Whether you’ve been riding a motorcycle for a week or a decade, you’ve probably heard about the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet when you ride. But did you know that there’s a Nevada motorcycle helmet law on the books? Or that you can face a misdemeanor in Las Vegas for not wearing one? Brush up on your motorcycle helmet safety knowledge with this refresher from the personal injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys.
Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Nevada?
Yes. Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) § 486.231, all drivers and passengers riding on a motorcycle* or moped** on public roads are required to wear securely fastened protective headgear (i.e., a helmet) in addition to protective glasses, goggles or a face shield if the motorcycle or moped has no transparent windscreen. Furthermore, all protective headgear and other required protective equipment must meet the standards adopted by the Nevada Department of Public Safety.
*A motorcycle is defined as any “motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground” (NRS § 486.041). This definition does not include motor vehicles such as an electric bicycle, electric scooter, tractor, or moped. However, it does include trimobiles with handlebars and a saddle seat.
**A moped is defined as “a motor-driven scooter, motor-driven cycle or similar vehicle that is propelled by a small engine which produces not more than 2 gross brake horsepower, has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters or produces not more than 1500 watts final output” (NRS § 486.038) AND meets the following criteria:
- The vehicle is designed to travel on no more than three wheels in contact with the ground (but is not a tractor)
- The vehicle is not capable of traveling more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with no more than 1% grade in any direction
Helmet Requirements for all Motorcycle/Moped Riders
The Nevada Department of Public Safety has adopted the motorcycle helmet standards set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 and enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). When shopping for a motorcycle or moped helmet in Nevada, you can verify that it meets the minimum FMVSS safety requirements by looking for a seal on the helmet with the words “DOT FMVSS 218 Certified” printed on it.
Some other things to look for when you’re purchasing a motorcycle helmet are thickness (at least one-inch thick), weight (at least three pounds), the presence of foam lining, and a sturdy chin strip made with solid rivets (as opposed to a plastic buckle). Choosing a high-quality motorcycle helmet made in the U.S.A. can help protect you from traumatic brain injuries should you be involved in an accident.
Exceptions to Nevada Motorcycle Helmet Laws
There are several exceptions to Nevada motorcycle helmet laws as set forth in NRS § 486.231:
- Motorcyclists in a parade that has been authorized by a local authority are not required to wear helmets, protective glasses, goggles, or a face shield.
- Occupants of a three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cab are not required to wear helmets, protective glasses, goggles, or a face shield.
How Not Wearing a Helmet Can Impact Your Accident Claim
Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or moped in Nevada can result in a $205 traffic ticket and a misdemeanor. It can also result in devastating injuries if you’re in a motorcycle accident.
On top of this, the fact that you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash can result in you being found to be partially at fault for your injuries.
This can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of compensation you’re eligible for—even if the accident was the result of another person’s negligence.
How We Can Help After a Motorcycle Wreck
Even the most conscientious riders who follow all Nevada motorcycle helmet laws may run the risk of being injured in a wreck. When medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are adding up after an accident, the last thing you need is another obstacle between you and the compensation you deserve for your economic losses, plus pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been injured while riding their motorcycle or moped, the Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are available 24/7 to help. To get in touch with our legal team and schedule a free case review, call our office at 702-878-7878. You can also connect with us online via LiveChat, or request your free, no obligation consultation by filling out this form. The call is free, the consultation is free, and we charge no fees unless we win your case.