As off-highway vehicle use continues to grow across Northern Nevada, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to understand Nevada’s laws and safety rules surrounding utility terrain vehicles and other off-highway vehicles.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in an online post, the reminder comes as more people use UTVs and OHVs throughout the region. The safety message also follows a separate fatal ATV crash reported earlier last Friday in Elko.
The post says under Nevada law, all UTVs larger than 70cc must be registered with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Drivers visiting from out of state must have either an OHV decal or a street-legal registration from their home state to operate in Nevada.
The sheriff’s office said helmets are required for both drivers and passengers when operating on roads or trails open to street-legal vehicles.
UTVs may be driven on general or minor county roads and some city streets when accessing public lands. However, they cannot be used for general transportation within city limits, including trips to stores or businesses.
Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
The sheriff’s office also reminded drivers that UTVs operated on paved roads must have headlights and taillights visible from 500 feet, a functioning brake light, a red rear reflector, and a working muffler and spark arrestor.
Drivers are also required to follow Nevada traffic laws, including posted speed limits, while operating on roadways.
While helmets are not legally required during strictly off-road use, the sheriff’s office said they are strongly recommended for safety.
Officials also noted UTVs cannot be converted into fully street-legal plated vehicles in Nevada and reminded owners not to leave vehicles running unattended.
More information is available in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 490.
(The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story.)
