Improving Roadway Safety Throughout Nevada
Approximately 65% of people in Nevada have a valid driver's license as of 2019, and every day, millions of people take to the roadways for business, entertainment, or simply to run errands. However, these drivers may not always be up-to-date on the latest Nevada road rules. Before heading out for your morning commute, take the time to learn about these four laws.
#1. Seat Belt/Safety Restraint Laws Have Expanded
As of January 1, 2022, the laws regarding seat belts and child safety restraints have expanded. Before this date, the standard seat belt laws were as follows:
- All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt or use an appropriate child safety restraint.
- Vehicles made in 1968 or later must have lap belts.
- Vehicles made in 1970 or later must have shoulder belts in the front seat and lap belts throughout.
However, child safety restraint laws have been improved and include:
- Child passengers aged six and younger that are less than 57 inches tall must ride in an approved child safety restraint.
- Children aged two and younger must ride in the back seat of the vehicle in a rear-facing car seat.
- The exception to this rule is if the vehicle does not have a backseat or all seats are in use by children younger than two years of age or with special needs - in this case, the car seat may be in the front with the airbag deactivated.
- As of January 1, 2022, weight no longer factors into whether a child must use an approved child safety restraint.
#2. 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:
- Move to the shoulder or another location not obstructing traffic if involved in a crash that resulted in no injuries.
- 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.
- 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).
#3. 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.
#4. 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, those in your vehicle, or the others on the road. As we move past the tenth anniversary of this law and Nevada's “Zero Fatalities” program, commit to improving roadway safety for all by eliminating cell phone distractions while driving.
Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here For You
Since 1985, our Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen attorneys have been helping drivers throughout Nevada seek justice for the damages that other road users cause. We pride ourselves in taking a client-first approach to casework and have a legacy of client satisfaction on our side.
If you need legal assistance following an incident that left you injured, call (702) 505-8115 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today.