Operating a motorcycle in Nevada can be incredibly exhilarating. With plenty of areas to ride, good weather, and the right riding companions, motorcyclists in this state can enjoy a ride around town or across longer distances. However, there are very important motorcycle laws that any rider in Nevada needs to be aware of before they hit the road.
Obtaining a Motorcycle License?
In order to obtain a Class M license (motorcycle license) in Nevada, individuals must be at least 16 years of age. They will need to provide proof of their identity as well as their Social Security number in order to obtain this license. There are three ways to obtain a Class M license endorsement in Nevada:
- Transfer an out-of-state motorcycle license to Nevada within 30 days of moving to the state
- Take a knowledge test, skills test, and vision test as required by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified Motorcycle Safety Course.
It is imperative for any motorcyclist to read and learn the motorcycle operator manual provided by the state.
Are Helmets Required?
In the state of Nevada, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets that are securely fastened to their heads. Unlike many other states, there is no particular age requirement for helmets. Any motorcyclist is required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. This means that the helmet meets the following requirements:
- It is at least three pounds
- There is an inner liner made-up of a one-inch thick layer of polystyrene foam
- No external components coming out more than 2/10 of an inch from the helmet’s surface
- The helmet lists the manufacturer’s label that has the name, year, materials, and model type
- There is a sturdy chin strap with rivets
- The back of the helmet has a sticker imprinted with DOT to certify its compliance
Riding Under the Influence
Just like regular vehicle drivers in Nevada, motorcyclists can face DUI charges if they are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol content level in Nevada is .08%, but a person can still face impaired driving charges at a level less than that. Additionally, a motorcyclist can face DUI charges if they have any illegal amount of certain drugs in their bloodstream.
Rules for Passengers
A motorcycle can only have passengers if the motorcycle was designed to carry more than one person and has separate footrests for the additional passenger. Passengers must ride behind the motorcycle driver in a seat that was designed for two people or in a separate second seat attached to the rear of the driver. Additionally, attached sidecars are allowed to carry passengers.
Driving and Passing
The practice of lane splitting is not allowed in Nevada. Lane splitting is when motorcyclists travel down the center line of traffic between two lanes going in the same direction. Motorcyclists are allowed to ride next to one another in the same lane so long as both motorcyclists give their consent to do so.
Motorcyclists cannot pass another vehicle in the same lane that they are already in, even if they can fit. Motorcyclists are required to pass other motorists in the same way they would do so in a vehicle.