While they may seem like an inconvenience, when an accident happens, sometimes a helmet is all there might be between you and the pavement. Wearing proper safety gear—like a reinforced head covering and goggles—helps limit the chance of you sustaining life-altering head trauma. So, when you are run off the road by a teenager who is texting and driving, your brain and skull may be safely cushioned from the blow if you fall off your bike and hit your head.
At Shook & Stone, our seasoned advocates are well-versed in the Reno motorcycle helmet laws, including the rules for when someone needs to wear headgear and what type. When you get into a serious collision while on your chopper, and you do not know where to turn, our motorcycle crash attorneys are here to take your call.
Do People Who Ride Motorcycles Have To Wear Helmets in Reno?
Because motorcycles do not have a metal frame to protect those on them when an accident occurs, the government requires people to use approved safety equipment to shield them from head and eye injuries. For example, as Nevada Revised Statutes § 486.231 discusses, most people who ride their hogs should be wearing headgear—such as a helmet—and eye gear—e.g., goggles or face shields. The helmet can be something that just covers their head—as long as it meets the minimum safety standards in place—or one that includes a face covering.
The eye gear—which also needs to pass the safety criteria—should be in place to shield the driver and passenger from debris that may get kicked up. You can use goggles or protective glasses to keep things like rocks, bugs, and screws from flying up and hitting you in your eyes. That said, if the vehicle has the appropriate windscreen in place, the law may not require you to wear special protection (except for the helmet).
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 486.241 may only allow people to sell or distribute helmets and protective gear if the items meet the standards set by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles or the United States Department of Transportation. A well-practiced motorcycle attorney is a good resource to talk to when you have questions about the helmet laws in Reno and how they apply to you.
What Other Types of Safety Equipment Do People Riding Choppers Have To Have?
Just like those driving compact cars, motorcyclists must use headlamps—e.g., headlights—and stop lights—e.g., brake lights—to notify others of their presence. As Nev. Rev. Stat. § 486.251 explains, the biker may need to have and use these safety features from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Likewise, they should use head and stop lights at other times during the day when there is low light—such as if there is a storm.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 486.281 requires the rider to have no more than two working headlamps at the front of their vehicle to allow them to see at night and to notify others that they are on the road. Likewise, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 486.261 instructs motorcyclists to have tail lamps that turn on when the headlamps do.
Additionally, a rider should have and appropriately use turn signals, as outlined in Nev. Rev. Stat. § 486.271, just as people in covered vehicles do. As an added safety bonus, in addition to following the helmet and lighting requirements in Reno, someone who rides may choose to use headgear that has turn signals, a headlamp, and a taillight in the unit itself.
Need Help Understanding Reno’s Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists? Contact the Lawyers at Shook & Stone Today
Riding your bike can feel uniquely freeing, a way to stretch your legs and enjoy the rush of air and adrenaline at the end of your day. Wearing the proper headgear and using approved safety gear—like turn signals and headlights—can help prevent an accident from occurring or protect you if one does.
When you need help understanding Reno motorcycle helmet laws and how they apply to you, consider partnering with a knowledgeable lawyer. Call Shook & Stone today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal needs.
