Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

Motorcycles in Las Vegas, NV, use the same roads as other motor vehicles. But motorcycles have different characteristics that often require special consideration under traffic laws. Some of these laws work to motorcyclists’ advantage, like being allowed to use carpool lanes. Some impose additional restrictions on riders, like Nevada’s helmet law.

These laws protect motorcyclists from situations that expose them to the risk of a motorcycle accident. Violating these laws can result in a traffic citation, an increased likelihood of a crash, and the possibility that you will not be able to recover full injury compensation. Contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation by calling (702) 570-9000.

How Battle Born Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Las Vegas

How Battle Born Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Las Vegas

Battle Born Injury Lawyers was established over 13 years ago to represent accident victims against those who injured them. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients. We can help with your motorcycle crash case by:

  • Evaluating your damages and internally investigating the accident
  • Hiring experts to help strengthen your claim wherever possible
  • Negotiating on your behalf with the other party and bringing your case to claim to court if needed

A motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, can cause severe injuries that disfigure and disable riders. To learn about the compensation you can seek after a motorcycle crash, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Laws and Accident Statistics in Las Vegas, Nevada

Every state has a set of unique motorcycle laws. Common laws include:

  • Motorcycle licensing laws in all 50 states
  • Motorcycle equipment laws in all 50 states
  • Motorcyclist helmet laws in 47 states
  • Lane-splitting laws in 38 states; some allow it, and some prohibit it

States pass these laws because of the risks to motorcyclists. Motorcycles require skill and balance to operate safely, and motorcycle operators and their passengers have almost no protection in a crash. As a result, motorcyclists have a 29 times higher chance of dying in a crash than occupants of enclosed vehicles.

According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Crash Data map, the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Henderson, Las Vegas, and unincorporated Clark County, had 3,683 motorcycle crashes between 2016 and 2020.

Using the NDOT Crash Data map, you can calculate that 78.4% of motorcyclists suffered a non-fatal injury, and that 5.0% suffered a fatal injury. Only 16.6% of motorcyclists escaped their crashes without getting injured. The shockingly high 83.4% injury rate is the main reason Nevada has special laws to protect motorcyclists.

Overview of Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

In Nevada, motorcyclists must observe the same traffic laws as automobile drivers. But there are also several unique laws that apply only to motorcycles and their operators.

Motorcycle Operator Licensing Requirements

Nevada, like all states, requires a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Nevada gives applicants several options for getting a motorcycle license:

  • Turn in an out-of-state motorcycle license and proof of Nevada residency
  • Pass the written and skills tests
  • Pass a motorcycle safety course in lieu of the written and skills tests

Inexperience and lack of training lead to motorcycle crashes. Unlicensed motorcyclists make up about 20% of motorcyclists on the road but account for 40% of motorcycle fatalities. By requiring motorcycle operators to get a special license, Nevada tries to guarantee that riders have the basic skills and knowledge to ride safely.

Motorcycle Helmet Law

Nevada requires all operators and passengers to wear a helmet. Riders must also wear eye protection if the motorcycle does not have a windshield. Nevada also bans the sale of novelty motorcycle helmets that do not meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s helmet standards.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet substantially reduces your risk of a head injury in an accident. It also reduces your risk of sustaining a fatal injury by up to 37%.

Motorcycle Traffic Laws

Nevada has a few traffic laws that apply specifically to motorcycles, including:

  • Motorcycles can use the carpool or HOV lanes even if they carry only one rider
  • Motorcyclists can go through red lights if the sensors have not detected the motorcyclist for two cycles and the intersection is clear
  • Motorcyclists cannot travel between traffic lanes, a practice called lane splitting

These traffic laws are meant to address specific problems faced by motorcyclists, including getting trapped in heavy congestion.

Risks of Violating Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

If you get into an accident while violating Nevada’s motorcycle laws, you risk losing the right to full compensation for your injuries. Nevada uses modified comparative fault to allocate liability after a motorcycle accident. If a motorcyclist contributes to their injuries by engaging in dangerous or illegal actions, they can lose a share – or even all of – their compensation.

For example, suppose that you got hit while unhelmeted. A jury or claims adjuster can ascribe a share of the fault to you. If you get 40% of the blame, you can recover only 60% of your losses. And if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot receive compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas, NV Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle crashes can still happen even when you comply with all of Nevada’s motorcycle laws. Drivers are notoriously bad at spotting motorcyclists and can hit you before they even realize what happened. Contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the compensation you can seek for your motorcycle injuries. Our trusted Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys can help you throughout the process.