By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed January 10, 2024
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Nevada's streets are dynamic — from long rides on the I-80 to the chaotic Las Vegas Strip. But one thing remains constant on all roads: state traffic laws.
Wherever you drive as a resident or tourist, be ready to follow the rules of the road. Nevada's laws can be complex. This article summarizes popular legal concepts, including the punishments for traffic tickets.
Nevada takes traffic safety seriously. Title 43 of the Nevada Revised Statutes covers what you need to know before driving. Use the table below to read statutes for common traffic rules.
| 'Drinking & Driving Violations | Driving under the influence (NRS 484C.010 to 484C.640) |
|---|---|
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | Licensing of drivers required (NRS 483.230) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | Insurance required (NRS 485.185) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | Registration required for certain vehicles (NRS 482.205) |
| Illegal U-Turn | Allowed and prohibited U-turns (NRS 484B.403) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Duty to stop...accident involving death or personal injury (NRS 484E.010) Duty to stop...accident involving damage to vehicle or property (NRS 484E.020) |
| Mechanical Violations | Equipment of vehicles (NRS 484D.100 to 484D.545) |
| Passing School Buses | Overtaking a school bus (NRS 484B.353) |
| Reckless Driving | Reckless driving (NRS 484B.653) |
| Right of Way | Right-of-way (NRS 484B.250 to 484B.270) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | Obedience to devices for control of traffic (NRS 484B.300) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Safety belts and shoulder harness (NRS 484D.495) |
| Speeding | Restrictions on speed (NRS 484B.600 to 484B.637) |
Many tickets are civil infractions, which don't involve high penalties like jail time. Serious traffic offenses could rise to a misdemeanor or felony.
Fines are a typical civil penalty for traffic violations. As in other states, the amount depends on the type of violation and where it happened.
For example, a Nevada speeding ticket can cost $20 per mile above the limit. Driving 40 mph on a 30 mph road can lead to a $200 maximum fine. Speeding in a construction zone doubles the fine.
Sometimes, the state might have to remove or seize your car. You may need to pay towing and impoundment fees to get it back. Towing is more likely in cases like parking infractions and driving under the influence (DUI) arrests.
Criminal traffic offenses often risk time in jail. A police officer might also arrest you during a traffic stop.
The facts of the case can lengthen or shorten the potential jail time. Usually, a traffic crime that causes an injury has higher penalties.
Reckless driving laws show how much jail time can vary for a single traffic violation type. In Nevada, it can carry a maximum sentence from six months to a whopping 10 years.
Traffic tickets might seem like a pay-to-play system. In theory, fines would let wealthy drivers off the hook, but everyone else would face a heavier financial burden.
That's why Nevada courts often let drivers trade a ticket fine for community service hours. You can avoid an expensive fine by completing enough hours before the court's deadline. Read the rules of your local program carefully to ensure your hours will count.
In other cases, a judge might order you to do community service. This penalty can be in addition to a fine or jail sentence.
Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can issue demerit points once you pay a ticket or get a traffic conviction. You can avoid these points if you fight and win your case.
Each traffic violation has a set point value, such as:
These points stay on your record for 12 months. After that, law enforcement agencies can still see the traffic violation on your record, but it will not be worth points.
There are a few different ways you might lose your driver's license in Nevada, including:
Some of these scenarios lead to automatic license suspension without a court hearing or trial. But you still have an opportunity to defend your case and get your driving privileges back.
Even minor tickets could jeopardize your license. Review your options before you pay or go to court. Calling a Nevada traffic law attorney can help you protect your rights after a ticket or arrest.
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.