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Common Moving Violations in Nevada
In Nevada, drivers are frequently cited with traffic tickets that involve active vehicle operation, such as speeding, running red lights, or reckless driving.
These moving violations can lead to fines, demerit points, and even license suspension. Understanding the most common types can help drivers stay compliant with Nevada traffic law and avoid unnecessary fines.
Speeding
Speeding occurs when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. Minor speeding infractions add demerit points to one's driver's license, and fines increase depending on the speed margin (e.g., going 15 mph over the speed limit in a 35 mph zone), creating a more serious civil infraction and corresponding penalties.
Repeated speeding citations can result in suspension of one's license or mandatory enrollment in traffic school. A traffic ticket attorney may be able to negotiate a payment plan or seek dismissal of the traffic violation if the evidence is weak.
To avoid speeding, consider using the following in your daily driving:
- Check posted limits before driving
- Use your vehicle's digital or manual speedometer to monitor speed
- Avoid tailgating
Red Light and Stop Sign Violations
Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign is a moving violation that carries a civil infraction penalty of up to $1,000 and four demerit points.
Most tickets for running a traffic light or sign are around $305, and the demerit points remain on the record for a year, resulting in an increase in insurance premiums.
In work zones, school zones, or pedestrian safety zones, the fine can double, and law enforcement may seek criminal offenses and potential jail time for repeat offenders.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is a serious moving violation that can lead to immediate loss of driving privileges, significant legal consequences, and criminal charges.
The legal limit blood alcohol content level (BAC) in Nevada is .08 in blood or breath. However, a driver can be charged with DUI even if the measured BAC level is lower, because any impairment can be considered a traffic violation, especially if the driver is under 21, in which the legal BAC limit would be 0.
Repeat offenders face increasingly severe penalties, including license suspension, mandatory alcohol education program, ignition interlock device, and higher insurance rates.
A DUI can also result in criminal traffic offenses if the impaired driving causes injury or death, leading to potential jail time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term impacts on personal and professional life.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield occurs when a driver fails to give the right of way at an intersection, during a left or right turn, or when a pedestrian steps into a crosswalk.
Penalties for failing to yield a traffic violation can range from a few hundred dollars to over five hundred dollars, with demerit points added for each traffic violation.
In work or school zones, fines may double, especially in a pedestrian safety zone.
Illegal U-Turns
Under NRS 484B.403, an illegal U-turn occurs when a driver attempts or makes a U-turn in an area where signage or road design prohibits it.
Drivers can be cited with a traffic violation for making unsafe U-turns, especially on highways or in intersections.
An illegal U-turn citation typically carries a fine of $230 and adds three demerit points to the driver's record. However, in school or work zones, the penalty can be doubled.
Some courts and judges may allow an illegal U-turn traffic offense to be reduced to a parking ticket, removing demerit points from your license and mitigating insurance rate increases.
Common Non-Moving Violations in Nevada
A Non-moving violation is a traffic violation that occurs while a vehicle is stationary, such as parking violations, expired registration, or failure to display required documentation.
These non-moving offenses can result in administrative penalties, including fines and potential license suspensions, but they do not add demerit points to a driver's record, meaning insurance rates will typically not be affected by non-moving violations.
Drivers who familiarize themselves with these common civil infractions help avoid costly penalties and keep their driving record clean.
Illegal Parking
Parking in a handicap spot without a placard, parking in a no-parking zone, or failing to pay the parking meter could result in you being cited for illegal parking and potentially having your vehicle towed, resulting in additional costs.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance under Nevada law is a serious traffic offense that could result in fines and severe civil consequences in the event you are involved in a car accident.
Driving Without a Valid Driver's License
If you're driving without a driver's license or an expired one, you could be cited for the non-moving violation of operating a motor vehicle with the necessary license(s).
Expired Vehicle Registration
Failing to renew your vehicle's registration and apply a new license plate sticker is a non-moving violation that occurs daily.
Being cited with expired vehicle registration could result in you facing fines up to $1,000, as well as Nevada DMV charges, alongside the civil infraction.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Traffic Violations in Nevada
Traffic violations can result in a range of penalties, including fines, demerit points on your driving record, license suspensions, and even jail time for more serious offenses, such as drunk driving or a felony speeding offense (100 over the limit).
Understanding the consequences of traffic offenses in Nevada can help drivers navigate the legal process and protect their rights.
Demerit Points, Fees, and Jail Time
Traffic violations carry a range of penalties that can affect a driver's record and finances.
Demerit points can be added to a driver's driving record, fines can increase based on the number of offenses, and jail time is rare but possible for serious traffic offenses.
Typical penalty ranges for traffic violations in Nevada include:
- 1 demerit point for a minor speeding ticket
- $150-$300 fine for a moderate traffic infraction
- One month license suspension for repeated offenses or 12 demerit points in a 12-month period
- Up to 30 days in jail for reckless driving, hit-and-run, or DUI without injury
Impact on Driving Privileges
A moving violation traffic ticket adds demerit points to a driver's record, and under Nevada's demerit-based system, when a driver's demerit points reach 12 within 12 months, their license can be suspended for a month or more.
A more serious traffic violation can result in a more serious suspension that lasts a year or longer, and the driver must fulfill all court-ordered conditions, such as driving school or community service, and pay any associated fees before their license is reinstated.
During a suspension, the driver is prohibited from operating any motor vehicle, which can affect employment and daily routines.
Ticket Defenses and Mitigation Options
When a traffic ticket lands on your record, understanding the common defenses and mitigation strategies for traffic violations can make a significant difference in your financial and personal situation.
Below, we cover the common approaches that can help reduce or eliminate traffic penalties, protecting your driving record.
Traffic School
Attending a traffic school can lower the fine amount and prevent your record from accruing demerit points, removing the risk of an increased insurance rate.
Many Nevada courts allow drivers to complete an online or in-person course within a set timeframe, after which the traffic citation may be dismissed or the penalty reduced. Traffic school also helps driver refresh their knowledge of traffic laws and avoid a license revocation.
Ticket Dismissal Strategies
Bring your ticket to a Las Vegas traffic ticket lawyer who will spot procedural mistakes, such as a missing notice, wrong citation details, or an improper stop, that can form the basis of a motion to dismiss.
If the court accepts the motion, the traffic offense is dropped without a hearing, keeping your driver's driving record and bank account untouched by penalties.
However, if your dismissal motion is denied, a negotiated plea bargain can still reduce the impact of the violation. Most plea bargains for traffic violations include traffic school or a payment plan.
How Traffic Violations Change in a Nevada School or Work Zone
Navigating traffic laws becomes more complex when drivers encounter work or school zones.
These areas demand heightened attention and adherence to specific regulations designed to protect children and road safety. Breaking a traffic law in one of these special situations can result in costly penalties.
Higher Penalties in Work and School Zones
If a traffic violation occurs in a work or school zone, the penalties are doubled.
In the case of speeding in a work or school zone, doubled fines could be:
- 10 Mph over the Limit: $200 fine and 4 demerit points.
- 20 Mph over the Limit $400 fine and 8 demerit points.
- 30 Mph or More over the Limit: $600 fine, 12 demerit points, and a possible misdemeanor offense for reckless driving.
These increased fines and points apply to any violation, such as running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign, when committed within a work or school zone.
The doubled penalties are designed to deter unsafe driving near children and workers and can lead to a suspended license if 12 or more demerit points are accumulated within a year.
Cell Phone Rules and Distracted Driving
In work and school zones, drivers must stay alert and avoid distractions. Using a cell phone while driving violates traffic laws, and even hands-free devices can divert attention from the road.
All jurisdictions in Nevada impose extra fines for distracted driving while driving in work or school zones, with penalties that can exceed those for regular traffic violations or civil infractions.
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