More so than most other types of injuries, severe brain trauma is both one of the most common and one of the most life-threatening outcomes that a high-speed motorcycle accident can have. Wearing a properly fitted and approved safety helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle can dramatically reduce your risk of sustaining an injury in a wreck. In many states, it is against the law to ride a motorbike without a helmet.
Understanding Summerlin motorcycle helmet laws can be crucial, not just to protect yourself physically and legally—but also to improve your chances of obtaining fair financial restitution if you get hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused by someone else’s negligence. Below is an overview of what state law says about this aspect of motorcycle ownership and use in the Silver State.
What Does State Law Say About Motorcycle Helmets?
Nevada Revised Statutes § 486.231 is the section of state law that addresses what safety gear people must wear while operating specific types of two or three-wheeled vehicles. According to this statute, every driver and passenger riding on a “motorcycle,” “moped,” or “trimobile”—essentially, anything with a motor and without an enclosed cab designed to travel on two or three wheels—is required to wear protective headgear meeting the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) at all times while the vehicle is on a public road.
In addition, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear eye protection at all times while riding on a public road. This requirement can be met by a built-in visor on a Department-approved safety helmet. Alternatively, it could also be met by a separate piece of wearable equipment like:
- Glasses
- Goggles
- A face shield
- A transparent windshield or screen attached to the motorcycle
If you have questions about whether your safety equipment meets state guidelines, call to speak with a knowledgeable Summerlin attorney at our firm.
Possible Exceptions to State Helmet Laws
Unlike some other states, Nevada does not exempt motorcycle riders in Summerlin of a certain age or experience level from having to abide by the motorcycle helmet law mentioned above. So there is virtually no scenario under which someone operating a motorcycle or moped on a public road under normal conditions can legally forgo the use of a properly fitted helmet. However, there may be exceptions made for riders operating motorcycles under certain circumstances or operating certain types of vehicles.
For example, someone riding a motorcycle or moped as part of a parade authorized by local authorities is not required by law to wear a helmet or eye protection during that parade. Likewise, operators and riders in three-wheeled vehicles with enclosed cabs are not required to wear helmets or eye protection while riding on public highways.
A Summerlin Attorney Can Further Explain Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Even if you follow Summerlin’s motorcycle helmet laws, that may, unfortunately, still not be enough to prevent you from suffering serious injuries in an accident. Fortunately, you have help available in a situation like this from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer with a track record of getting positive case results on behalf of people like you.
If you have questions about motorcycle helmet laws or want to explore your legal options following a wreck in Summerlin, Rhodes Ranch, Sovana, or Sun City, our team at Shook & Stone is ready to give you the custom-tailored support you need. Call today for a free consultation.
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