This comprehensive Nevada driving law guide covers the Silver State's most frequently tested and cited traffic rules. Whether you're navigating the Las Vegas Strip, cruising I-15 through the Mojave Desert, or driving mountain roads near Lake Tahoe, understanding Nevada's road laws helps you stay safe and avoid costly tickets. All rules reference the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) guidance.
Nevada desert highways feature long stretches of double yellow no-passing zones—crossing for passing is prohibited.
Nevada law establishes that double solid yellow centerlines create a no-passing zone for traffic traveling in both directions. Crossing double yellow lines to overtake and pass another vehicle is illegal. The statute applies to all Nevada roadways including I-15, I-80, US-95, and local streets. Violating this rule can result in fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums.
When limited crossing is permitted for left turns and driveways
Nevada permits crossing double yellow lines for specific maneuvers when it can be done safely. You may cross to turn left into a driveway, private road, or side street after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Signal at least 100 feet in advance, check your mirrors, and execute the turn in a single, smooth movement without lingering in the opposing lane.
Gap selection and yielding to oncoming traffic safely
Selecting an adequate gap is critical. Look for at least 6-8 seconds of clear space from oncoming vehicles. Do not turn if an approaching vehicle is within 200 feet on a standard road or 500 feet on a high-speed highway. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and cyclists in bike lanes before crossing the centerline.
Common citation scenarios on Las Vegas Boulevard and I-15 exits
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police frequently cite drivers who cross double yellow lines to bypass traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) or make illegal left turns near casino entrances. On I-15, illegal crossings often occur when drivers attempt to enter exit ramps late or cut across gore areas marked with double yellow. These violations carry standard fines plus court costs.
Nevada's vast desert highways feature extended no-passing zones marked with double solid yellow lines in areas with limited visibility, curves, hills, and wildlife crossing zones. Double yellow centerlines on I-15 between Las Vegas and the California border, I-80 across the northern deserts, and US-95 through rural areas must be respected even when traffic seems light.
Heat mirages, dust storms, and visibility challenges
Desert driving presents unique hazards. Heat mirages can distort distance perception, making oncoming vehicles appear farther away than they actually are. Sudden dust storms and high winds reduce visibility to near-zero in seconds. These conditions make illegal passing across double yellow lines especially dangerous and subject to enhanced penalties if crashes occur.
Wildlife crossing zones and sudden obstruction avoidance
Nevada highways pass through wildlife corridors where deer, bighorn sheep, wild horses, and other animals cross unexpectedly. If an animal enters your lane, Nevada law allows a brief, safe crossover of the centerline to avoid collision—only when no oncoming traffic is present and you can return to your lane immediately. Do not use this exception to pass slow-moving traffic.
Enforcement by Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) on rural interstates
Nevada Highway Patrol actively patrols I-15, I-80, and US-95 using marked and unmarked vehicles, aircraft surveillance, and dashcam evidence. Officers note weather conditions, traffic density, and driver behavior in citation reports. Illegal passing in construction zones or near schools carries doubled fines.
Double yellow lines prohibit passing but allow safe left turns into driveways after yielding to all traffic.
Right turn on red & left turn on red in Nevada
NRS 484B.307: right on red after complete stop unless prohibited
Nevada law allows right turns on red signals after making a complete stop at the marked limit line, crosswalk, or intersection edge. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection. Right turn on red is permitted statewide unless a sign specifically prohibits it ("NO TURN ON RED").
Las Vegas Strip restrictions and pedestrian-heavy intersections
Many intersections on Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road prohibit right turns on red during all hours or during peak pedestrian times (typically 6 PM to 2 AM). Watch for time-based restriction plaques and digital signs. Pedestrian volumes are extremely high near major resorts—yield completely before attempting any turn.
Reno downtown and casino district special rules
Downtown Reno enforces strict right-on-red bans at Virginia Street intersections and near the Truckee River pedestrian zones. Signs are posted but can be obscured by casino lighting—look carefully. Red-light cameras monitor several intersections; rolling stops and crosswalk encroachment trigger automated citations.
Red-light camera enforcement at major intersections
Clark County and Washoe County operate red-light camera systems at high-crash intersections. Cameras capture vehicles that enter on red or fail to stop before turning. Citations include photographic evidence and are mailed to the registered owner. Fines range from $100–$305 depending on jurisdiction and prior violations.
Left on red from one-way to one-way streets (Nevada rule)
Nevada permits left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless prohibited by signage. This rule applies in downtown Las Vegas and Reno where one-way grid streets are common. Always verify street direction with pavement arrows and signs before turning.
Identifying one-way streets in Las Vegas and Reno grid systems
Downtown Las Vegas features one-way pairs such as 3rd Street (southbound) and 4th Street (northbound). Reno's downtown grid includes one-way segments of Center Street and Sierra Street. Look for "ONE WAY" signs, pavement arrows, and the absence of yellow centerlines (one-way streets typically use white lane dividers only).
Stop bar compliance and yielding to pedestrians
Come to a complete stop behind the stop bar or limit line before proceeding with a left on red. Yield to all pedestrians crossing either street, especially those with "WALK" signals or in marked crosswalks. Failure to yield carries separate penalties beyond the turn violation.
Tourist confusion and common mistakes at casino exits
Visitors unfamiliar with one-way street rules often attempt illegal left turns on red from two-way streets or fail to stop completely. Casino valet zones and parking garage exits are frequent violation hotspots. Police target these areas during peak tourist seasons and special events.
Right on red is allowed unless signed otherwise; left on red is permitted only from one-way to one-way streets.
Nevada U-turn laws and restrictions (NRS 484B.403)
When U-turns are legal at intersections and mid-block
U-turns are generally legal in Nevada when they can be completed safely and are not prohibited by signs or roadway design. At controlled intersections (with traffic signals), U-turns are allowed unless a "NO U-TURN" sign is posted. Mid-block U-turns are permitted on roads without restrictions, provided you have adequate sight distance and yield to all traffic.
Business district and residential area differences
In business districts (typically defined as areas with commercial buildings occupying 50% or more of frontage for 600 feet), U-turns are restricted except at intersections or where specifically permitted. Residential areas generally allow U-turns when safe and not signed against, but local ordinances may impose additional limits near schools or parks.
Las Vegas Strip U-turn bans and permitted U-turn locations
Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) between Sahara and Russell prohibits U-turns at most intersections except where dedicated U-turn lanes and signals are provided at Russell Road, Tropicana Avenue, and Sahara Avenue. Illegal U-turns on the Strip carry fines of $205–$500 plus traffic school requirements for repeat offenders.
Visibility requirements: 500-foot rule for curves and hills
Nevada law prohibits U-turns where you cannot see approaching traffic from either direction for at least 500 feet. This applies to curves, hilltops, and areas with visual obstructions such as buildings or vegetation. Highway Patrol emphasizes this rule on mountain roads near Lake Tahoe and desert highways with rolling terrain.
Crossing double yellow lines during legal U-turns
When executing a legal U-turn, you may cross double yellow centerlines provided the turn itself is permitted and safe. The double yellow marking does not prohibit U-turns—it only prohibits passing. However, if signs prohibit U-turns or you lack adequate visibility, crossing the double yellow for a U-turn becomes illegal.
Signal timing, gap selection, and safe execution steps
Signal left at least 100 feet before the turn point
Check all mirrors and blind spots for cyclists and motorcycles
Verify no "NO U-TURN" signs are present
Ensure 500+ feet of clear visibility in both directions
Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Complete the turn into the nearest legal lane (rightmost lane unless multiple left lanes exist)
School zones and signed restriction enforcement
School zones (marked by flashing beacons or "SCHOOL ZONE" signs) often post "NO U-TURN" restrictions during school hours (typically 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM on school days). Violations in active school zones carry doubled fines and mandatory traffic school in some jurisdictions.
U-turns are legal at intersections unless prohibited by signs or limited visibility—always verify clearance and signs.
School bus stop laws in Nevada (NRS 484B.353)
Flashing red lights and stop arm: both directions must stop
When a school bus activates flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, Nevada law requires all traffic traveling in both directions on undivided roadways to stop at least 25 feet from the bus. Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving or the driver signals you to pass.
Undivided roads: stopping requirements for all lanes
On two-lane roads and multi-lane undivided streets (no physical median), every vehicle in both directions must stop. This includes vehicles in center turn lanes. School bus stop laws apply equally on rural highways and suburban streets throughout Nevada.
Divided highway exception: physical median or barrier present
On divided highways with a physical median, raised divider, or barrier separating opposite directions, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Vehicles on the opposite side of a raised concrete median or metal barrier may proceed with caution. Painted medians (double-double yellow) do not qualify—both directions must still stop.
Penalties, fines, and points for school bus violations
Nevada treats school bus violations seriously. First offense: $500–$1,000 fine, 4 demerit points, and possible license suspension for 1-6 months. Second offense within 3 years: $1,000–$2,000 fine, 6 points, and suspension for 1 year. Crashes involving children can result in criminal charges and jail time.
Clark County School District (CCSD) high-enforcement zones
Clark County, home to Las Vegas, operates the nation's fifth-largest school district with over 350,000 students. High-enforcement zones include residential areas near elementary schools, bus routes on major streets like Eastern Avenue and Decatur Boulevard, and subdivisions in Henderson and North Las Vegas. Police conduct regular patrols and use bus-mounted cameras to capture violations.
School bus camera evidence and citation procedures
Many Nevada school buses are equipped with stop-arm cameras that record vehicles illegally passing. Video evidence is reviewed by law enforcement and citations are mailed to registered owners. Even if you are not driving, you may receive the citation and must identify the actual driver or accept responsibility.
All traffic stops on undivided roads; only same-direction traffic stops on divided highways with physical barriers.
Nevada speed limits and basic speed law (NRS 484B.600)
Highway speed limits: I-15, I-80, and rural routes
Nevada posts speed limits of 75 mph on rural interstate highways including I-15 south of Las Vegas and I-80 across northern Nevada. Urban freeway limits are typically 65 mph (Las Vegas Beltway, I-15 through Las Vegas, I-80 through Reno). US-95 and other rural highways range from 65-70 mph depending on road conditions and population density.
School zones, residential areas, and downtown limits
School zones are marked with flashing beacons and "SCHOOL ZONE" signs; the speed limit drops to 15-25 mph when children are present or during posted hours. Residential areas have default limits of 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Downtown Las Vegas and Reno enforce 25-30 mph limits on surface streets with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Work zone speed reductions and doubled fines
Construction zones and work areas display temporary speed limit signs (typically 45-55 mph reduced from highway speeds). Nevada doubles fines for speeding in active work zones when workers are present. NDOT defines "active" as any time workers, equipment, or traffic control devices are visible. Fines can exceed $1,000 for high speeds in work zones.
Pacing traffic is not a legal defense in Nevada courts
Matching the speed of surrounding traffic does not excuse exceeding the posted limit. Nevada courts consistently rule that drivers are individually responsible for obeying speed limits regardless of traffic flow. Officers frequently ticket multiple vehicles in speeding platoons on I-15 and I-80.
Nevada's basic speed law: too fast for conditions
NRS 484B.600 requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and proper for existing conditions, even if below the posted limit. Factors include weather (rain, snow, fog, high winds), traffic density, road surface (wet, icy, gravel), visibility, and vehicle condition. You can be cited for "speed too fast for conditions" at or below the speed limit.
Desert rain, flash floods, and sudden weather changes
Nevada's desert climate produces rare but intense rainstorms. Flash flooding can close highways in minutes. When rain falls on roads that haven't seen moisture in months, oil residue creates extremely slippery conditions. Reduce speed by 10-15 mph in light rain, 20-30 mph in heavy rain or when standing water is present. Never drive through flooded roadways.
Dust storm protocols: zero visibility and emergency stops
Dust storms (haboobs) can reduce visibility to zero in seconds. If caught in a dust storm: (1) slow gradually and pull completely off the roadway if possible, (2) turn off all lights to avoid attracting other vehicles, (3) set parking brake and take foot off brake pedal, (4) remain in vehicle with seatbelt fastened. Do not stop on the travel lane—chain-reaction crashes are common.
Nevada speed limits vary from 75 mph on rural interstates to 15-25 mph in school zones—always follow posted signs.
DUI laws and penalties in Nevada (NRS 484C)
Per se limits: 0.08% BAC, 0.04% commercial, 0.02% under 21
Nevada enforces strict DUI laws. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for standard drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21. You can be arrested for DUI even below these limits if impaired by alcohol, drugs (including marijuana and prescription medications), or a combination.
First, second, and third offense penalties and jail time
First DUI: 2 days to 6 months jail (or 24-96 hours community service), $400-$1,000 fine, license revocation 185 days, DUI school, victim impact panel
Second DUI (within 7 years): 10 days to 6 months jail, $750-$1,000 fine, license revocation 1 year, alcohol/drug evaluation and treatment
Third DUI (within 7 years): Category B felony, 1-6 years prison, $2,000-$5,000 fine, license revocation 3 years
Marijuana DUI: detection, limits, and recent case law
Nevada law prohibits driving with 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of marijuana (THC) in blood or 5 ng/mL of marijuana metabolite. Medical marijuana cardholders receive no exemption. Officers use Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) and blood tests to establish impairment. Recent case law has challenged the correlation between THC levels and actual impairment, but the per se limits remain enforceable.
Ignition interlock requirements and license reinstatement
Nevada requires ignition interlock devices (IID) for most DUI offenses. First-time offenders may qualify for restricted licenses with IID for 185 days. Second and subsequent offenses require IID for 1-3 years. Costs include device installation ($70-$150), monthly monitoring ($60-$90), and calibration. Tampering or circumventing the IID results in additional criminal charges.
Las Vegas and Reno: high-enforcement tourist corridors
Las Vegas Metro and Reno Police conduct saturation patrols on weekends, holidays, and during major events (New Year's Eve, NFL Draft, SEMA Show). The Strip, Fremont Street, and casino corridors see frequent DUI checkpoints. Nevada enforces a "no tolerance" policy—even trace amounts of impairing substances can lead to arrest.
Rideshare, taxi, and public transit alternatives
Uber, Lyft, taxis, and the RTC bus system operate 24/7 in Las Vegas and Reno. Many casinos offer free shuttles to nearby properties. Using alternative transportation is always safer and more cost-effective than risking a DUI arrest, which can cost $10,000+ in fines, legal fees, and insurance increases.
Nevada DUI limits: 0.08% standard, 0.04% commercial, 0.02% under 21—penalties escalate rapidly with repeat offenses.
This article summarizes Nevada traffic laws for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Always consult the current Nevada Revised Statutes, posted signs, and legal counsel for specific situations.
