Lane Splitting in Las Vegas – How to Ride Safely Down the Strip

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on June 9, 2017

The Las Vegas Strip is the most popular spot in Vegas for a reason. Those bright lights, warm Nevada air, and the ability to get just about anything you want at any hour of the day—there’s no better way to enjoy it than on a motorcycle. However, the ride can only be enjoyed if it’s done safely, so it’s important to know the laws surrounding motorcycles in Las Vegas.

Lane Splitting Laws in Nevada

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides in between vehicles, “splitting the lane.” Lane splitting is illegal on all Nevada roads, including the Las Vegas Strip.  It is also illegal for motorcycle drivers to overtake other vehicles or pass them within the same lane.

In 2013, a bill was heard by the Nevada Senate that would have allowed lane splitting: only in stopped traffic, and below speeds of ten miles per hour. However, the senate overwhelmingly voted against the proposed bill and today most forms of lane splitting are prohibited.

One exception to this is that motorcycles may share a lane and ride side by side, even down the Las Vegas Strip, provided that both riders have agreed to share. Police officers on motorcycles may also split lanes and travel between cars when necessary.

Other Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

Drivers traveling down the Strip aren’t known for racing at high speeds or driving particularly recklessly. But you can never be too careful, and there are other laws meant to protect motorcyclists in Nevada.

One requires that all motorcyclists wear helmets, eye protection and other protective gear. Even if the ride is just a leisurely jaunt down the Strip, these laws are still mandatory for all riders. Obeying other traffic laws such as signals and speed limits apply to motorcyclists at all times.

Lane splitting will continue to be a constant source of debate and controversy in Nevada, as laws are being written, appealed, and changed all the time.

Motorcycling is a very popular activity in Nevada and there’s no better way to enjoy all of the sights of the Las Vegas Strip than on a motorcycle. If you’re a motorcyclist and have been injured in an accident, or just want to make sure you’re clear on the Nevada motorcycle laws, we want to help. Call the Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at (702) 380-8000 to speak with one of our representatives.