Battle Born Injury Lawyers | January 4, 2023 | Motorcycle Accidents

Do You Have To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Nevada?

Like many states, Nevada enforces a universal helmet law requiring riders and passengers to wear helmets at all times. Since 1972, Nevada’s strict helmet regulations have kept riders safe and prevented thousands of fatalities. 

It’s no secret that motorcycles are highly dangerous machines. Motorcycles lack many of the safety elements found in other passenger vehicles. Because riders are constantly exposed to the elements, even a minor crash can be fatal or result in serious injury.

As such, one of the few ways motorcyclists can protect themselves is through a helmet. Whether you operate a standard motorcycle or a moped, helmet use is strictly mandatory in Nevada. 

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, motorcycle-related crashes are 28 times more likely to result in death than those involving other vehicles.

In 2020 alone, more than 5,500 motorcyclists died across the country from crash-related injuries. That same year, over 180,000 motorcycle crash injuries were severe enough to require hospitalization.

Although Nevada has relatively low fatality numbers for motorcyclists, the state continues to record at least 50 motorcycle-related deaths yearly. Between 2015 and 2019, there were nearly 300 motorcycle fatalities in Nevada. Despite strict laws, 15% of Nevada’s motorcycle fatalities were unhelmeted.

Currently, only 19 states employ universal helmet laws that require riders and passengers to wear helmets at all times. Studies show that most traffic fatalities are preventable. While Nevada has recently pushed for stricter measures, such as helmet requirements for mopeds and smaller vehicles, non-helmet use is a leading factor in avoidable deaths. 

Do Helmets Work?

Safety experts have shown that helmets are an effective safety measure that protects riders from severe injuries and death.

Nevada requires all helmets to be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These helmets feature tested safety elements that provide the highest levels of protection upon impact.

The CDC’s latest study on helmet safety found the following numbers on helmet safety:

  • In 2017, helmets saved roughly 1,872 lives across the country
  • Helmet use reduces rider fatality by 37%
  • For passengers, helmet use reduces fatalities by 41%
  • Helmets lower the risk of brain injury by more than 69%

Additional analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that helmets save an average of 1,600 lives annually.

Safety Concerns of Riding Without a Helmet

Due to the physics of a motorcycle crash, riders are usually thrown off their bikes upon impact. As such, the head is exposed to injury whenever it hits the ground, nearby objects, or other vehicles.

Head trauma, even at slow speeds, can result in an array of injuries, such as:

Sadly, many injuries to unhelmeted riders result in medical complications that can leave individuals with permanent physical and cognitive disabilities.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is considered to be a misdemeanor under Nevada law. As such, any rider who fails to wear a helmet may be pulled over by law enforcement and ticketed for failing to follow the rules of the road. 

Helmet violations come with financial penalties that vary depending on the jurisdiction. In Las Vegas, a helmet ticket comes with a $205 base fine.

Regardless of where you are pulled over, any helmet violation in Nevada also comes with a two-point penalty on your driver’s license plus special assessment fees to the DMV. Accumulating multiple points within one year can result in severe consequences, including a lengthy license suspension.

Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Nevada

Wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Nevada will not only save you money on fines but also save you from devastating injuries and potential death. Even if it’s a quiet Sunday ride, make sure to wear a helmet. 

Contact the Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Las Vegas and you need legal assistance, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team.

Battle Born Injury Lawyers
400 S 4th St Suite 290,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 357-4868

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
10789 W Twain Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 570-9000

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Reno Office
675 W Moana Ln #206
Reno, NV 89509, USA
(775) 535-7768

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
8540 S Eastern Ave #200
Henderson, NV 89123
(702) 500-0287