The following is an easy-to-read summary of some important
traffic laws. See Nevada
Revised Statutes Chapter 484 and Nevada
Motor Vehicle Laws for more details.
Open Container
Nevada has an open container law. It is illegal to have opened alcoholic beverages in
the driver or passenger areas of a vehicle while it is being driven.
NRS
484.448 | Back To Top
Driving Under the
Influence
You cannot refuse to take a breath, blood or urine test as directed by a police
officer. Blood samples can be drawn involuntarily, even on a first offense.
- Legal Limits .08 percent blood alcohol level or
any detectable amount of a controlled substance. (.02 if under 21, .04 in
commercial driving)
- Driver License revoked for 90 days upon arrest.
- Vehicle may be impounded.
These are administrative penalties which are taken immediately.
Courts impose additional criminal penalties upon conviction.
DMV Quick Tip (PDF) | NRS
484.379 | Back To Top |
|
Accidents
All accidents which involve injuries or damages of $750 or more must be reported to
DMV. If a police officer does not investigate the accident, all of the involved
parties must file reports on DMV Form SR-1 within 10 days.
You must provide your driver license, registration, and insurance information to any
other drivers involved, and to the owner of any unattended vehicle or property.
NRS
484.229 | Back To Top | Forms Help
Right on Red
You are allowed to turn right on a red light after coming to a full stop, unless
otherwise posted. You must be in the extreme right-hand lane and yield to pedestrians and
all traffic moving through the intersection.
NRS
484.283 7(c) | Back To Top
U-Turns
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, or if there is less
than 500 feet visibility in both directions.
NRS
484.337 | Back To Top
Basic Rule
Nevada has a Basic Rule for driving at reasonable and proper speeds. This means that in
addition to any posted speed limits, you must consider the amount and type of traffic,
weather, road conditions and other factors. The proper speed may be considerably less than
the posted limit.
NRS
484.361 | Back To Top
School Buses
Drivers are required to stop for school buses when students are boarding and departing
and when bus is displaying its flashing red lights. On divided highways, traffic moving in
the opposite direction does not have to stop. On all other roads, traffic in both
directions must stop.
NRS
484.357 | Back To Top
Bicycles
Bicycles have all of the rights and responsibilities of a motor vehicle when ridden in
traffic. Cyclists are required to signal and obey traffic laws. They can ride in any
traffic lane when necessary but should generally stay as far to the right as possible.
See also Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles
DMV Quick Tip (PDF) | NRS
484.324 | Back To Top
Pedestrians
Vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians in unmarked crossing areas at
intersections, at crosswalks where there are no traffic signals and at marked and signaled
crosswalks.
DMV Quick Tip (PDF) | NRS
484.3245 | Back To Top |