Are you planning to ride a motorcycle in Nevada? If so, you should know Nevada helmet laws to ensure you follow the state’s motorcycle safety laws.
According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, all drivers and passengers must wear helmets that meet or exceed the US Department of Transportation standards. (DOT).
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can immensely reduce the risk of head injury in an accident.
However, some riders may still choose not to wear a helmet. In this blog, we will discuss Nevada helmet laws and the essence of motorcycle safety laws in Nevada.
We will also give you tips on choosing the right helmet to ensure safety while riding a motorcycle in Nevada.
What Is Nevada’s Motorcycle Helmet Law?
Section 486.312 of the Nevada Revised Statutes requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets approved by the US Department of Transportation.
This law applies to passengers of all ages, and failure to comply can result in a charge, fines, and two demerit points on your license.
To ensure your motorcycle safety, you must comply with this law and wear a helmet that meets DOT standards.
While it may be tempting to forgo a helmet, the risks of riding without one are very high. In an accident, a helmet can significantly prevent severe head injuries or even fatalities.
Helmet Standards
- Firstly, a helmet must weigh at least three (3) pounds, providing enough weight to offer ample protection.
- It should have an inner liner of a minimum of one-inch thick layer to absorb any impact.
- Also, helmets must have strong chin straps and secure rivets to keep them in place during a collision.
- The helmet’s outer shell should have a thickness of two-tenths of an inch from the surface to provide adequate protection.
- Moreover, helmets must have a label indicating the manufacturer’s name, model type, year, and materials used in manufacturing.
- A sticker on the back should also be imprinted with “DOT,” indicating that the helmet complies with the US Department of Transportation’s standards.
A helmet law advocates in Nevada emphasize wearing a quality helmet can save your life.
What are the Penalties For Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Are you aware that not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Las Vegas, Nevada, could cost you a hefty fine? Helmets effectively reduce the severity of head injuries in motorcycle accidents by up to 69%.
However, if you choose not to wear one and get caught, the City of Las Vegas will impose a civil penalty of $205. It is important to note that each locality has its penalty for helmet law violations. In contrast, the City of Reno imposes a much lower penalty of $80.
Who is Exempt From Wearing a Helmet in The State of Nevada?
There are a few exceptions to this rule.
Firstly, electric bicycle and off-road vehicle riders are not required to wear helmets in Nevada. This exemption applies to those who operate electric bicycles and off-road vehicles, such as ATVs and dirt bikes, on public roads or highways.
Like a car, three-wheeled vehicles equipped with a steering wheel are also exempt from the helmet law in Nevada. This exemption covers vehicles such as the Polaris Slingshot and the Can-Am Spyder.
Enclosed cabs, such as those found on some three-wheeled motorcycles, are also exempt from the Nevada helmet law.
How Not Wearing a Helmet Can Impact Your Accident Claim
In the land of Nevada, a paramount decree mandates all individuals operating a motorcycle to don protective headgear while traversing public throughways.
Refusal to consent to this law may lead to the issuance of a traffic authority amounting to $205 and illegal confidence on your record, constituting a misdemeanor.
Nonetheless, the implications of neglecting to wear a helmet extend far beyond the legal ramifications.
Nevada Helmet Laws FAQs
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approves helmets that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for a DOT sticker or label on the helmet to ensure it meets this standard.
To prove the other driver is liable for a motorcycle accident, you’ll need evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and photos or videos of the accident scene. A personal injury lawyer can help gather and present this evidence to build your case.
Yes, Nevada has a universal helmet law, which requires all riders and passengers to wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle.
The legal consequences of not wearing a helmet vary by state, including fines and penalties, points on your license, and even higher insurance premiums. In some cases, not wearing a helmet can also impact your ability to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Wrapping Up!
The laws of the state of Nevada prescribe a mandatory requirement for motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding on their two-wheeled vehicles. This requirement concerns your well-being and protection and has legal implications.
Suppose you need to conform to these mandates. In that case, you may come across the relentless force of the legal system, consisting of fines and penalties that can be exceptionally harsh and fluctuate based on the magnitude of your transgression.
Have you ever encountered the repercussions of not donning a helmet while maneuvering a motorcycle in Nevada? What was your experience akin to, and how did you manage to navigate through the dire situation?
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