Who must wear a helmet in Nevada, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Nevada has a universal motorcycle helmet law. Every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a helmet, regardless of age, experience, or insurance status (Nevada MOM p.iii).
The requirement also covers mopeds — both the operator and any passenger must wear a helmet (NRS 486.231).
There is no adult exemption in Nevada. If you are operating or riding on a motorcycle or a moped, you must wear a helmet.
You must also protect your eyes: if the motorcycle has no windshield or screen, the rider must wear a protective face shield or goggles (Nevada MOM p.ii-iii).
Riding without a required helmet or eye protection is a traffic violation in Nevada and can bring a fine and other penalties. Because the law also covers passengers and mopeds, an operator can be cited for carrying an unhelmeted passenger. Confirm current fine amounts with the Nevada DMV.
Separate from the helmet rule, Nevada requires protective eye gear — a face shield or goggles — whenever the motorcycle does not have a windshield or screen (Nevada MOM p.ii-iii).
A face shield protects your whole face; goggles protect only your eyes. A windshield is not a substitute for either, and tinted eye protection should not be worn when little light is available (Nevada MOM p.6).
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Confirmed on the official DMV page: 25 multiple-choice questions, 80 percent or better to pass. Nevada also gives an on-cycle skills test, which an approved Basic Rider Course waives.