NRS: CHAPTER 486 - MOTORCYCLES AND SIMILAR VEHICLES

[Rev. 6/29/2024 4:20:29 PM--2023]

CHAPTER 486 - MOTORCYCLES AND SIMILAR VEHICLES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 486.015 “Autocycle” defined. [Effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.]

NRS 486.031 “Highway” defined.

NRS 486.038 “Moped” defined.

NRS 486.051 “Muffler” defined.

NRS 486.055 “Program” defined.

NRS 486.057 “Trimobile” defined.

DRIVERS’ LICENSES

NRS 486.061 License or permit required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception. [Effective through the earlier of December 31, 2024, or the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.]

NRS 486.061 License or permit required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception; motorcycle safety course in lieu of fine for violation. [Effective January 1, 2025, if, before that date, the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles does not notify the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles, and until the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles provides such notification.]

NRS 486.061 License or permit required to operate motorcycle, trimobile or autocycle; exception. [Effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles, if the Director of the Department provides such notice before January 1, 2025.]

NRS 486.061 License or permit required to operate motorcycle, trimobile or autocycle; exception; motorcycle safety course in lieu of fine for violation. [Effective on the later of January 1, 2025, or the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.]

NRS 486.071 Qualifications for license.

NRS 486.081 Application for license: Form; verification; contents; proof of full legal name and age; Department to adopt regulations prescribing documents acceptable to prove full legal name and age; proof of social security number; authority of Department to refuse to accept certain documents; additional regulations; prohibition on acceptance of consular identification cards as proof of age or identity.

NRS 486.084 Payment of child support: Statement by applicant for license; grounds for denial of license; duty of Department. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, 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; regulations. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, 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 486.161 Expiration and renewal of license; regulations. [Effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, 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. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, 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 Unlawful to permit unauthorized person to drive.

OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

NRS 486.180 Operation and equipment provisions applicable and uniform throughout State; local authorities prohibited from enacting ordinance in conflict with provisions.

NRS 486.181 Carrying passengers.

NRS 486.191 Driver’s position while operating.

NRS 486.201 Height of handlebars.

NRS 486.211 Position of driver’s hands.

NRS 486.221 Fenders required while in operation.

NRS 486.231 Protective headgear, glasses, goggles or face shields; Department required to adopt standards; when use required; exceptions. [Effective until the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.]

NRS 486.231 Protective headgear, glasses, goggles or face shields; Department required to adopt standards; when use required; exceptions. [Effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.]

NRS 486.241 Protective headgear and glasses: Sale or distribution.

NRS 486.251 Use of head lamps and stop lights required.

NRS 486.261 Tail lamps.

NRS 486.271 Turn signals.

NRS 486.281 Head lamps: Placement; limit on correlated color temperature of high-intensity discharge 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; prohibition on driving in extreme left lane; exceptions.

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

PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

NRS 486.363 Definitions.

NRS 486.365 “Department” defined.

NRS 486.367 “Director” defined.

NRS 486.370 “Motorcycle” includes moped.

NRS 486.372 Establishment; Administrator; approval of courses of instruction; rules and regulations; contracts for services; Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders created; uses of money in Account.

NRS 486.373 Eligibility for enrollment; fee.

NRS 486.374 Licensed instructor required; requirements and approval of course of instruction.

NRS 486.375 Qualifications of instructor; standards and procedures for licensing instructors.

PENALTIES

NRS 486.381 Violation of provisions concerning motorcycles and similar vehicles.

NRS 486.385 Local authorities prohibited from enacting ordinance providing criminal penalty if chapter prescribes civil penalty.

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

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 486.015 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; 2023, 1475)

1. Is designed with two front wheels and one rear wheel;

2. Is equipped with a steering wheel or handlebars;

3. Is equipped with safety belts for the driver and each passenger;

4. Uses foot pedals to control the braking and acceleration of the vehicle;

5. Does not require the operator or passengers to straddle or sit astride the vehicle; and

6. Has been manufactured to meet the federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 1475, effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles)

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 motor-driven scooter, motor-driven cycle or similar vehicle that is propelled by a small engine which produces not more than 2 gross brake horsepower, has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters or produces not more than 1500 watts final output, 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.

Ê The term does not include an electric bicycle as defined in NRS 484B.017 or an electric scooter as defined in NRS 482.0295.

(Added to NRS by 1975, 1082; A 1983, 896; 2009, 402; 2019, 1897; 2021, 1744)

NRS 486.041 “Motorcycle” defined. [Effective until the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.] “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, excluding an electric bicycle as defined in NRS 484B.017, an electric scooter as defined in NRS 482.0295, a tractor and a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1975, 1082; 2009, 403; 2019, 1897; 2021, 1744)

NRS 486.041 “Motorcycle” defined. [Effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles.] “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, excluding an electric bicycle as defined in NRS 484B.017, an electric scooter as defined in NRS 482.0295, a tractor, an autocycle and a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1975, 1082; 2009, 403; 2019, 1897; 2021, 1744; 2023, 1475, effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles)

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 equipped with handlebars and a saddle seat and designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, at least one of which is power driven. The term does not include a motorcycle with a sidecar.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 856; A 2015, 327; 2019, 3104)

DRIVERS’ LICENSES

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, a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS endorsed to authorize the holder to drive a motorcycle or a permit issued pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of NRS 483.280.

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; 2017, 966)

1. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the person’s state of residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

(a) 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, a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS endorsed to authorize the holder to drive a motorcycle or a permit issued pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of NRS 483.280.

(b) 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.

2. If, pursuant to NRS 486.381, a court of competent jurisdiction finds that a person has violated the requirement of paragraph (a) of subsection 1, the court shall permit the person to complete a course of motorcycle safety in lieu of assessing a fine for the violation. The course of motorcycle safety must be completed within 9 months after the date of the final order of the court and proof of successful completion of the course must be filed with the court.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1979, 856; 1991, 2231; 1997, 2078; 2017, 966; 2023, 944, effective January 1, 2025, if, before that date, the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles does not notify the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles)

3. An autocycle upon a highway unless that person holds a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1979, 856; 1991, 2231; 1997, 2078; 2017, 966; 2023, 1475, effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles, if the Director of the Department provides such notice before January 1, 2025)

1. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the person’s state of residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1979, 856; 1991, 2231; 1997, 2078; 2017, 966; 2023, 944, 1475, effective on the later of January 1, 2025, or the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles)

NRS 486.071 Qualifications for license.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 and NRS 486.161, the Department shall not issue a motorcycle driver’s license unless the applicant:

(a) Is at least 18 years of age; and

(b) Has successfully completed:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, such written examinations and driving tests as may be required by the Department; or

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

2. A holder of an instruction permit issued pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of NRS 483.280 who applies to the Department for a motorcycle driver’s license pursuant to subsection 1 is not required to successfully complete the written examinations required pursuant to subparagraph (1) of paragraph (b) of subsection 1 if the holder of the permit:

(a) Is at least 18 years of age;

(b) Has held the instruction permit for not less than 6 months; and

(c) The instruction permit expired not more than 30 days before the date of application for a motorcycle driver’s license.

3. The Department shall not issue a motorcycle driver’s license to an applicant who is at least 16 years of age but is less than 18 years of age unless the applicant:

(a) Meets the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 483.2521; and

(b) Has successfully completed such written examinations and driving tests as may be required by the Department.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4 of NRS 483.2521, any person who has been issued a driver’s license pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS 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,

Ê and have the authority endorsed upon the license.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1466; A 1973, 1444; 1995, 88; 2017, 966; 2019, 2974)

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 legal name, date of birth, sex, address of principal residence and mailing address, if different from the address of principal residence;

(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. Every applicant shall furnish proof of his or her full legal name and age by displaying an original or certified copy of the required documents as prescribed by regulation.

4. The Department shall adopt regulations prescribing the documents an applicant may use to furnish proof of his or her full legal name and age to the Department, including, without limitation, a document issued by the Department pursuant to NRS 483.375 or 483.8605.

5. Every applicant who has been assigned a social security number must furnish proof of the 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.

6. The Department may refuse to accept a driver’s license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or the United States Virgin Islands if the Department determines that the other state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or the United States Virgin Islands has less stringent standards than the State of Nevada for the issuance of a driver’s license.

7. With respect to any document that has expired:

(a) The Department may 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 indicates that the person is authorized to stay in the United States, the Department shall issue to the person presenting the document a driver’s license that is valid only during the time the applicant is authorized to stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the time the applicant is authorized to stay, the driver’s license is valid for 1 year beginning on the date of issuance.

8. 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 state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or the United States Virgin Islands or a foreign country. The criteria pursuant to which the Department shall issue or refuse to issue a driver’s license to a citizen of a foreign country must be based upon the purpose for which that person is present within the United States.

9. 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; 2007, 2807; 2017, 1285; 2019, 1795)

1. An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a motorcycle driver’s license shall submit to the Department the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 parents of the applicant, if either or both are living and have custody of the applicant, 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; 2017, 794)

NRS 486.111 Release from liability. Any person who has signed the application of a minor for a motorcycle driver’s license may thereafter file with the Department a verified written request that the license of the minor so granted be cancelled. Thereupon, the Department shall cancel the 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; 2017, 966)

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 motorcycle driver’s 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; 2017, 967)

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) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 486.071, a test of the applicant’s ability to understand official devices used to control traffic;

(b) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 486.071, a test of the applicant’s 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 the applicant’s eyesight; and

(d) An actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle.

Ê 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; 2017, 967)

NRS 486.141 Form for application. Every application for an instruction permit under the provisions of subsection 4 or 5 of NRS 483.280 or a motorcycle 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; 2017, 967)

1. Every motorcycle driver’s license expires as prescribed by regulation.

2. The Department shall adopt regulations prescribing when a motorcycle driver’s license expires.

3. 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.

4. 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 the applicant’s eyesight.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1973, 1446; 1981, 1590; 1983, 503; 1987, 1310; 1993, 2847; 1995, 88, 2579; 1997, 2078; 2007, 2809; 2017, 967)

1. Every motorcycle driver’s license expires as prescribed by regulation.

2. The Department shall adopt regulations prescribing when a motorcycle driver’s license expires.

3. 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.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1973, 1446; 1981, 1590; 1983, 503; 1987, 1310; 1993, 2847; 1995, 88, 2579; 1997, 2078; 2007, 2809, 2810; 2017, 967, effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, 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,

Ê send a written notice to that person that his or her 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 receiving the notice, comply with the subpoena or warrant or satisfy the arrearage as required in NRS 425.510, the Department shall suspend the license without providing the person 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 Unlawful to permit unauthorized person to drive.

1. A person shall not authorize or knowingly permit a motorcycle, except a trimobile, owned by or under the control of the person 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.

2. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1468; A 1979, 857; 1985, 341; 1991, 2232; 2021, 3344)

OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

NRS 486.180 Operation and equipment provisions applicable and uniform throughout State; local authorities prohibited from enacting ordinance in conflict with provisions.

1. The provisions of NRS 486.180 to 486.361, inclusive, are applicable and uniform throughout this State.

2. A local authority shall not enact an ordinance governing the operation and equipment of a motorcycle or moped which is in conflict with any of the provisions of NRS 486.180 to 486.361, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 536)

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 handlebars. A person shall not drive a motorcycle or moped equipped with handlebars which extend more than 6 inches 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; 2015, 536)

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)

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 otherwise provided in this section, 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 meeting those standards.

3. When a motorcycle or a moped 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 or moped 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 vehicle, except a trimobile, 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; 2019, 3104)

3. When a motorcycle or a moped 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 or moped 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.

6. When an autocycle is being driven on a highway, the driver and passengers are not required to wear protective headgear.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 1194; 1975, 1083; 1979, 857; 1985, 1959; 2019, 3104; 2023, 1476, effective on the date on which the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau that sufficient resources are available to enable the Department to carry out the amendatory provisions of chapter 233, Statutes of Nevada 2023, at page 1468, which relate to autocycles)

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 and stop lights 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: Placement; limit on correlated color temperature of high-intensity discharge 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.

3. A motorcycle or moped may be equipped with one or two headlamps that are high-intensity discharge lamps if each such headlamp has a correlated color temperature of not less than 5,000 kelvins and not more than 6,000 kelvins.

4. The provisions of subsection 3 do not apply to the extent preempted by federal law.

5. As used in this section, “high-intensity discharge lamp” has the meaning ascribed to it in 10 C.F.R. § 431.282.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1083; 2015, 299)

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 484D.250 and 484D.255.

(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. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 486.351, 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; 2017, 629)

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; prohibition on driving in extreme left lane; exceptions.

1. A person, except a police officer in the performance of his or her 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.

4. A person, except a police officer in the performance of his or her duty, driving a moped shall, except:

(a) When preparing to turn left as provided in subsection 5;

(b) When doing so would not be safe; or

Ê drive in the extreme right-hand lane if the highway has two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction in which the driver is traveling.

5. A person driving a moped as required pursuant to subsection 4 who is preparing to turn left may enter the lane from which the left turn will be made not more than one-quarter of a mile from where the left turn will be made.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1470; A 1975, 1084; 1979, 857; 2017, 629)

NRS 486.361 Driver’s license to be surrendered on demand. Every person driving a motorcycle shall manually deliver his or her 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)

PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

NRS 486.363 Definitions. As used in NRS 486.363 to 486.375, 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; A 2017, 114)

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” includes moped. “Motorcycle” includes a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1993, 1321; A 2003, 416; 2019, 3104)

1. The Director shall:

(a) Establish the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders.

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

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

(d) 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 Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Director shall administer the Account.

4. The money in the Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders may only be used to pay the expenses of the Program, including reimbursement to instructors licensed pursuant to NRS 486.375 for services provided for the Program.

5. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

6. Any money remaining in the Account for the Program for the Education of Motorcycle Riders at the end of a fiscal year does not revert to the State General Fund, and the balance in the Account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1064; A 2010, 26th Special Session, 22; 2013, 2759; 2015, 327; 2017, 114)

NRS 486.373 Eligibility for enrollment; fee.

1. A resident of this State who holds a driver’s license, 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, or a nonresident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, a reserve component thereof or the National Guard and who is stationed at a military installation located in Nevada, may enroll in the Program.

2. The Director shall establish a fee of not more than $150 for the Program.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 1065; A 2013, 2527; 2015, 90; 2019, 3104)

NRS 486.374 Licensed instructor required; requirements and approval of course of instruction.

1. The Program must:

(a) Be taught by an instructor licensed pursuant to NRS 486.375.

(b) Include:

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

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

(3) 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.

2. 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 and procedures for licensing instructors.

1. A person who:

(a) Is at least 21 years old;

(b) Holds a motorcycle driver’s license or a motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license issued by the Department; and

(c) Is certified as an instructor of motorcycle riders by a nationally recognized public or private organization which is approved by the Director,

Ê 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 the person submits an application for a license:

(a) The person 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, or found to have committed, traffic violations of comparable number and severity in another jurisdiction; or

(b) The person’s 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; 2021, 3344; 2023, 945)

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 civil infraction unless a provision of those sections specifically provides that a particular violation is a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1471; A 1991, 2232; 2021, 3345)

NRS 486.385 Local authorities prohibited from enacting ordinance providing criminal penalty if chapter prescribes civil penalty. A local authority shall not enact an ordinance providing a criminal penalty for a violation of this chapter for which the penalty prescribed by this chapter is a civil penalty.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3344)