Traffic Laws and Safety

Nevada's Most Important Traffic Laws and Safety Resources.

Nevada's Basic Rule:
In addition to posted speed limits, you must drive at reasonable and proper speeds considering traffic, weather, road conditions and other factors. The proper speed may be considerably less than the posted limit. NRS 484B.600

Traffic Laws

Passing Bicyclists Safely (NRS 484B.270)

When passing a bicycle, motorists must move into the adjacent left lane, if it’s safe and available.
If changing lanes isn’t possible, drivers must allow at least 3 feet of clearance between their vehicle and the bicycle.
Crossing the center line is permitted when safe, in order to pass a bicyclist.

Reckless Driving and Collisions

If a motorist is at fault in a crash involving a bicyclist or pedestrian, they may be charged with reckless driving.
Penalties can include driver’s license suspension.

Rules for Motorists

Pass safely. Move to the left lane if possible. If not, leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle.
Crossing the center line is allowed when safe to pass a cyclist. (NRS 484B.270)
Reckless driving charges may apply if you’re at fault in a crash with a cyclist or pedestrian.
Yield to cyclists at intersections and in bike lanes.
Do not block or drive in bike lanes, unless entering/exiting a driveway, directed by police, or in an emergency.
Never interfere with a cyclist’s movement.

For Cyclists

Ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic laws.
Use hand signals and stay as far right as safe unless turning or passing.
Wear a helmet and bright clothing.
Do not ride against traffic, wear headsets, or ride at night without lights.

At Night, Bikes Must Have:

White front light (visible from 500 ft)
Red rear reflector (visible from 300 ft)
Side reflectors (visible from 600 ft) or side lamp (visible from 500 ft)

Penalties

1st offense: $50 (not a moving violation).
2nd offense: $100 + 4 demerit points
3rd+ offense: $250 + 4 demerit points
Fines double in work zones. Courts may add fees.

Illegal While Driving

Text
Access the internet
Use a hand-held cell phone while driving (NRS 484B.165)

What's Allowed

Hands-free devices (e.g., Bluetooth headsets)
Touching the phone to start or end a call
Voice-operated GPS systems
Emergency use (medical, safety, or crime reporting)

Exemptions

Emergency responders (police, fire, EMS)
Utility workers during outages/emergencies
Licensed two-way radio users (e.g., CB radios)
Amateur radio operators during emergencies
Passengers in autonomous vehicles

Refusing a Test

Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test when directed by police = license revoked for at least 1 year
You may be issued a warrant to draw blood involuntarily

Legal Limits

Any detectable amount of a controlled substance is illegal

Standard: .08% BAC

Under 21: .02% BAC

Commercial: .04% BAC

Administrative Penalties (Immediate)

These are administrative penalties taken immediately. Courts impose additional criminal penalties upon conviction.

License revoked for at least 185 days
Vehicle may be impounded

Ignition Interlock Devices

DUI suspects may install an ignition interlock device to get a restricted license
Courts may also require interlock devices as part of sentencing NRS Chapter 484C
DMV Quick Tip (PDF)

Seat Belts NRS 484D.495, 484B.157

Front and rear seat occupants of almost all passenger vehicles must wear safety belts or ride in an approved child restraint system

Vehicles 1968+ must have lap belts
Vehicles 1970+ must have lap belts and shoulder belts for front seats

More Info:

NHTSA.gov - Car seat guides & safety tips.
Nevada DMV Quick Tips (PDF) – Available in English & Spanish

Child Restraint Requirements NRS 484B.157

Weight is no longer a factor in child seat requirements.

Children under 2 years old:

Must ride in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat.
May be placed in front if airbags are deactivated and no back seat exists, all back seats are in use by children under two, or child has special health needs (physician note required).

Children under 6 years old AND less than 57 inches (4’9” tall):

Must ride in an approved child restraint system.
Note: Weight is no longer a factor (previous law was under 60 pounds).

Unattended Children NRS 202.485

Never leave a child age 7 or younger unattended in a vehicle if conditions present a significant risk to the child's health and safety, unless supervised by someone at least 12 years old who is within sight.

Unattended Animals NRS 202.487

It is illegal to leave a dog or cat unattended in a vehicle during periods of extreme heat or cold. Law enforcement, firefighters and other officials may use reasonable force to rescue the animal.

Pickup Truck Safety NRS 484B.160

Passengers under 18 may not ride in the back of a pickup or flatbed truck.
(Exceptions: farming and ranching activity, parades, or camper shells/slide-in campers)

See Nevada Teen Driving and the DMV Quick Tip (PDF) for full details.

Passenger Restrictions

For the first 6 months after getting a license, drivers under 18 may not transport passengers under 18 unless they are immediate family members.

Curfew

Drivers under 18 may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling to or from a scheduled event such as work or a school event. This curfew remains in effect until age 18.

Emergency Vehicles & Traffic Incidents NRS 484B.607

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or traffic incident (including stalled vehicles), drivers must:

Decrease speed to a reasonable and proper speed less than the posted limit
Proceed with caution and be prepared to stop
If possible, drive in a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle unless roadway, traffic, weather or other conditions make it unsafe or impossible

Applies to all emergency vehicles including tow trucks, NDOT vehicles with flashing amber lights, vehicles displaying non-flashing blue lights, stalled vehicles, and vehicles under repair.

School Bus Laws NRS 484B.353

Drivers must stop for school buses when students are boarding/departing and when the bus displays flashing red lights.

Divided Highways

Traffic moving in the opposite direction does NOT have to stop if there is a median or physical barrier.

All Other Roads

Traffic in BOTH directions must stop.

U-Turns NRS 484B.403

U-turns are generally allowed if they can be completed safely.

In business areas, you must be at an intersection or on a divided highway where an appropriate opening exists.

U-turns are NOT allowed:

Where prohibited by a traffic sign or signal
If there is less than 500 feet visibility in both directions

Right Turn on Red NRS 484B.307

You may turn right on a red light after coming to a full stop, unless otherwise posted. You must:

Be in the extreme right-hand lane
Yield to pedestrians and all traffic moving through the intersection

Slow-Moving Vehicles on Highways NRS 484B.208

This law does not apply within city or town limits.

On controlled-access highways, drivers going less than the posted speed limit must not drive in the far left lane if being overtaken by a faster vehicle.

Blind Pedestrians & Driver Responsibility

Drivers in Nevada must yield to any blind or visually impaired person who is:

Using a guide dog or service animal
Carrying a white cane or walking stick

Stop and Prevent Injury: You must come to a full stop if necessary and take all precautions to avoid injury. NRS 484B.290

What Is Flagging?

Flagging is a way for blind or visually impaired pedestrians to signal their intent to cross. Drivers should recognize and respond to these cues:

Cane Flagging: Sweeping the cane in a wide arc across the body
Reverse Step: Stepping slightly forward with the cane
Hand-Up Signal: Holding the cane forward and raising the other hand in a stop motion

Yield to Pedestrians: If you see any of these signals, you must yield until the pedestrian has fully crossed the road.

Why This Matters

People with visual impairments rely on hearing to detect traffic. Electric and hybrid vehicles are often too quiet to hear, making it harder for them to judge when it's safe to cross.

Here is a demonstration of flagging:

Lane Use

Moped riders must stay in the far right lane, unless:

There’s only one lane in their direction
They’re making a left turn (within ¼ mile of the turn)
The right lane is unsafe
Directed otherwise by law enforcement

Requirements

Learn more at Nevada DMV – Mopeds

Must have a valid driver’s license (any class)
Moped must be registered
Helmet use is mandatory

Crashes & Reporting NRS Chapter 484E

Fender Bender? Move to the Shoulder

If there is damage only to vehicles or property (no injuries), your vehicle is obstructing traffic, and it can be moved safely, move the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic and then return to the scene.

Reporting Requirements

All crashes involving injuries or damages of $750 or more must be reported to the DMV. If a police officer does not investigate, all involved parties must file reports on DMV Form SR-1 within 10 days.

Traffic Stops: Stay Calm & Follow Instructions

Law enforcement officers may conduct a traffic stop if they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic or criminal violation.
Being stopped can be stressful—follow the officer’s instructions, remain calm, and keep your hands visible.

Here are some tips on what to do when you're pulled over:

Resources

Additional materials and information to keep Nevada roads safe

Zero Fatalities

The Nevada Department of Transportation, the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, DMV and many other agencies are partners in this comprehensive, statewide effort to reduce fatalities on our roads. Volunteers are welcome!