For the most part, motorcyclists are subject to the same requirements and restrictions while operating their bikes on public roads as people operating commuter cars and commercial vehicles. That means riders must obey traffic lights and signals, use their turn signals to indicate when they are about to turn or change lanes, adhere to posted speed limits, and generally act like they are just driving a regular car or truck with two wheels instead of four.
That said, there are a few instances where Summerlin motorcycle traffic laws differ in important ways from the laws applicable to standard motor vehicles, as discussed in more detail below. However, motorcyclists have the same right as any other motorist to take legal action against someone who injures them by causing a traffic accident. So, when you are hurt in a motorcycle wreck that was not your fault, the skilled lawyers at Shook & Stone are here to help.
Licensing Requirements for Motorcycles
While most people who want to drive automobiles in Nevada must obtain a Class C driver’s license or an out-of-state equivalent, people who wish to operate motorcycles must obtain a Class M license instead. Out-of-state riders can ride legally in Summerlin with a valid out-of-state license if they are here temporarily, but they must get their existing license transferred to Nevada within 30 days of establishing permanent residency if they want to continue riding legally.
Someone who does not yet have a motorcycle license in any state must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course and pass tests of their road skills, overall motorcycle knowledge, and vision at a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office. They must also be at least 16 years old and have a valid state-issued ID and a Social Security number to establish their identity.
Rules for Traffic Lane Use as a Motorcyclist
While some states allow motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic to advance to the front of traffic jams or pass cars stopped at a red light, Nevada state law prohibits motorcycle operators from “lane splitting” in this way. Additionally, motorcycle traffic laws in Summerlin prohibit riders from passing other vehicles while in the same traffic lane as the vehicle being passed—regardless of what type of vehicle it is or how much space there is within the lane to make the pass.
One unique thing motorcyclists are allowed to do that commuter car operators are not, though, is ride two abreast within the same lane of traffic alongside another motorcycle. However, the other motorcyclist must consent to riding in that formation, and motorcyclists cannot ride three or more abreast within a single lane of traffic under any circumstances.
Learn More About Motorcycle Traffic Laws from a Summerlin Attorney
Motorcyclists generally have all the same legal responsibilities and restrictions imposed on them by state law as any other motor vehicle operator. At the same time, though, motorcyclists also have all the same rights as anyone else on the road, which means that a motorcyclist who gets hurt in a crash caused by another person’s negligence may have grounds to file suit against that person and demand compensation for all their ensuing damages.
You have assistance available with this sort of claim from the experienced attorneys at Shook & Stone no matter how your wreck happened or what specific losses you need to seek recovery for. Call today to learn how our team could help or to get more information about how Summerlin motorcycle traffic laws might impact your civil claim.
