Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles
Motorcyclists and passengers In Nevada are required to wear helmets that meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The only exception is for mopeds 50 cc or under, with less than 2 horsepower and capable of no more than 30 mph.
Getting a Motorcycle Driver License
Nevada transfers motorcycle endorsements and Class M licenses from most other states. If you are moving to Nevada and are currently licensed in the U.S., see our New Resident Guide.
Nevada issues a Class M driver license rather than an endorsement. Both your Class A, B or C and Class M are listed on one license. See License Classes.
Add Class M to Your Existing Nevada License.
You may either complete an approved course or take the DMV motorcycle written and skills tests. Riders under 18 must also comply with all of the Nevada Teen Driving requirements on age, holding a permit, etc.
Take The Course
You do not have to take the DMV written and skills tests if you complete a course certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Many MSF courses in Nevada are sponsored by the state's Nevada Rider program. A motorcycle is provided and no instruction permit is necessary.
| Carson City | Western Nevada College | (775) 445-4268 |
| Las Vegas | College of Southern Nevada | (702) 651-5790 |
| Reno | Truckee Meadows Community College | (775) 829-9010 |
| Rural | Nevada Rider | (800) 889-8779 or (775) 684-7480 |
See also the MSF course listings for more locations and for courses offered by dealerships and other organizations.
Upon completion, you may bring the Certificate of Completion (MSF card) and your existing Nevada license to a DMV office to have your new license issued. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign the financial responsibility statement on the application in person at the DMV. The DMV will accept courses up to one year after completion.
Take The Tests
If you choose to take the knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests, you should first apply in person and take the knowledge test at a DMV Full Service Office. A $25 testing fee will apply in addition to the licensing fee. Be sure to bring your existing Nevada license and a Driver's License or Identification Card Application (DMV 002)
It is your choice whether to obtain a Motorcycle Instruction Permit. If you do not, you may not ride a motorcycle until you have completed the skills test. A licensed motorcycle operator will have to ride the cycle to the DMV for your skills test.
If you obtain an instruction permit, you may ride a motorcycle only under the direct visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is on a motorcycle, is at least 21 years old and has held a motorcycle license for at least one year. You may ride in daylight hours only. You may not carry passengers or drive on freeways or other high-speed roads.
You must pass the knowledge test before you schedule your skills test. Skills tests are administered by appointment. Larger offices also offer tests on a stand-by basis. Not all DMV locations offer all tests.
Please have your instruction permit number or social security number ready when you call or schedule online.
| Online Scheduling | |
| Las Vegas area | (702) 486-4368 |
| Reno/Sparks/Carson City | (775) 684-4368 |
| Elsewhere in Nevada | (877) 368-7828 |
The examiner will perform a safety inspection on your motorcycle and check the registration and insurance. You do not have to use your own motorcycle. Upon successful completion of the skills test, you will have your picture taken and your new license will be mailed to you.
Class M Restrictions
If you take the test on a motorcycle of less than 90cc, your license will be restricted to 90cc or less (Restriction U). If you take the test on a moped of less than 50cc, your license will be restricted to 50cc or less (Restriction Z).
Registration
Motorcycles are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles. You must have a properly signed-off title or Dealers Report of Sale and a Nevada Evidence of Insurance Card. See Vehicle Registration Requirements. Motorcycles are exempt from emissions inspections.
Motorcycle registrations are assessed an extra $6 fee to help fund Nevada Rider safety programs throughout the state. See the Nevada Rider website. Registration fees and governmental services taxes are calculated in the same manner as other vehicles.
"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, including a power cycle but excluding a tractor and a moped. (NRS 486.041)
Off-Road to On-Road Motorcycle Conversions
An off-road motorcycle may be converted for use on Nevada public roads and highways if it meets the definition of an off-highway two wheeled motorcycle, is properly equipped and has been certified as safe to operate on Nevada public roads and highways by a Nevada licensed motorcycle dealer or Nevada registered motorcycle repair shop. See the following forms:
Mopeds
“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.
NRS 482.069 - Moped Defined | NRS 482.210 - Exemptions from Registration
You must have a Class C or higher driver license to drive a moped or motorized bicycle on a public street. You do not need a Class M license. Mopeds do not require insurance or vehicle registration. If the moped produces more than 2 gross brake horsepower, or has a displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters (50 cc), or produces not more than 1500 watts final output, or is capable of exceeding thirty miles per hour (30 mph) on a flat grade, it is considered a motorcycle and you must have a Class M license, registration and insurance.
Mopeds must have the same safety equipment (lights, mirrors, etc.) as a motorcycle in order to be driven on any public street. See the Motorcycle Equipment Tip Sheet. Other vehicles with a small engine are considered off-road motor vehicles and may not be operated on public streets.
This moped has the proper safety equipment and may be driven on public streets if it is designated for on-road use. |
This moped is not properly equipped. It is an off-road vehicle and may not be driven on public streets. It may not be converted to on-road use. |
If a vehicle was manufactured and designated for “off-road” or “non-road” use only, it may not be driven on Nevada public streets or highways even if it has safety equipment. Off-road mopeds may not be converted. The designation for off-road use is usually indicated in ownership documents, the owners manual or by a U.S. DOT label attached to the frame of the vehicle. |
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Off-Highway/Off-Road Vehicles
 Off-highway vehicles may not be driven on public streets. |
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-road vehicle and is restricted to off-road use only. This includes all-terrain vehicles, pocket bikes, motorized scooters and snowmobiles, but does not include converted off-highway two wheeled motorcycles.
With the exception of converted two-wheeled motorcycles, Nevada does not title off-road vehicles. If a vehicle was manufactured and designated for “off-road” or “non-road” use only, it may not be registered for use on Nevada public roads or highways unless it meets the definition of a converted off-highway two wheeled motorcycle.
If a vehicle other than an off-highway two wheeled motorcycle is designated for off-road or non-road use it may not be converted for use on road. The designation for off-road 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 off-road vehicles. You may not drive them on any public street. City and county governments may designate small portions of public streets for access to or from off-road areas only. (NRS Chapter 490)
Although these vehicles are not titled or registered in Nevada, Use Tax may be due if the vehicle was purchased from an out of state dealer. See the Nevada Department of Taxation's Use Tax FAQ or Sales and Use Tax Publications.
The 2009 Nevada Legislature passed Senate Bill 394 that requires registration and titling of off-highway vehicles. The DMV has received the start-up funding required under this legislation. See the Notice of Availability of Startup Funding.
The 2011 Legislature passed two bills which require registration and titling to begin 30 days after the DMV publishes a notice that it has completed its preparations or on July 1, 2012, whichever occurs first. See SB 130 and SB 387.
Sharing the Road
See our DMV Quick Tips on Motorcycle Safety and Bicycle Safety.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists 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.
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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