Whether you are new to Nevada or have been a Las Vegas resident for years, traveling by motorcycle could be a great way to get around “Sin City” in style. However, riding a motorcycle could also be much more dangerous than driving in an enclosed motor vehicle, which is why Nevada state law imposes fairly strict requirements on motorcycle riders, mandating helmets and other safety gear.
Understanding and adhering to Las Vegas motorcycle helmet laws is not just about avoiding criminal penalties; it is also meant to protect your well-being, as well as your right to file suit when someone else’s negligence leads to a motorcycle wreck. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at Shook & Stone could explore these laws in detail as they pertain to you during a confidential consultation.
What Does State Law Say About Motorcycle Helmet Use?
According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 486.231, all drivers and passengers riding motorcycles on public roads must wear a securely fastened and properly fitted protective helmet that meets the safety specifications set by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This requirement extends to people riding on mopeds, motorized scooters and bikes, and any other two-wheeled machine with an engine.
The same statute also requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to have some form of eye protection while riding. This requirement could be fulfilled by a visor attached to a department-approved helmet, a separate piece of equipment like shatter-proof goggles or a face shield, or a transparent windscreen installed on the motorcycle itself.
The only exceptions to this rule are when someone operating or riding a motorcycle is part of a parade “authorized by a local authority” or when they are operating or riding a three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cab. Unlike some other states, motorcycle helmet laws in Las Vegas do not provide exemptions based on age or riding experience.
The Benefits of Wearing a Helmet While Riding
Wearing a properly fitted and department-approved motorcycle helmet dramatically reduces a rider’s risk of suffering life-altering damage to the brain and upper spinal cord in the event of an accident. In many situations, the presence of a safety helmet during a motorcycle crash could be the difference between life and death for the rider involved.
Beyond that, failure to comply with motorcycle helmet laws could constitute a misdemeanor criminal offense in Las Vegas. Law enforcement officers could pull over individuals not complying with regulations and issue them a ticket, carrying a fine of $205. Additionally, as our knowledgeable attorneys at Shook & Stone could further explain, not wearing a helmet could make it more difficult to effectively pursue civil recovery from someone whose negligence caused a motorcycle accident. The injured person’s violation of state law may be held against them as “comparative fault,” leading to reduced compensation.
Learn More About Motorcycle Helmet Laws from a Las Vegas Attorney
It is important to remember to comply with local laws and regulations while riding your motorcycle around Sin City. Local police will not accept ignorance of the law as an excuse, so it is up to you to be familiar with the rules and ensure your own safety.
When you have any questions about Las Vegas motorcycle helmet laws, our resourceful lawyers at Shook & Stone could provide all the information you need. Call today for a free consultation.
