Nevada is the 7th largest state in the United States; it has the richest silver deposit and is the largest gold-producing state. However, it also has several destinations for tourists and points of interest like casinos, palaces, state parks, national forests, and hotels. Nevada has many places designated for off-road riding and adventure.
Nevada ATV law includes: all ATVs must be registered, and their owners must obtain a certificate of title for them. ATVs are not to be operated on any public roadway or highway. You can ride your ATV on Mount Seigel OHV Trails, Amargosa Dunes, Eldorado Canyon, and Pine Forest Recreation Area.
ATVs are very popular among individuals of all ages in Nevada; however, riding an ATV is fun as well as dangerous without caution. There have been several ATV accidents in Nevada over the past five years; hence, the state of Nevada has enforced several ATV laws to ensure safety.
Nevada ATV Laws
In Nevada, an ATV is classified as an off-highway vehicle. So, instead of laws regulating ATVs, there are laws for all OHVs. After purchasing an ATV, the first thing you want to do is to take it out for a ride; however, before doing that, you must first find out the laws regarding the use of ATVs in the state you are located in.
Below are the ATV laws of Nevada:
- Every ATV must be registered and have a certificate of title before they are operated.
- An ATV used for husbandry on private land or leased public land does not need to be registered.
- Any law enforcement officer has the authority to seize an ATV that is stolen, has a tampered VIN, or is improperly operated.
- Children below age 16 are required to have adult supervision when riding an ATV.
- ATVs are designed for off-road use and should not be operated on any highway or public road in Nevada.
- Every ATV operating on public land must have a muffler, functioning headlights and taillights, and a spark arrestor.
- You can only operate an ATV on a highway when you have obtained a certificate of operation for the ATV.
- You can ride your ATV on public land, way, trail, or unpaved road except those prohibited by the government entity.
- ATVs in Nevada do not need to be insured.
- Any ATV rider operating an ATV on a highway must always wear a helmet and comply with all traffic laws.
Where Can You Ride An ATV In Nevada?
Nevada is the home to the popular city Las Vegas; it is famous for its world-class entertainment, city lights, and casinos. However, there are other lovely areas in this state that are very suitable for off-road riding; there are deserts, mountains, canyons, scenic drives, and lakes.
There are over 50 off-road trails in Nevada, most of which are open to ATVs. We will look at some of the best places to ride an ATV in Nevada.
Mount Seigel OHV Trails
Mount Seigel OHV Trails is a 5-mile trail consisting of sand washes, rolling hills, and ATV trails providing mountain views. It is open all year round, and all vehicles must have an NVOHV sticker before being operated. The terrain on this trail is mostly hard-packed but also contains dust, trees, rocks, sand, berms, loose dirt, small jumps, steep hills, and water crossings.
All vehicles allowed on this trail must have a spark arrestor and not exceed the noise limit of 96 decibels. Most off-road vehicles are permitted on this trail, including dirt bikes, ATVs, sand rail 4x4s, Jeeps, dune buggies, SXSs, UTVs, SUVs, and motorcycles. Camping and campfires are prohibited in this park. All vehicles are required to always stay on the trail. Night riding is also prohibited on this trail.
Amargosa Dunes
Amargosa Dunes is one of the best places to go off-road riding if you are a resident in Las Vegas. Unlike most dunes that sink in, Amargosa Dunes is firm and easy to navigate due to the crushed grains of quartz and feldspar rocks.
It is open all year round and to all off-road vehicles. It is also a good place to camp as several small washes and large areas of dispersed vegetation surround the area. You can even enjoy barbecuing in this area.
Before riding in this area, you must ensure you have obtained an NVOHV sticker for your vehicle and that it has a spark arrestor, or else your vehicle will not be allowed. The noise limit for all vehicles is 96 decibels.
The terrain at Amargosa Dunes consists mostly of sand and steep hills; there is also dust, large jumps, and small jumps. This area is suitable for riders of all levels. There are no fees for entry, riding, parking, and camping in this area.
Eldorado Canyon
Eldorado Canyon is also known as Pine Nut Mountains; it is near Dayton and is open all year round. It is open to Jeeps, ATVs, SUVs, dune buggies, sand rail 4x4s, motorcycles, SXSs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.
The terrain in this canyon is mostly rocky and contains steep hills, loose dirt, small jumps, berms, trees, mud, dust, sand, water crossings, and hardpack. There are camping spots available along the trail.
Every vehicle entering this canyon must have an NVOHV sticker, an end cap, or a spark arrestor exhaust silencer. The noise limit in this area is 96 decibels. Eldorado Canyon offers some scenery that is a cut above the typical Nevada sand and sage. Night riding is permitted, and you can camp anywhere in this canyon. Trailblazing is also permitted, and campfires are allowed.
Pine Forest Recreation Area
Pine Forest Recreation Area is located in the northern area of Nevada; it is open all year round and offers about 25 miles of trails for off-road vehicles. The off-road vehicles allowed at this recreation area are motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, SXSs, SUVs, Jeeps, Dune buggies, and Sand rail 4x4s. This area has rugged terrain and provides hiking trails, panoramic mountain views, and an excellent fishing area.
All riders in this area must wear a helmet when riding and have an NVOHV sticker attached to their vehicle; the terrain is mainly hard-packed and consists of rocks, dust, trees, mud, loose dirt, and steep hills. All vehicles at Pine Forest Recreation Area must have a spark arrestor and not exceed the noise limit of 96 decibels.
Where Can’t You Ride An ATV In Nevada?
As an ATV rider residing in Nevada, you must know where you cannot ride your ATV. Non-residents are also expected to know because ignorance is not an excuse to violate the law. Riding an ATV in a prohibited area has its consequences; you might be heavily fined, or your ATV will be seized from you.
You cannot ride your ATV on any public highway, road, or street unless you have permission from authorized agents. It is illegal to ride your ATV in any non-designated area or place close to ATV operation. 95 Motorsports Complex, Gold Rush MX Park, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Lousetown Road are some of the off-road areas in Nevada where you cannot ride your ATV.
Final Thoughts
As an ATV rider, one important thing you must know is that no ATV law is irrelevant. You must keep to the heart all the ATV laws and never violate any of them; you will protect yourself and also ensure the safety of others. Also, make sure you ride your ATV in designated areas only or on private property. Nevada is very strict with its ATV laws, and there are penalties for violators.
Keep Reading:
- New Hampshire ATV Laws: Ride Your ATV Legally
- Washington ATV Laws: Ride Your ATV Legally
- Arizona ATV Laws: Ride Your ATV Legally
- Kansas ATV Laws: Ride Your ATV Legally
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.