Motorcycle riding is risky, whether as a hobby or as your main means of transportation. A helmet does well to protect you in the unfortunate case of an accident.
Not only that, but you are also legally required in most states to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. This is especially true when it comes to the state of Nevada.
“Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Nevada?” The short answer is yes. Motorcycle helmets must be worn by anyone riding 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled vehicles. This rule is set regardless of age and can carry permanent consequences against your driving record.
In this article, I will provide a lot of detail on the nuances of the motorcycle helmet law in Nevada, which is why reading the article in full, is encouraged.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Nevada
The state of Nevada has always had these laws in place. Everyone driving a motorcycle must wear a “well-strapped helmet” to provide safety.
However, the law has been seen to have become stricter as time has passed. The reason is the lower number of casualties resulting from the helmet’s protection.
The most recent change that has been made to the law in Nevada has been the addition of moped motorcycles to the list of motorcycle types. If you are ridding one then you are legally required to wear a helmet.
This addition was made on October 1st, 2019. The law also states that all riders, even riders on three-wheeled vehicles, are required to have a helmet on while driving.
However, the exemption in these three-wheeled vehicles has a well-covered ceiling and windshield and features a steering wheel instead of a handlebar.
The second exception where riders are allowed not to wear a helmet is when riders are in a parade authorized by the local law enforcement authority.
The one major thing riders, specifically, need is a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.
This can be received from the Nevada DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) after clearing the tests required for you to be able to legally drive a motorcycle in the state.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In NV
The requirements for motorcycle helmets in Nevada are based on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. These requirements on helmets are enforced by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
For you to be legally on the right side while riding a motorcycle, your helmet must be DOT compliant and fulfill the FMVSS standards.
Generally speaking, if you are out shopping for a new helmet, you might easily be able to find a DOT-compliant helmet as there is usually a DOT sticker on the helmet.
This is to identify that it fulfills the requirements. However, there have been reported cases where forged DOT stickers have been used by manufacturers leading to riders getting in trouble with local law enforcement.
Here I have listed down the requirements for helmets that you will want to look for. Firstly, the helmet must have at least a 1-inch thick inner foam layer.
Next, the chin strap must be sturdy, and the rivets must be solid. It must also weigh at least 3 pounds.
Penalties/Legal Consequences
You may have heard the term, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas but this does not apply to your permanent driving record, which is affected if you break helmet laws.
You are required to wear a helmet at all times in the state of Nevada. If you do not fulfill the exemption criteria and are caught driving your motorcycle without a helmet, you are liable to a fine.
On the topic of Vegas, the fine is $205, but it may be higher or lower across the state. This is quite visible when you compare the violation fine in Reno, which is only $80.70.
A fine is more manageable as you can also be penalized with 2 demerit points on your driver’s license. These demerits will last a year and make it very likely for you to gather more demerit points.
If you do not know, your license can be suspended if you exceed the maximum amount of demerit points.
Additionally, you can be denied renewal of your license as well. With all this information in hand, you should try your best to wear a helmet.
Additional legal issues can also arise if your insurance company claims negligence if you are in a motorcycle accident and do not wear a helmet.
Not wearing a helmet puts you at a greater risk of injury and death. Insurance companies can use this fact to reduce the amount that you deserve. This is yet another reason to wear a motorcycle helmet.
Demerit Points And The State Of Nevada
As mentioned above, you can get two demerit points if you are caught not wearing a helmet and driving a motorcycle. These points will last for a year.
The threat of losing your license can sound scary, but you should know that you are not in any real danger. You risk losing your license if you achieve 12 demerit points. Once this occurs, your license is suspended for six months.
You will have to be caught not wearing your helmet six times to have your license suspended, but obviously, there are other ways to get demerit points.
If your license does end up getting suspended, you can fight the suspension in a DMV hearing.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Nevada
If you or a loved one have ever ended up in a motorcycle accident, you should do your best to get the most professional and capable legal team.
Here are some capable attorneys you can find in Nevada.
1. Adam S. Kutner Injury Attorneys
One of the best law firms in Las Vegas, you can expect high-quality service and the best legal team that knows the ins and outs of motorcycle accident cases. This is a law firm that knows what it’s doing.
Phone Number: (702) 382-0000
URL: https://www.askadamskutner.com/
2. Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm
They are specialized in personal injury cases, especially motorcycle accidents. These well-regarded attorneys have amassed over a billion dollars for their clients, showing their skill and finesse.
Phone Number: (702) 745 8555
URL: https://richardharrislaw.com/
3. Shook & Stone Personal Injury & Disability
They have been dealing with motorcycle accident cases and other injury-related cases since 1997. It is safe to say that you can get your money’s worth if you choose the talented people at Shook & Stone to represent you.
Phone Number: +1 702 570 0000
URL: https://www.shookandstone.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Nevada?
The state of Nevada does not have any rules against open-faced helmets. As long as your helmet is within the restrictions imposed by the state, then you should be good to wear it and not get into any trouble.
However, it is much safer and more efficient to wear a proper helmet with a visor as it obeys eye protection laws.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Nevada?
Unlike most states, Nevada does not have a set fine for breaking helmet laws. Instead, the fine will vary according to the city that you are in.
Popular cities such as Las Vegas can have a fine set above $200, while other cities such as Reno can have it for just around $80.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Nevada?
With the advent of the universal helmet laws, Nevada was also forced to accept them back in 1967 and has upheld them with regular changes and updates.
Had the state not set up these laws, the highway safety funds would have been cut, making it a forceful decision to enact these laws.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Nevada?
Many states have different sets of rules regarding the motorcycle passengers. The state of Nevada has declared that all passengers, regardless of their age, must wear a helmet when on a motorcycle driving on Nevada roads.
Failure to do so will result in a fine, as mentioned above, and can also demerit the driver’s license.
Q5. Are Moped Driver Required To Wear A Helmet In Nevada?
As is required by the state of Nevada, all 2 wheeled and 2-wheeled vehicle drivers and passengers must wear helmets. This includes people that drive around in mopeds.
If you own a moped or frequently ride as a passenger on one, you, and the driver, are required by law to wear a helmet or risk getting fined.
Conclusion
When people go to Nevada, it’s usually to visit the casinos of Las Vegas, in which case they are in the mood to party.
It is only natural for them to want to drive their motorcycles without a helmet, and they look for an answer to “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Nevada?”
I hope you were able to find the answer through this article. Regardless of what your age is or what your vehicle is, as long as it has 3 wheels or less, it forces you to wear a helmet.
With the grave risk of losing your license and the greater risk of losing your life in an accident, it is safe to say that wearing a helmet is the right call.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
