The NLR began in the CA Youth Authority in the 1970’s. It also became a vicious street gang in several areas in California. With a limited membership, NLR was undercover for many years and eluded most law enforcement until the early 1990s. By then, the California Department of Corrections had disrupted and suppressed Aryan Brotherhood by locking down most AB’s in the Security Housing Units (SHU). The NLR's role as middlemen for AB's criminal operations allowed it to begin filling the AB's shoes within general population. It was not officially recognized by the Adult system as a prison gang (CDC) until 1998.

The Nazi Low Riders first gained recognition in Costa Mesa, Orange County, CA in the early 1990s. Since then, NLR street units sprung up in other cities and areas throughout Southern California and even outside of it. The NLR became the junior farm league of the Aryan Brotherhood. However, they grew too fast, many were "Loved In" to the gang vs. "Blood In". The gang's explosive growth was a great concern for law enforcement, corrections, and even the AB themselves. Some NLR thought they could operate independently from the AB (FTB's). Today, the NLR has little pull with the AB. Recently, a group called Public Enemy Number 1 or PENI has gained favor with the AB.

NLR have been known to be heavily involved in the production and trade of methamphetamine and are also known as "tweekers". This drug can make one stay up for days causing the body to twitch and tweek. NLR members exhibit extremely violent criminal behavior both in prison and on the streets. Some NLR members look Hispanic and have Spanish surnames, other members who have Hispanic girlfriends or wives and they are accepted into the ranks. One former NLR member explained, "You must have at least half white blood, but no Black blood." A tattoo consisting of the letters "NLR" is common and often. Some prefer the full words "Nazi Low Riders". Others will use the runic alphabet as a way of encoding a message about their gang. Recently, NLR members will tell authorities NLR signifies "never lose respect" or "no longer racist."