Nevada Motorcycle Laws

GENERAL

NRS 486.011 Definitions.

NRS 486.031 “Highway” defined.

NRS 486.038 “Moped” defined.

NRS 486.041 “Motorcycle” defined.

NRS 486.051 “Muffler” defined.

NRS 486.055 “Program” defined.

NRS 486.057 “Trimobile” defined.

DRIVERS’ LICENSES

NRS 486.061 License required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception.

NRS 486.071 Qualifications for license.

NRS 486.081 Application for license: Form; verification; contents; proof of name and age; proof of social security number; authority of Department to refuse to accept certain documents; regulations; consular identification cards.

NRS 486.084 Payment of child support: Statement by applicant for license; grounds for denial of license; duty of Department. [Expires by limitation on the date of the repeal of the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 486.091 Application from person previously licensed in another state; copy of record from other state becomes part of Nevada record; Department to furnish records to other states.

NRS 486.101 Application of minors.

NRS 486.111 Release from liability.

NRS 486.121 Cancellation of license upon death of person signing minor’s application.

NRS 486.131 Examination of applicants.

NRS 486.141 Form for application.

NRS 486.161 Expiration and renewal of license. [Effective until the date of the repeal of the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 486.165 Suspension of license for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of license. [Expires by limitation on the date of the repeal of the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 486.171 Permitting unauthorized person to drive.

OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

NRS 486.181 Carrying passengers.

NRS 486.191 Driver’s position while operating.

NRS 486.201 Height of handlebar.

NRS 486.211 Position of driver’s hands.

NRS 486.221 Fenders required while in operation.

NRS 486.231 Protective headgear and glasses: Standards; when use required.

NRS 486.241 Protective headgear and glasses: Sale or distribution.

NRS 486.251 Use of head lamps, stop lights and turn signals required.

NRS 486.261 Tail lamps.

NRS 486.271 Turn signals.

NRS 486.281 Head lamps.

NRS 486.291 Reflectors.

NRS 486.301 Brakes.

NRS 486.311 Mirrors.

NRS 486.331 Rights and duties of drivers.

NRS 486.341 Right to full use of traffic lane.

NRS 486.351 Unlawful passing; driving abreast.

NRS 486.361 Driver’s license to be surrendered on demand.

EDUCATION AND SAFETY OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

NRS 486.363 Definitions.

NRS 486.365 “Department” defined.

NRS 486.367 “Director” defined.

NRS 486.370 “Motorcycle” does not include trimobile.

NRS 486.372 Program for Education of Motorcycle Riders: Establishment; Administrator; consultation with Advisory Committee; approval of courses of instruction; rules and regulations; contracts for services; Account to pay expense of Program.

NRS 486.373 Program for Education of Motorcycle Riders: Eligibility; fee.

NRS 486.374 Program for Education of Motorcycle Riders: Instructor; course of instruction.

NRS 486.375 Qualifications of instructor; standards for licensing instructors.

NRS 486.376 Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety: Creation; appointment of members; terms; Chairman; meetings; vacancy; removal; reimbursement.

NRS 486.377 Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety: Duties.

PENALTIES

NRS 486.381 Violation of provisions concerning motorcycles and similar vehicles.

NEVADA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (NAC) PERTAINING TO LICENSING.

NAC 483.110 Drivers’ licenses: Classifications; miscellaneous restrictions and endorsements.

GENERAL

NRS 486.011 Definitions. As used in NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 486.031 to 486.057, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1975, 1082; 1979, 856; 1985, 1959; 1991, 1067)

NRS 486.031 “Highway” defined. “Highway” means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way maintained by a public authority when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465)

NRS 486.038 “Moped” defined. “Moped” means a vehicle which looks and handles essentially like a bicycle and is propelled by a small engine which produces not more than 2 gross brake horsepower and which has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters, and:

1. Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and

2. Is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than 1 percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged.

(Added to NRS by 1975, 1082; A 1983, 896)

NRS 486.041 “Motorcycle” defined. “Motorcycle” means every 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, including a power cycle but excluding a tractor and a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1975, 1082)

NRS 486.051 “Muffler” defined. “Muffler” means a device consisting of a series of chambers or baffle plates, or other mechanical design, for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and is effective in reducing noise, but does not include such a device equipped with an apparatus which permits the exhaust gas to be discharged directly into the air without passing through such device.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465)

NRS 486.055 “Program” defined. “Program” means the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1064)

NRS 486.057 “Trimobile” defined. “Trimobile” means every motor vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, two of which are power driven.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 856)

DRIVERS’ LICENSES

NRS 486.061 License required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the state of his residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

1. A motorcycle, except a trimobile, upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS endorsed to authorize the holder to drive a motorcycle.

2. A trimobile upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1979, 856; 1991, 2231; 1997, 2078)

NRS 486.071 Qualifications for license. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 486.161, the Department shall not issue a motorcycle driver’s license unless the applicant:

1. Is at least 16 years of age; and

2. Has successfully completed:

(a) Such written examination and driving test as may be required by the Department; or

(b) A course of motorcycle safety approved by the Department.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1466; A 1973, 1444; 1995, 88)

1. Every application for a motorcycle driver’s license must be made upon a form furnished by the Department and must be verified by the applicant before a person authorized to administer oaths. Officers and employees of the Department may administer those oaths without charge.

2. Every application must:

(a) State the full name, date of birth, sex and residence address of the applicant;

(b) Briefly describe the applicant;

(d) State whether any such license has ever been suspended or revoked, or whether an application has ever been refused, and, if so, the date of and reason for such suspension, revocation or refusal; and

(e) Give such other information as the Department requires to determine the competency and eligibility of the applicant.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 5, 6 and 7, every applicant shall furnish proof of his name and age by displaying an original or certified copy of at least one of the following documents:

(a) If he was born in the United States, including, without limitation, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States:

(1) A birth certificate issued by a state, a political subdivision of a state, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States;

(2) A driver’s license issued by another state, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States;

(3) A passport issued by the United States Government;

(4) A military identification card or military dependent identification card issued by any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States;

(5) For persons who served in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, a report of separation;

(6) A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood issued by the United States Government; or

(7) Such other documentation as specified by the Department by regulation; or

(b) If he was born outside the United States:

(1) A Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card or Temporary Resident Card issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services;

(2) A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State;

(3) A driver’s license issued by another state, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States;

(4) A passport issued by the United States Government; or

(5) Any other proof acceptable to the Department other than a passport issued by a foreign government.

4. Every applicant who has been assigned a social security number must furnish proof of his social security number by displaying:

(a) An original card issued to the applicant by the Social Security Administration bearing the social security number of the applicant; or

(b) Other proof acceptable to the Department, including, without limitation, records of employment or federal income tax returns.

5. The Department may refuse to accept a driver’s license issued by another state, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States if the Department determines that the other state, the District of Columbia or the territory of the United States has less stringent standards than the State of Nevada for the issuance of a driver’s license.

6. With respect to any document described in paragraph (b) of subsection 3, the Department may:

(a) If the document has expired, refuse to accept the document or refuse to issue a driver’s license to the person presenting the document, or both; and

(b) If the document specifies a date by which the person presenting the document must depart from the United States, issue to the person presenting the document a driver’s license that expires on the date on which the person is required to depart from the United States.

7. The Director shall adopt regulations setting forth criteria pursuant to which the Department will issue or refuse to issue a driver’s license in accordance with this section to a person who is a citizen of a foreign country. The criteria must be based upon the purpose for which that person is present within the United States.

8. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Department shall not accept a consular identification card as proof of the age or identity of an applicant for a motorcycle driver’s license. As used in this subsection, “consular identification card” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 232.006.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1466; A 1973, 1445; 1987, 687; 1993, 2846; 1999, 2476; 2003, 470, 1244, 1935, 2467)

1. An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a motorcycle driver’s license shall submit to the Department the statement prescribed by the Welfare Division of the Department of Human Resources pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Department shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Department.

3. A motorcycle driver’s license may not be issued or renewed by the Department if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the Department shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2077)

NRS 486.091 Application from person previously licensed in another state; copy of record from other state becomes part of Nevada record; Department to furnish records to other states.

1. Whenever an application for a motorcycle driver’s license is received from a person previously licensed in another state, the Department shall request a copy of the driver’s record from such other state. When received, the driver’s record shall become a part of the driver’s record in this state with the same effect as though entered on the driver’s record in this state in the original instance.

2. Whenever the Department receives a request for a driver’s record from another licensing state the record shall be forwarded without charge.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1466; A 1973, 1445)

NRS 486.101 Application of minors.

1. The application of any person under the age of 18 years for a motorcycle driver’s license must be signed and verified, before a person authorized to administer oaths, by either or both the father or mother of the applicant, if either or both are living and have custody of him, or if neither parent is living, then by the guardian having custody, or by an employer of the minor, or if there is no guardian or employer, then by any responsible person who is willing to assume the obligation imposed pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, upon a person signing the application of a minor.

2. Any negligence or willful misconduct of a minor under the age of 18 years when driving a motorcycle upon a highway is imputed to the person who signed the application of the minor for a license. That person is jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by negligence or willful misconduct.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1467; A 1973, 1445; 1991, 2231)

NRS 486.111 Release from liability. Any person who has signed the application of a minor for an instruction permit or license may thereafter file with the Department a verified written request that the permit or license of the minor so granted be cancelled. Thereupon, the Department shall cancel the permit or license of the minor, and the person who signed the application of the minor is relieved from the liability imposed pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, by reason of having signed such application on account of any subsequent negligence or willful misconduct of such minor in driving a motorcycle.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1467; A 1991, 2231)

NRS 486.121 Cancellation of license upon death of person signing minor’s application. The Department, upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of the death of the persons who signed the application of a minor for a license, shall cancel the license and shall not issue a new license until a new application, signed and verified, is made as required by NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive. This provision does not apply if the minor has attained the age of 18 years.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1467; A 1973, 1446; 1991, 2231)

NRS 486.131 Examination of applicants.

1. The Department may require every applicant for a motorcycle driver’s license to submit to an examination conducted by the Department or successfully complete a course of motorcycle safety approved by the Department.

2. An examination may be held in the county where the applicant resides within 30 days after the date application is made and may include:

(a) A test of the applicant’s ability to understand official devices used to control traffic;

(b) A test of his knowledge of practices for safe driving and the traffic laws of this state;

(c) Except as otherwise provided in a regulation adopted pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 483.330, a test of his eyesight; and

(d) An actual demonstration of his ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. The examination may also include such further physical and mental examination as the Department finds necessary to determine the applicant’s fitness to drive a motorcycle safely upon the highways.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1467; A 1987, 1310; 1995, 88)

NRS 486.141 Form for application. Every application for an instruction permit or driver’s license under the provisions of NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, must be made upon a form furnished by the Department. There must be no charge for the making and filing of the application.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1467; A 1991, 2232)

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, every motorcycle driver’s license expires on the fourth anniversary of the licensee’s birthday, measured in the case of an original license, a renewal license or a license renewing an expired license, from the birthday nearest the date of issuance or renewal. Any applicant whose date of birth is February 29 is, for the purposes of NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, considered to have the anniversary of his birth fall on February 28.

2. Every license is renewable at any time before its expiration upon application, submission of the statement required pursuant to NRS 486.084 and payment of the required fee. Every motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license issued on or after January 1, 1972, expires simultaneously with the expiration of the driver’s license.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 1 of NRS 483.384, each applicant for renewal must appear before an examiner for a driver’s license and successfully pass a test of his eyesight.

4. Any person who has been issued a driver’s license without having the authority to drive a motorcycle endorsed thereon must, before driving a motorcycle, successfully pass:

(a) A driving test conducted by the Department; or

(b) A course of motorcycle safety approved by the Department, and have the authority endorsed upon his license.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1973, 1446; 1981, 1590; 1983, 503; 1987, 1310; 1993, 2847; 1995, 88, 2579; 1997, 2078)

NRS 486.161 Expiration and renewal of license. [Effective on the date of the repeal of the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

2. Every license is renewable at any time before its expiration upon application and payment of the required fee. Every motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license issued on or after January 1, 1972, expires simultaneously with the expiration of the driver’s license.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 1 of NRS 483.384, each applicant for renewal must appear before an examiner for a driver’s license and successfully pass a test of his eyesight.

4. Any person who has been issued a driver’s license without having the authority to drive a motorcycle endorsed thereon must, before driving a motorcycle, successfully pass:

(a) A driving test conducted by the Department; or

(b) A course of motorcycle safety approved by the Department,and have the authority endorsed upon his license.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1973, 1446; 1981, 1590; 1983, 503; 1987, 1310; 1993, 2847; 1995, 88, 2579; 1997, 2078, effective on the date of the repeal of the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings)

1. The Department shall, upon receiving notification from a district attorney or other public agency collecting support for children pursuant to NRS 425.510 that a court has determined that a person who has been issued a motorcycle driver’s license:

(a) Has failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to a proceeding to establish paternity or to establish or enforce an obligation for the support of a child; or

(b) Is in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more children, send a written notice to that person that his motorcycle driver’s license is subject to suspension.

2. The notice must include:

(a) The reason for the suspension of the license;

(b) The information set forth in subsections 3 and 4; and

3. If a person who receives a notice pursuant to subsection 1 does not, within 30 days after he receives the notice, comply with the subpoena or warrant or satisfy the arrearage as required in NRS 425.510, the Department shall suspend his license without providing him with an opportunity for a hearing.

4. The Department shall reinstate a license suspended pursuant to this section if it receives a notice from the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.510 that the person has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to that section.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2077)

NRS 486.171 Permitting unauthorized person to drive. A person shall not authorize or knowingly permit a motorcycle, except a trimobile, owned by him or under his control to be driven upon any highway by any person who is not authorized pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, to drive a motorcycle.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1979, 857; 1985, 341; 1991, 2232)

OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

NRS 486.181 Carrying passengers.

1. A motorcycle or moped shall not be driven upon a highway while carrying more than one person unless such motorcycle or moped is designed by the manufacturer to carry more than one person.

2. A passenger shall ride:

(a) Behind the driver and astride the permanent or regular seat which was designed for two persons;

(b) Astride another seat firmly attached at the rear of the driver; or

3. Every such motorcycle or moped designed for transporting a passenger shall be equipped with footrests adjusted to fit such passenger.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1975, 1082)

NRS 486.191 Driver’s position while operating.

1. A person driving a motorcycle or moped shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

2. A person shall not drive a motorcycle or moped with the seat for the driver so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat with the motorcycle or moped in a stopped and upright position, cannot reach the ground with both feet simultaneously.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1975, 1082)

NRS 486.201 Height of handlebar. A person shall not drive a motorcycle or moped equipped with handlebars which extend above the uppermost portion of the driver’s shoulders when the driver sits on the seat and the seat is depressed by the weight of the driver.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1975, 1082; 1993, 1205)

NRS 486.211 Position of driver’s hands. The driver of a motorcycle or moped shall drive with at least one hand on a handlebar at all times.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 1447; 1975, 1082; 1985, 2054)

NRS 486.221 Fenders required while in operation. A person shall not drive a motorcycle or moped unless the wheels are protected by fenders to prevent the throwing of rocks, dirt, water or other substances to the rear.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1975, 1083)

NRS 486.231 Protective headgear and glasses: Standards; when use required.

1. The Department shall adopt standards for protective headgear and protective glasses, goggles or face shields to be worn by the drivers and passengers of motorcycles and transparent windscreens for motorcycles.

2. Except as provided in this section, when any motorcycle, except a trimobile 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 meeting those standards. Drivers and passengers of trimobiles shall wear protective glasses, goggles or face shields which meet those standards.

3. When a motorcycle or a trimobile is equipped with a transparent windscreen meeting those standards, the driver and passenger are not required to wear glasses, goggles or face shields.

4. When a motorcycle is being driven in a parade authorized by a local authority, the driver and passenger are not required to wear the protective devices provided for in this section.

5. When a three-wheel motorcycle, on which the driver and passengers ride within an enclosed cab, is being driven on a highway, the driver and passengers are not required to wear the protective devices required by this section.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 1194; 1975, 1083; 1979, 857; 1985, 1959)

NRS 486.241 Protective headgear and glasses: Sale or distribution.

1. A person shall not sell, offer for sale or distribute any protective headgear, glasses, goggles or face shields for use by any drivers or passengers of motorcycles or transparent windscreens for motorcycles unless the equipment is of a type and specification meeting the standards therefor adopted by the Department.

2. The provisions of this section do not prohibit the sale of protective headgear, glasses, goggles or face shields which comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1985, 1960)

NRS 486.251 Use of head lamps, stop lights and turn signals required.

1. Every motorcycle or moped operated upon a highway of this state at any time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and at any other time when, because of insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead must display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as respectively required pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive.

2. Every motorcycle or moped operated upon a highway must be equipped with stop lights to be lighted in the manner prescribed for the use of such devices.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 730; 1975, 1083; 1991, 2232)

NRS 486.261 Tail lamps.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every motorcycle or moped must be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required by NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

2. The tail lamp must be wired to be lighted whenever the head lamp is lighted.

3. The tail lamp on a motorcycle may contain a blue insert that does not exceed 1 inch in diameter.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1975, 1083; 1991, 2232; 2003, 403)

NRS 486.271 Turn signals.

1. Every motorcycle manufactured after January 1, 1973, which is sold or offered for sale and which is intended to be operated upon the highways of this state shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.

2. Such lamps shall be located on the front and rear and shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights in the direction toward which the turn is to be made.

3. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between white and amber.

4. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit red or amber light, or any shade of light between red and amber.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 731)

NRS 486.281 Head lamps.

1. Every motorcycle or moped shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two head lamps.

2. Every such head lamp on a motorcycle shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches from the ground as measured from the center of the lamp to the level ground upon which such motorcycle stands without a load.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1083)

NRS 486.291 Reflectors.

1. Every motorcycle or moped shall carry on the rear at least one reflector, which shall be mounted at a height not less than 20 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground as measured from the center of the reflector to the level ground upon which such motorcycle or moped stands without a load.

2. Each such reflector shall be of a size and character and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 300 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 31, 1084)

NRS 486.301 Brakes. Every motorcycle or moped shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the stopping and holding as prescribed in NRS 484.593 and 484.595.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084)

NRS 486.311 Mirrors. Every motorcycle or moped shall be equipped with two mirrors, each containing a reflection surface not less than 3 inches in diameter, with one mirror mounted on each handlebar, in positions enabling the driver to view clearly the highway for a distance of 200 feet to the rear.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084)

NRS 486.331 Rights and duties of drivers. A person driving a motorcycle or moped upon a highway is entitled to all the rights and subject to all the duties applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles as provided by law, except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084)

NRS 486.341 Right to full use of traffic lane. Every motorcycle or moped when being driven on the highway is entitled to full use of the traffic lane it is occupying, and a person shall not drive another motor vehicle in a manner which would deprive any such motorcycle or moped of such use.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084)

NRS 486.351 Unlawful passing; driving abreast.

1. A person, except a police officer in the performance of his duty, shall not drive a motorcycle or moped between moving or stationary vehicles occupying adjacent traffic lanes.

2. Except as provided in subsection 3, a person shall not drive a motorcycle, moped or trimobile abreast of or overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane.

3. Motorcycles and mopeds may, with the consent of the drivers, be operated no more than two abreast in a single traffic lane.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084; 1979, 857)

NRS 486.361 Driver’s license to be surrendered on demand. Every person driving a motorcycle shall manually deliver his license to drive a motorcycle to any police officer or court upon request therefor by such officer or court.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1471)

EDUCATION AND SAFETY OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

NRS 486.363 Definitions. As used in NRS 486.363 to 486.377, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 486.365, 486.367 and 486.370 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 416)

NRS 486.365 “Department” defined. “Department” means the Department of Public Safety.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 416)

NRS 486.367 “Director” defined. “Director” means the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 416)

NRS 486.370 “Motorcycle” does not include trimobile. “Motorcycle” does not include a trimobile.

(Added to NRS by 1993, 1321; A 2003, 416)

1. The Director shall:

(a) Establish the Program.

(b) Appoint an Administrator to carry out the Program.

(c) Consult regularly with the Advisory Committee for Motorcycle Safety concerning the content and implementation of the Program.

(d) Approve courses of instruction provided by public or private organizations which comply with the requirements established for the Program.

(e) Adopt rules and regulations which are necessary to carry out the Program.

2. The Director may contract for the provision of services necessary for the Program.

3. The money in the Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders may be used only to pay the expenses of the Program, including reimbursement to instructors licensed pursuant to NRS 486.375 for services provided for the Program. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1064)

NRS 486.373 Program for Education of Motorcycle Riders: Eligibility; fee.

1. A resident of this state who holds a motorcycle driver’s license or a motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license or who is eligible to apply for such a license or endorsement may enroll in the Program.

2. The Director shall establish a fee of not more than $100 for the Program.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1065)

NRS 486.374 Program for Education of Motorcycle Riders: Instructor; course of instruction. The Program must:

1. Be taught by an instructor licensed pursuant to NRS 486.375.

2. Include:

(a) Instruction relating to the development of proper habits and skills necessary for the safe operation of a motorcycle;

(b) Instruction relating to the effects of alcohol and controlled substances on the operator of a motorcycle; and

(c) At least 8 hours of instruction in the actual operation of a motorcycle for inexperienced operators and at least 4 hours of instruction in the actual operation of a motorcycle for experienced operators.

3. Each course of instruction must be approved by the Director before it is offered to persons enrolled in the Program. The Director shall not approve any course of instruction which does not meet or exceed the requirements established for courses for the education of motorcycle riders by nationally recognized public or private organizations approved by the Director.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1065; A 1993, 554)

NRS 486.375 Qualifications of instructor; standards for licensing instructors.

1. A person who:

(a) Is a resident of this state or is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed at a military installation located in Nevada;

(b) Is at least 21 years old;

(d) Has held a motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement for at least 2 years; and

(e) Is certified as an instructor of motorcycle riders by a nationally recognized public or private organization which is approved by the Director, may apply to the Department for a license as an instructor for the Program.

2. The Department shall not license a person as an instructor if, within 2 years before he submits his application for a license:

(a) He has accumulated three or more demerit points pursuant to the uniform system of demerit points established pursuant to NRS 483.473, or has been convicted of traffic violations of comparable number and severity in another jurisdiction; or

(b) His driver’s license was suspended or revoked in any jurisdiction.

3. The Director shall adopt standards and procedures for the licensing of instructors for the Program.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1065; A 1993, 1321)

NRS 486.376 Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety: Creation; appointment of members; terms; Chairman; meetings; vacancy; removal; reimbursement.

1. The Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor, is hereby created.

2. The Governor shall appoint to the Board:

(a) One member who is a retail motorcycle dealer;

(b) One member who is a peace officer and operates a motorcycle in carrying out his duties;

(d) Two members of the general public with experience operating a motorcycle. Not more than one of the members of the general public may be a commercial dealer, distributor or manufacturer of motorcycles.

3. After the initial terms, the members of the Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety serve terms of 3 years. No member of the Board may serve more than two consecutive terms.

4. The Board shall elect a Chairman from among its members.

5. The Board shall meet at least twice each year and may meet upon a call of the Chairman.

6. If a vacancy occurs during the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a person similarly qualified to replace that member for the remainder of the unexpired term.

7. The Governor may remove a member from the Board if the member neglects his duty or commits malfeasance in office.

8. Members of the Board serve without compensation but are entitled to receive reimbursement from the Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders for the actual amounts of their reasonable and necessary expenses while engaged in the business of the Board.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1066)

NRS 486.377 Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety: Duties.

1. The Board shall:

(a) Advise and assist the Director and the Administrator of the Program in developing, establishing and maintaining the Program;

(b) Regularly review the Program and make recommendations to the Director and the Administrator of the Program relating to the administration and content of the Program; and

(c) Submit a report, not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, to the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for presentation to the Legislature.

2. The report must include:

(a) The number of courses offered in the Program.

(b) The address of each location where a course was offered.

(d) The number of persons who have completed the Program in the preceding 2 years and the number of persons who have completed the Program since it was established.

(e) The amount of fees for motorcycle safety collected pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 482.480.

(f) A detailed accounting of the expenses of the Program.

3. The Director shall make copies of the report available for distribution to the public.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1066; A 1997, 2650)

PENALTIES

NRS 486.381 Violation of provisions concerning motorcycles and similar vehicles. Any person violating any provisions of NRS 486.011 to 486.361, inclusive, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1471; A 1991, 2232)

Nevada Administrative Code NAC) pertaining to motorcycles:

CLASSIFICATION OF LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION OF DRIVING ABILITY

General Provisions

NAC 483.100 “Highway” defined. (NRS 481.051, 483.220, 483.908) As used in NAC 483.100 to 483.197, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “highway” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 486.031.

[Dep’t of Motor Veh., Classification of Licenses Reg. § I, eff. 4-29-82]—(NAC A 8-1-91; 9-13-91; R159-01, 5-28-2002; R107-03, 2-18-2004)

NAC 483.110 Drivers’ licenses: Classifications; miscellaneous restrictions and endorsements. (NRS 481.051, 483.220, 483.235, 483.908)

1. The holder of a Class A noncommercial driver’s license may drive:

(a) Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the gross vehicle weight rating of the trailing vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds;

(b) Any combination of vehicles not exceeding 70 feet in length with a gross combination weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less so long as the gross combination weight rating of the towed vehicles does not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of the towing vehicle; or

(c) A vehicle falling within Class B or Class C, but may not drive a motorcycle unless the holder obtains an appropriate endorsement.

2. The holder of a Class B driver’s license may drive any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or any vehicle which is towing another vehicle which does not have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, and all vehicles falling within Class C, but may not drive a motorcycle unless the holder obtains an appropriate endorsement.

3. The holder of a Class C driver’s license may drive any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of a vehicle for which a Class A or Class B driver’s license is required, including, without limitation, any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, a moped or a low-speed vehicle, but the holder of a Class C driver’s license may not:

(a) Drive a motorcycle, unless the holder obtains an appropriate endorsement;

(b) Tow a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, unless the holder obtains a J endorsement;

(c) Drive a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds, unless the holder obtains an R endorsement; or

(d) Drive a combination of vehicles exceeding 70 feet in length.

4. The Department may place a restriction 1 on a Class A, Class B or Class C driver’s license if the holder of the driver’s license does not pass a knowledge test and a driving skills test in a vehicle which is equipped with air brakes.

5. In addition to the tests authorized by chapter 483 of NRS, the holder of a driver’s license may be required to pass a driving skills test in an appropriate vehicle to receive an endorsement authorizing the holder to drive a specific type of vehicle.

6. The holder of a driver’s license who is exempt from the requirements of NRS 483.900 to 483.940, inclusive, and NAC 483.800 to 483.850, inclusive, pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 or 2 of NAC 483.850, may operate a vehicle described in subsection 1 or 2 of NAC 483.850 only if he obtains an F endorsement on his driver’s license.

7. The holder of a Class M driver’s license may drive a motorcycle, trimobile or moped. The holder of a Class A, Class B or Class C driver’s license may drive a motorcycle only if he obtains a Class M endorsement on his driver’s license.

8. An applicant who is administered a test of his driving ability on a motorcycle which does not exceed 6 1/2 horsepower or a displacement of 90 cubic centimeters will be issued a Class M driver’s license with a U restriction.

9. An applicant who is administered a test of his driving ability on a motorcycle which has three wheels in contact with the ground will be issued a Class M driver’s license with an X restriction.

10. An applicant who is administered a test of his driving ability on a moped will be issued a Class M driver’s license with a Z restriction. A Class M driver’s license with a Z restriction does not authorize the operation of any other motor vehicle.

11. An applicant who is administered a test of his driving ability in a low-speed vehicle will be issued a Class C driver’s license with an X restriction. The Department will indicate on the back of such a driver’s license that the holder may not drive a vehicle on a highway where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour, except to cross a highway at an intersection.

12. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Gross combination weight rating” means:

(1) The weight specified by the manufacturer of a vehicle as the combined loaded weight of that vehicle and a trailing vehicle; or

(2) If the manufacturer fails to specify a weight, the sum of the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit, the weight of the trailing vehicle and the weight of any load thereon.

(b) “Gross vehicle weight rating” means the weight specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

(d) “Moped” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 486.038.

(e) “Motorcycle” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 486.041.

(f) “Trimobile” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 486.057.

[Dep’t of Motor Veh., Classification of Licenses Reg. § II, eff. 4-29-82]—(NAC A 9-13-91; R015-97, 11-14-97; R001-98, 4-2-98; R059-00, 9-7-2000; R153-01, 2-12-2002; R107-03, 2-18-2004; R105-04, 8-2-2004; R108-05, 10-31-2005)