It’s a common misconception that Nevada has broadly changed its laws to make all UTVs highway legal. This isn’t entirely accurate. The recent changes in Nevada law specifically address “Large All Terrain Vehicles” and their operation on highways. It’s important to understand that this definition doesn’t automatically encompass all ATVs and golf carts. While there’s always been a provision allowing side by sides and ATVs to travel for up to two miles on roads to access off-road riding areas, the new regulations are more nuanced.
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 490.105 clarifies the conditions under which “large all-terrain vehicles” can be operated on certain roads. Specifically, it authorizes operation on highways designated as general county roads or minor county roads under NRS 403.170, provided the vehicle meets specific criteria. These criteria include:
- Meeting the requirements outlined in NRS 490.120, which likely pertains to safety equipment and standards.
- Crucially, being registered by the Department as a motor vehicle intended for highway use under NRS 490.0825. This is a distinct registration from the standard Off-Highway Vehicle registration.
It’s also important to note that local governing bodies, such as city or county authorities, retain the power to prohibit the operation of large all-terrain vehicles on roads within their jurisdiction through ordinances or resolutions. Furthermore, in cities with populations under 25,000, or on main county roads, operation might be authorized if the local governing body enacts specific ordinances or resolutions allowing it, again, provided the vehicle meets the state requirements for large all-terrain vehicles.
Therefore, operating a Street Legal Side By Side in Nevada requires more than just a standard off-highway vehicle registration. Nevada law mandates a “Large Off Highway Vehicle Registration” for highway use, along with insurance. The standard Off Highway Vehicle Registration Sticker is insufficient for legal road or highway operation. UTV highway travel remains restricted to specifically designated roads and is conditional upon meeting these outlined legal requirements. Operators must also adhere to all traffic laws and wear a helmet as per NRS 490.130 when operating on highways.
For definitive guidance, always consult the full Nevada Revised Statutes and verify with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date regulations and specific requirements for street legal side by sides.
