Mopeds Top ↑
“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 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. Moped registration is required. See Mopeds for details.
Off-Highway Vehicles Top ↑
See the Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles for registration forms and details. Most OHVs 1976 and newer must be registered.
Any motorized vehicle which does not have the normal safety equipment such as lights and mirrors or is not built to federal vehicle standards is an off-highway vehicle and is restricted to off-highway use only. This includes all-terrain vehicles, pocket bikes, motorized scooters and snowmobiles, but does not include converted two-wheeled motorcycles.
If a vehicle was manufactured and designated for “off-road” or “non-road” use only, it may not be driven on most Nevada public streets or highways even if it has safety equipment. The designation for off-highway use is usually indicated in ownership documents, the owners manual or by a U.S. DOT label attached to the frame of the vehicle.
There are no driver license or minimum age requirements for OHVs operated off-highway. City and county governments may designate small portions of public streets for access to or from off-road areas only and some age restrictions or other requirements may apply. Properly-registered and insured large ATVs may be driven on certain highways.
Sharing the Road Top ↑
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists and moped riders have the same rights and the same responsibilities as other drivers. However, there are special situations and conditions we all need to be aware of so we can safely share the road with them.
- Motorcycle operators have the right to use a complete traffic lane. Two motorcycles may share a lane.
- Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are less visible and may appear to be farther away than they really are.
- It is difficult for other drivers to judge how fast a motorcycle is going.
- Motorcycles may be forced from their position on the road by strong winds or a rough road surface.
- Turn signals are not self-canceling on most motorcycles. Before you make a lane change or turn that depends on what a motorcycle’s path is, be sure you know what a motorcyclist is doing. Watch for clues such as operators or passengers turning their heads to look behind, or operators beginning to lean or tilt their motorcycles.
- If you are coming up behind a motorcycle, slow down sooner than you would for another vehicle. Leave plenty of space.
- Always dim your headlights when approaching a motorcycle. Because motorcyclists balance as well as steer their vehicles, the blinding effect of your high beams can be far more dangerous to them than to drivers of cars or trucks.
- Bad weather and slippery roads can be real problems for motorcyclists. Allow even more following distance when it is raining or the road is slippery.
Bicycles
When bicycles are ridden with other traffic, cyclists must obey the same rules and regulations as other types of vehicles. The safe interaction between bicyclists and motorists is the responsibility of both parties. See NRS Chapter 484B for the laws on operation of bicycles. Helmets are not required.
Motorists are not allowed to intentionally interfere with the movement of a person lawfully operating a bicycle; bicyclists may not intentionally interfere with the movement of a motor vehicle.
- At intersections, motorists must yield to cyclists as they would for other vehicles and pedestrians.
- When passing a cyclist, motorists must move into an adjacent lane to the left if possible. If not, the motorist must pass with at least 3 feet of clearance.
- Motorists must yield the right-of-way to a cyclist on a bicycle path or in a bike lane.
- Motorists may not stop, park or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless they are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, performing official duties, directed by a police officer, or an emergency situation exists.
- A cyclist is required to ride on the right side of the roadway.
- Cyclists ride in a traffic lane, staying to the far right as practicable unless preparing to turn or overtake another vehicle.
- Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals and use hand signals to let others know what they plan to do.
- Inexperienced riders, especially children, require special courtesy and care. They may not always follow traffic rules. Be especially careful around these riders and expect the unexpected.
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Cyclists Should:
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Cyclists Should Not:
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Bicycles ridden at night must have:
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Vehicle Comparison Table Top ↑
| Motorcycle | Trimobile | Other Three-Wheeled | Moped | Off-Highway Vehicle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver’s License | Yes - Class M | Yes - Any Class | Yes - Any Class | Yes - Any Class | No (unless operated on a public highway where allowed) |
| Helmet Required (Helmet use is always suggested) |
Yes | Yes (Vehicles with handlebars and saddle seat) |
No (Vehicles with enclosed cab and steering wheel) |
Yes | No (unless operated on a public highway where allowed) |
| Registration | Yes - at DMV or online if eligible | Yes - at DMV or online if eligible | Yes - at DMV or online if eligible | Yes - at DMV only | Yes - by mail only |
| Liability Insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Large ATVs only |
| VIN Inspection | At DMV unless previously registered in NV or sold by an NV dealer | At DMV unless previously registered in NV or sold by an NV dealer | At DMV unless previously registered in NV or sold by an NV dealer | At DMV, Sheriff in counties with no DMV office or at NV dealer if sold by dealer | NV OHV dealer or law enforcement in rural areas |
| Maximum Engine Size | 50 cc or 1500 watts | ||||
| Maximum Horsepower | 2 brake horsepower | ||||
| Maximum Speed | 30 mph | ||||
| Maximum wheels on Ground | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Notes | Is not a moped or electric bicycle | A motorcycle with a sidecar is considered a motorcycle | OHVs may not be driven on public streets except in designated areas | ||
| Dealer Licensing | Yes - Any business which sells, leases or rents any of these vehicles must have a DMV business license. See Occupational and Business Licensing. | ||||
Legal Definitions
NRS 482.070 “Motorcycle” defined. “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, except any such vehicle as may be included within the term “electric bicycle,” “tractor” or “moped” as defined in this chapter.
NRS 482.129 “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.
(Revised definition effective 10/1/19)
NRS 482.069 “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:
- Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and
- 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.
The term does not include an electric bicycle.
NRS 482.0287 “Electric bicycle” defined. “Electric bicycle” means a device upon which a person may ride, having two or three wheels, or every such device generally recognized as a bicycle that has fully operable pedals and is propelled by a small electric engine which produces not more than 1 gross brake horsepower and which produces not more than 750 watts final output, and:
- Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and
- Powered solely by such a small electric engine, is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a flat surface while carrying an operator who weighs 170 pounds.
The term does not include a moped.
Electric bicycles do not require helmet use, a driver's license, registration or insurance.
NRS 490.060 “Off-highway vehicle” defined.
- “Off-highway vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use. The term includes, but is not limited to:
- An all-terrain vehicle, including, without limitation, a large all-terrain vehicle without regard to whether that large all-terrain vehicle is registered by the Department in accordance with NRS 490.0825 as a motor vehicle intended to be operated upon the highways of this State;
- An all-terrain motorcycle;
- A dune buggy;
- A snowmobile; and
- Any motor vehicle used on public lands for the purpose of recreation.
- The term does not include:
- A motor vehicle designed primarily for use in water;
- A motor vehicle that is registered by the Department in accordance with chapter 482 of NRS;
- A low-speed vehicle as defined in NRS 484B.637; or
- Special mobile equipment, as defined in NRS 482.123.
NRS 490.043 “Large all-terrain vehicle” defined. “Large all-terrain vehicle” means any all-terrain vehicle that includes seating capacity for at least two people abreast and:
- Total seating capacity for at least four people; or
- A truck bed.