Dirt bike and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a great source of outdoor enjoyment. And the Las Vegas valley has an abundance of desert-designated riding areas for both new and experienced riders. While operating these vehicles can be exciting, it is important to remember that riding a dirt bike (and ATV) on the street is illegal. This is because they are designed as off-road use only vehicles.

They Are Designed for a Sole Purpose

Dirt bikes and ATVs lack the necessary safety equipment that is required by most street vehicles, such as adequate lighting, signaling, and braking systems. Ergo, they are not created to be ridden or driven on paved surface streets. By attaining excessive speeds on these vehicles in conjunction with reckless handling can result in a serious or even fatal crash. Moreover, riding a dirt bike or an ATV on the road puts you in a dangerous position because you are forced to share the roadway with much larger and more powerful vehicles–vehicles that may have a hard time seeing you. In lamens terms, if you own and operate an offroad vehicle, such as a dirt bike or an ATV, proper safety precautions when riding should be taken. These vehicles should not be ridden or driven on paved streets and highways. Just as car drivers are required to share the road with other drivers, dirt bike and ATV riders must share their areas with other pedestrians and bicycle riders. You should exercise extreme caution at all times.

What Is an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)?

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a motor vehicle that is designed for off-highway, all-terrain use. OHVs include dune buggies, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and any other vehicle used on public lands for recreational purposes. In most cases, OHV owners must register their vehicles with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Moreover, city and county governments in Nevada designates OHV use in small public streetways to enable access to or from off-road areas only. Likewise, these government entities employ strict age requirements that go above state law.

Safety Equipment & Age Requirements for Nevada OHVs

Any motorized vehicle that fails to retain the standard safety equipment is restricted to off-highway use only. Typical safety equipment includes lights, seatbelts, signal lights, tail-lights, and braking systems. That said, if a vehicle is manufactured and designed as off-road or non-road use, it cannot be driven on Nevada public roads or highways–even if it has all required safety equipment. The only exception to this rule is two-wheeled motorcycles as they can be converted to on-road use; no other OHVs can be converted in this manner. The State of Nevada does not require a driver’s license, nor does it have a minimum age requirement, for OHVs that are operated off-highway in Nevada.

See: Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Dual-Sport Dirt Bike

Dual sport bikes are street-legal dirt bikes that you can ride straight out of your garage to a designated riding area. Dual sport bikes are becoming increasingly popular. As a result, more and more are beginning to make an appearance.

What Makes a Dirt Bike Street Legal?

Street legal dirt bikes must also have functional mirrors, lights and a windshield — along with other equipment conventional vehicles possess.

Call a Las Vegas Dirt Bike Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know owns an OHV and has questions about Nevada law, or requires the help of a Las Vegas car accident lawyer, contact the experienced lawyers at Brian Boyer Injury & Car Accident Lawyer Las Vegas. We will answer any questions you may have about your rights and obligations under Nevada law. Contact us today at (702) 800-0988 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Content:

• Pro Driving Tips
• Vehicle Safety Features
• Nevada Motorcycle Laws