Cyclists in Nevada are required to follow the same traffic rules as drivers. This includes:
- keeping at least one hand on the handlebar,
- Keep to the right side of the road unless turning left
- Riding in the same direction as traffic,
Cyclists must use the following hand signals to indicate turns
- Reentering a traffic lane from a parked position- Extend their arm and hand horizontally
- Decreasing speed or stopping- Extend their arm and hand downward
- Right turn- extend their arm and hand upward
- Left turn- extend their arm and hand horizontally
Our attorneys have provided the following guide to Nevada Bike Laws
- Do Bicyclists have to Follow Nevada Traffic Rules and Regulations?
Bicycles are not legally considered “vehicles” in Nevada because people power them with their legs. As they are on the road, cyclists must still follow most traffic rules to maximize safety.
Just like motorists, cyclists can receive traffic violation tickets such as failing to stop at a red light or stop sign.
- Do You Need to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Bike in Nevada?
Nevada law does not require bicycle riders to wear helmets, unlike motorcyclists. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Nevada Department of Transportation strongly encourage bikers to wear helmets. The recent Assembly Bill 187 which would have required children to wear helmets when riding a bike has failed to progress in the legislature. .
- Do Any “Hand on the Handlebar” Laws Exist in Nevada?
Yes. In Nevada, it is mandatory for cyclists to have at least one hand on the handlebar while riding. To ensure convenience and safety, cyclists are recommended to carry their belongings in fanny packs or backpacks.
- Are Bicyclists Required to Ride on the Side of the Road in Nevada?
Cyclists in Nevada must stay on the right-hand shoulder road while traveling unless:
- It’s not safe to do so.
- When turning left
- When traveling at the same speed as nearby traffic
On a single-lane road, drivers can pass cyclists on the left while maintaining a three-foot distance.
On a multi-lane road, drivers should try to use the left lane so cyclists can have their own lane.
Only two cyclists can ride next to each other in a travel lane at a time. Cyclists should use designated bike lanes instead of traveling lanes.
Cyclists should avoid the shoulder at all costs, as litter and rough terrain likely can cause accidents.
- Can Bicyclists Ride on the Sidewalk in Nevada?
Biking on sidewalks is not prohibited by Nevada state law. However, many local laws do prevent this. It is best to look at your local laws to see whether biking on the sidewalk is illegal.
For example, in Las Vegas, biking on sidewalks is illegal on Fremont Street between Seventh Street and Main Street. The Las Vegas police may also issue citations for sidewalk-riding on the Strip, even though no law in Clark County explicitly prohibits it.
Cyclists should always dismount their bicycles before going over a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Should Bicyclists Always Ride in a Designated Bike Lane?
- Yes. Per Nevada law, cyclists are required to utilize the designated bike lanes whenever possible. The assigned bike lanes are usually marked with a picture of a cyclist. Do Bicyclists Always Have to Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic?
Yes., Cyclists are not allowed to ride against the traffic flow.
- Riding with Traffic is Always Safer than Going Against it. What about Shared Lanes?
In Nevada, both vehicles and bicycles can share a lane known as a “sharrow.” This lane is marked by a bicycle symbol placed under two arrows pointing in the direction of traffic.
- Does any Special Rule Exist for Cycling at Night in Nevada?
Bikers who ride during the night in Nevada are required to have their bike equipped with the following:
- A lighted lamp that is visible from both sides and must be present and visible from a minimum of five-hundred feet or reflective material that can be seen from both sides for a distance of six hundred feet when in front of a car’s low beams.
- Aa red reflector installed on its rear that is clearly visible from a distance of fifty to three hundred feet when directly in front of a car’s low beams.
- A front lamp that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.
Note: A red rear reflector is required by law, even if your bike is already equipped with a tail light. These requirements must be met when biking during the day, especially with limited visibility.
- When Should Cyclists Allow Cards to Pass?
In Nevada, if it is safe to do so, bicyclists must pull over to the side of the road when five or more automobiles are following them.
- Are Hand Signals Mandatory?
In Nevada, cyclists must use hand signals before turning.
The only exceptions are when taking a hand off the handlebar would be unsafe or when they are in a designated turn lane.
- Do Cyclists Have to Follow any Special Rules for Restricted Areas and Highways?
Some highways allow cyclists whereas others don’t. Highways that are not open to cycling are marked with warning signs.
In rural areas of Nevada, biking on highways is usually permitted as no other viable road options are available.
Some examples of this include:
| Nevada Highway | Areas where Cycling isn’t Allowed |
| Interstate 215/515 | Prohibited entirely. |
| Interstate 95 | The stretch of road between Exit 95 (Kyle Canyon Rd) and Exit 56A (Wagonwheel Dr & Nevada St Dr). |
| Interstate 15 | At Carlin Tunnels between East Tunnel Portals and Exit 282 (East Carlin).In the Fernley/ Wadsworth Area between Exit 48 (US ALT 95) and Exit 43 (Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake).Between Exit 50 (Lamb Blvd) and Exit 12 (Jean). |
| Interstate 80 | Between Exit 38 (Fairview Dr) and Exit 43 (North Carson St).In Sparks/ Reno Area between Exit 21 (Vista Blvd) and Exit 2 (West Verdi). |
| Interstate 580/US 395 | Between Exit 44 (Eastlake Blvd) and Exit 78 (Red Rock Rd). |
- How Commonly Do Cycling Accidents Occur in Nevada?
A collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of traffic accidents, especially for cyclists. Although bicycles account for a small portion of traffic overall, bike and car accidents are very common. The two most common causes are drivers being distracted and not noticing cyclists on the road.
As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 846 cyclist deaths and 49,000 cyclist injuries were in collisions with motor vehicles in 2019 in the US. There were 304 traffic fatalities in the same year in Nevada alone, including 8 cyclists.
- Do Any Special Rules Exist for Mopeds?
Yes, Nevada has four distinct regulations that are applicable only to mopeds. These are listed below:
- It is a punishable offense for moped riders to operate the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Moped riders must wear a helmet while riding.
- Before taking their mopeds on the road, drivers must possess a valid driver’s license. This can be a regular drivers license (class C).
- Moped riders must register their mopeds with the Nevada DMV, similar to a car, although liability insurance is not mandatory.
- Moped Riders must ride in the far-right hand lane unless turning left, directed by a police officer, or it is unsafe to do so otherwise.
- Is Riding a Bicycle While Being Under the Influence a Crime in Nevada?
In Nevada, riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not considered a DUI offense. However, it is still reckless endangerment (NRS 202.595). Those caught riding a bicycle while impaired can face penalties, including:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- $2,000 in fines
Normally, this likely is only a misdemeanor, however, if someone is severely harmed due to cycling under the influence (CUI), it is considered a category C felony under NRS 0.060. (Substantial Bodily Harm) The punishment for this offense is:
- A potential fine of up to $10,000, at the judge’s discretion
- One to five years in Nevada State Prison.
It should be noted that cyclists convicted of CUI will not have their driver’s licenses suspended as it is not treated as a DUI.