Nevada Laws – Top 5 Safety Laws To Know For Out-Of-Town Drivers
Give Enough Space to stop!
For every 10 mph per hour you are traveling, regardless of the road, you must give 1 car length between you and the car in front of you. It is a good idea to give additional space to truckers and motorcycle riders who are challenged with being able to stop quickly.
DOT approved helmet’s are required
It is against the law to ride a motorcycle in Nevada without a helmet.
Move Over
Nevada observes several “move over” laws that require drivers to yield in situations involving collisions, emergency vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles. Under these laws, drivers must:
- Do not obstruct traffic! The fast lane is still considered the faster moving vehicle lane. Do not linger there unless you are passing another vehicle. Avoid driving in the far left lane when going under the posted speed limit and being overtaken by other vehicles (applicable on controlled-access highways).
- Do NOT pass on the right lane- especially the shoulder.
- Move to the shoulder or another location to not obstruct traffic if involved in a crash that resulted in no injuries.
- EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Decrease speed to less than the posted limit, be prepared to stop and move to a non-adjacent lane if possible when encountering a stopped emergency vehicle.
- AMBER LIGHT LAW: Be respectful of our vehicles with amber flashing lights. Move over one lane and reduce speeds when passing as there may be a construction worker that needs to go home to their family.
Cyclists Have the Same Rights As Motorists
Moped operators, cyclists, and motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. They must also adhere to the same road rules. However, there are some minor variations:
- Moped operators should only use the farthest right lane unless in a single lane road, preparing to turn left, when it impacts their safety, or if directed by an officer.
- Cyclists must also be in the farthest right lane if no bike lane is present.
- Cyclists must use hand signals to alert other road users of what they plan to do.
It’s also important to note that mopeds, bicycles, and motorcycles may use the entire lane. Drivers should also be mindful of using the adjacent lane to moped operators and bicyclists when passing them or leaving at least three feet of space if another lane is not present.
Hand-Held Cell Phone Use is Illegal
January 2022 officially marked the ten-year enforcement of Nevada’s texting and driving laws. Under NRS 484B.165, drivers may not text, access the internet, or use a handheld cell phone while driving. Doing so may result in fines and demerit points against your driving record if found to be a repeat offender.
No text is worth risking your life, or the guilt of taking a life from anyone