Riders of motorized cycles must navigate particulars of laws
The line between motorized cycles and off-road vehicles is sometimes a fine one, but the Nevada law better explains the differences and requirements for operation, according to Chrissie Coon, spokeswoman for the North Las Vegas Police Department.
"If the mo-ped or scooter reaches 50 (cubic centimeters), or 30 mph, motorcycle laws apply," Coon said. "You must (then) have valid motorcycle insurance and a Class M license."
Drivers who are 16 or older and obtain a Class C driver’s license can operate a mo-ped on a public street without a Class M license if the vehicle does not exceed 2 brake horsepower or 30 mph, according to Nevada law.
Keith Paul, spokesman for the Henderson Police Department, said laws regarding helmets "are pretty much the same" as the operation requirements. Helmets and Class M licenses are required for all motorcyclists and passengers with mo-peds of more than 2 horsepower and capabilities of reaching more than 30 mph.
Motorcycle laws don’t apply to off-road vehicles, which do not have an age or license requirement to operate. Any motorized vehicle without normal safety equipment, such as lights and mirrors, is restricted to off-road use and may not be driven on public streets, according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles website. These vehicles include all-terrain, snowmobiles and scooters that are not properly equipped with lights or mirrors.
Coon said taking safety precautions with helmets is one of the most important components to operating motorcycles or scooters that exceed 30 mph.
"If anyone is going to get on (a motorized scooter), I recommend wearing a full motorcycle helmet," Coon said. "More often than not, when someone is thrown from that vehicle and (his) head strikes the pavement, you can suffer enough head trauma to kill you."
Coon said North Las Vegas Police Department officials have seen "a few" fatal accidents with scooters or mo-peds and hopes that people realize the importance of safety when operating such vehicles.
Other safety precautions must be taken regarding sharing the road with motorcycles.
Two motorcycles may share one lane on the road, and motorcycle riders have the right to use a complete traffic lane, according to the Nevada DMV website. Drivers are encouraged to slow down faster than they would for another car or vehicle when operating behind a motorcycle on the road.
Regarding drivers of motorcycles or scooters, Coon said it is imperative to obtain the proper training and knowledge of the law to operate these vehicles on public roadways. By the same token, automobile drivers must practice caution, too.
"You have some motorcycle drivers who haven’t been through any type of training and can create quite the danger zone," Coon said. "It is important to take safety precautions yourself."
For more information, contact the Nevada DMV at 486-4368 or visit dmvnv.com/motorcycle.htm.
Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.