Understanding Nevada helmet law for motorcycle riders and passengers is relatively straightforward. However, there are some exceptions that can be confusing. Additionally, there are some riders that choose not to wear helmets because they’re ignorant of the risks. In this blog, Lerner and Rowe’s Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers will help you and the motorcycle enthusiasts you know understand Nevada motorcycle helmet laws and the importance of helmet use.
Should you or a loved one suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash then please call us at 702-877-1500. Our Nevada injury lawyers are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Are Nevada’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
Nevada helmet law is clearly stated in Nevada Revised Statute 486.231. It mandates that helmets are required for drivers and passengers on motorcycles, mopeds, and trimobiles that have handlebars and a saddle seat. This means that anyone driving or riding a road-approved vehicle that has a handlebar is required by law to wear a helmet at all times.
There are further requirements for motorcycle, moped, and trimobile use on highways. The law states that:
When any motorcycle or moped is being driven on a highway, the driver and passenger shall wear protective headgear securely fastened on the head and protective glasses, goggles or face shields.
The motorcycle helmet laws in Nevada are easy to understand and make sense. The laws are meant to protect people in the event of a bike crash. As you’ll see later in this blog, helmets can make a big difference in avoiding catastrophic injuries.
Exceptions to Nevada Helmet Law
There are a few exceptions to helmet use in Nevada and some Las Vegas motorcycle riders are surprised by them. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), helmet use is not required for off-highway vehicles, unless operated on a public highway where they’re allowed.
Some three-wheeled vehicles blur the line between cars and motorcycles. If a three-wheeled vehicle uses a steering wheel instead of handlebars and has an enclosed cabin then helmet use is likely not required. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is much closer to a motorbike than a car; drivers and passengers using certain three-wheeled vehicles are not required to wear helmets.
The Nevada DMV points out that even in cases where helmets are not required, they are always suggested for your safety.
Why Is Nevada Helmet Law Important For Motorcyclists?
Helmets are hugely effective in preventing or lessening the severity of injuries incurred in motorcycle crashes. Remember, bike riders and passengers are exposed, so injuries in motorcycle collisions tend to be more severe than ones incurred in car accidents. Wearing a DOT-approved helmet that fits properly can help you avoid traumatic brain injuries and prevent wrongful death.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives in 2017.
- 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets in 2017.
- Each year, the United States could save $1.5 billion in economic costs if all motorcyclists wore helmets.
- Motorcycle helmets are 37 percent (for riders) and 41 percent (for passengers) effective in preventing deaths.
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
Those statistics show how effective motorcycle helmets are at preventing serious injuries and wrongful death. In addition to being required by Nevada helmet law, helmet use is a proven safety tool with numbers that show their effectiveness.
Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The team at Lerner and Rowe hopes that this blog has given you a better understanding of Nevada’s motorcycle helmet laws and the importance of wearing a helmet. Unfortunately, some motorcycle crash injuries are unavoidable, no matter how safe you’re being. If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact our motorcycle accident attorneys for immediate assistance.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys 24/7 by phone at 702-877-1500. You can also send your case information to use through our secure contact form or by chatting with a LiveChat representative. Our experienced attorneys have been winning maximum settlements for injury victims in Las Vegas for more than 30 years. With our proven track record, our “no fee promise,” and stellar reviews, it’s easy to see that Lerner and Rowe is the way to go.