tragic accident reminds everyone to focus on motorcycle safety. One of the best ways to focus on motorcycle safety is to know the motorcycle laws. Do you know Nevada motorcycle laws? Below we will provide portions of Nevada motorcycle laws. Specifically, Nevada motorcycle laws for operation and equipment. Please note the Nevada motorcycle laws are not provided in their entirety and words and parts are omitted.
Nevada motorcycle laws are meant to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, even the safest motorcyclist can be injured in an accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in the Las Vegas area, you should speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers has experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases. This is exactly the level of experience you need to have the best opportunity to win significant compensation for injuries sustained in your Las Vegas area motorcycle accident. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Nevada Revised Statute 486.181
Nevada Revised Statute 486.181 provides the following:
1. A motorcycle shall not be driven upon a highway while carrying more than one person unless such motorcycle is designed by the manufacturer to carry more than one person.
2. A passenger shall ride:
(a) Behind the driver and astride the permanent or regular seat which was designed for two persons;
(b) Astride another seat firmly attached at the rear of the driver; or
(c) In a sidecar attached.
3. Every such motorcycle designed for transporting a passenger shall be equipped with footrests adjusted to fit such passenger.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.191
Nevada Revised Statute 486.191 applies to motorcycle drivers and provides the following:
1. A person driving a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
2. A person shall not drive a motorcycle with the seat for the driver so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat with the motorcycle in a stopped and upright position, cannot reach the ground with both feet simultaneously.
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Nevada Revised Statute 486.201
Nevada Revised Statute 486.201 applies to the height of the motorcycle handlebars. It provides as follows:
A person shall not drive a motorcycle equipped with handlebars which extend more than six inches above the uppermost portion of the driver’s shoulders when the driver sits on the seat and the seat is depressed by the weight of the driver.
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Nevada Revised Statute 486.211
Under Nevada Revised Statute 486.211 a motorcycle driver must drive with at least one hand on a handlebar at all times.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.221
Nevada Revised Statute 486.221 states the following:
A person shall not drive a motorcycle unless the wheels are protected by fenders to prevent the throwing of rocks, dirt, water or other substances to the rear.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.231
Nevada Revised Statute 486.231 requires both motorcycle driver and passenger to wear protective headgear and protective glasses, goggles, or face shields. It states the following:
1. The Department shall adopt standards for protective headgear and protective glasses, goggles or face shields to be worn by the drivers and passengers of motorcycles and transparent windscreens for motorcycles.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, when any motorcycle is being driven on a highway, the driver and passenger shall wear protective headgear securely fastened on the head and protective glasses, goggles or face shields meeting those standards.
3. When a motorcycle is equipped with a transparent windscreen meeting those standards, the driver and passenger are not required to wear glasses, goggles or face shields.
4. When a motorcycle is being driven in a parade authorized by a local authority, the driver and passenger are not required to wear the protective devices provided for in this section.
You can find more information on Nevada’s helmet law by clicking here.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.241
Nevada Revised Statute 486.241 prohibits the sale or distribution of motorcycle protective headgear and eyewear unless it meets the standards adopted by the Department. The prohibition does not apply to the sale of protective headgear, glasses, goggles, or face shields which comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.251
Nevada Revised Statute 486.251 requires the use of headlamps and stop lights on Nevada highways. It requires lighted lamps and illuminating devices from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. These are also required at any other time when, because of insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead. Every motorcycle must be equipped with stoplights to be lighted in the manner prescribed for the use of such devices.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.261
Under Nevada Revised Statute 486.261 a motorcycle must be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. The tail lamp must be wired to be lighted whenever the head lamp is lighted. It may contain a blue insert that does not exceed one inch in diameter.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.271
Nevada Revised Statute 486.271 requires motorcycles to be equipped with electric turn signal lamps. The lamps shall be located on the front and rear and shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights in the direction toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps on the front and rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. When signaling, the lamps shall emit white or amber light or any shade of light between white and amber.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.281
Per Nevada Revised Statute 486.281, a motorcycle must be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlamps. The headlamp shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches from the ground. This is measured from the center of the lamp to the level ground upon which the motorcycle stands without a load. A motorcycle may be equipped with one or two headlamps that are high-intensity discharge lamps if each such headlamp meets certain requirements.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.291
Under Nevada Revised Statute 486.291 every motorcycle shall carry on the rear at least one reflector. It must be visible at night from all distances within 300 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.301
Per Nevada Revised Statute 486.301, every motorcycle must be equipped with brakes adequate to control the stopping and holding.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.311
Under Nevada Revised Statute 486.311 every motorcycle must be equipped with two mirrors. Each containing a reflection surface not less than three inches in diameter, with one mirror mounted on each handlebar, in positions enabling the driver to view clearly the highway for a distance of 200 feet to the rear.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.331
Nevada Revised Statute 486.331 states that a person driving a motorcycle upon a highway is entitled to all the rights and subject to all the duties applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles as provided by law. Except as otherwise provided in Nevada Revised Statute 486.351 and except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.341
Nevada Revised Statute 486.341 entitles every motorcycle to full use of the traffic lane it is occupying. It states that a person shall not drive another motor vehicle in a manner which would deprive any such motorcycle of such use.
Nevada Revised Statute 486.351
Nevada Revised Statute 486.351 states as follows:
1. A person, except a police officer in the performance of his or her duty, shall not drive a motorcycle between moving or stationary vehicles occupying adjacent traffic lanes.
2. Except as provided in subsection 3, a person shall not drive a motorcycle abreast of or overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane.
3. Motorcycles may, with the consent of the drivers, be operated no more than two abreast in a single traffic lane.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
We hope this review of Nevada motorcycle laws helps you stay safe on the roads. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you determine what steps to take next.
The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers and staff ready to help you. With 25 years of experience, we offer you the motorcycle accident case expertise you need to go against parties who are dedicated to keeping you from receiving the compensation you deserve. Our office is conveniently located in Henderson, Nevada. If you are unable to visit our offices, our injury lawyers can come to you. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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