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Key Right-of-Way Rules for Left Turns
Under Nevada's left-lane turn law, NRS 484B.253, when turning left, you should always be in the correct turn lane, signal early, scan for pedestrians, and wait for a clear gap in oncoming traffic. If a green arrow is present, you may proceed; otherwise, only turn when the intersection is truly safe.
If you were injured by someone who was performing an illegal left turn, explore your legal options today by scheduling a free consultation with the Las Vegas car accident attorneys at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.
Intersection Types and Right-of-Way Priorities
In Las Vegas, there are three main intersection types:
- Four-way intersections
- T-intersections
- Roundabouts
Regarding left-turning rules for four-way intersections, the first vehicle proceeds, but if two vehicles arrive together, the right-hand vehicle yields. At T-intersections, the through-street vehicle goes first. Roundabouts give priority to traffic already circulating.
Yielding to Pedestrians at Crosswalks
At every crosswalk, the Nevada Revised Statutes require Nevada drivers to yield to pedestrians, especially during daylight hours and in school zones, even if the traffic light is green. Before entering a crosswalk, drivers should check for pedestrians in the crosswalk or on the curb, and if present, they must stop until the area is clear.
Drivers may use their horn at pedestrians who may be illegally crossing, but should not drive through, as they could be held liable in the event of a pedestrian accident.
Handling Turning Traffic from Adjacent Lanes
When in a situation where you want to turn or approach a vehicle turning on a road with adjacent lanes, keep in mind these rules:
- Yield to the vehicle in an adjacent lane that has begun turning until it completes its maneuver.
- Confirm the adjacent vehicle is visible within 500 feet, as required by NRS 484B.407.
- Refrain from turning until oncoming traffic is clear.
Handling Uncontrolled Intersections
At uncontrolled four-way intersections, the first vehicle to stop has priority. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the left-hand vehicle yields to the right-hand vehicle under Nevada law, NRS 484B.257.
A vehicle turning left must yield to all oncoming traffic, and any left-turn accidents that occur due to their failure to yield could result in them being held liable for the injuries and damages, so always proceed cautiously.
Exceptions and Special Scenarios
The Nevada left-turn rules can change with school-zone limits, construction detours, severe weather, or when emergency vehicles or local ordinances require deviations. Understanding these exceptions and scenarios can help determine fault and pursue rightful compensation in your car crash claim.
Left Turns During Red or Yellow Signals
Turn left only after yielding to oncoming vehicles when the traffic signal is yellow and on a red light if a sign permits it. Ensure that there is no traffic coming from multiple lanes, confirm 500 feet visibility, and proceed with the left turn only when the lane is completely open to avoid a turn accident, following NRS 484B.253.
Left Turns on One-Way Streets
At a one-way intersection, the turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic until it is safe, and the first vehicle that stops has priority under NRS 484B.253 and NRS 484B.257.
When performing your turn signal 100 feet ahead, confirm the left lane, and perform your left turn when traffic has cleared to reduce the risk of a car accident.
Turning from Private Driveways or Side Roads
When turning from a private drive or side road, be sure to:
- Yield to all vehicles on the public road under NRS 484B.410.
- Verify 500 feet of visibility before turning under NRS 484B.407.
- Signal the turn 300 feet ahead unless in a business district, in which 100 feet is at least required according to NRS 484B.413.
These laws are most relevant in areas such as parking lot exits to the main road.
School Zones and Construction Zones
Under Nevada law, a left-hand turn is allowed in a school or work zone unless signs prohibit it.
However, you must:
- Wait for the crosswalks to clear
- Follow the set speed limit (15 mph for school zones)
- Understand that fines are doubled in these zones
Enforcement and Penalties
Nevada's left-turn law, outlined in NRS 484B.253, is enforced by on-scene law enforcement when a driver fails to yield when turning left. Violators receive traffic tickets with civil fines of $300-$400 and four demerit points, which can raise insurance premiums or trigger a license suspension if the driver receives 12 points in 12 months.
The Nevada court system allows you to negotiate penalties, but the initial fine and points remain until the case is resolved.
Traffic Citation Process and Penalties
After an officer issues a citation, the driver may appear in a clerk's office, file a statement of defense, or submit a written contest. However, if the driver wishes instead to pay the fines without attempting to defend them, they could face:
- A base fine of $300-$400
- 4 demerit points on their license
Understand that a left lane traffic violation in school or work zones can result in double penalties.
Points on Driver's License and Insurance Rate Impact
When cited for failure to yield, there are important side effects besides the fine you should know about:
- Failure to yield on a left turn adds four demerit points to the driver's record.
- Accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months can lead to a license suspension.
- The four points and the associated civil fine are the basis for insurance companies to raise premiums.
- Even if the ticket is later reduced or dismissed, the points remain on the record until the case is fully resolved, so the risk of a premium increase remains during that period.
Often, the insurance rate impact is more painful than the actual ticket, so it's crucial to explore your options of having the ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation.
Legal Strategy and Defense Options
Although I am a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, I have successfully handled a fair share of traffic citations and begin each one by gathering concrete evidence, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any contradictory reports.
With this foundation, I can negotiate with the prosecutor to downgrade or dismiss the fine, eliminate demerit points, or secure a more favorable outcome before the case is finalized. Through this defense strategy, I protect both my clients' licenses and insurance costs.
Proving Fault in a Left Turn Accident
To establish fault in a Nevada left-turn car accident, the plaintiff must show that the turning driver failed to yield unless there was a green-arrow signal or traffic signs allowed a straight-through.
Evidence such as police reports, traffic-camera footage, or eyewitness testimony can help establish that the at-fault party failed to yield the right-of-way, thereby demonstrating liability and enabling the plaintiff to recover compensation.
Common Defense Claims and Evidentiary Requirements
Common defenses to a failure to yield violation include:
- Absence of probable cause
- Improper citation procedures
- Turning due to the presence of an emergency vehicle
- Violation of the right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment
Successfully executing these defenses requires evidence such as the original traffic ticket, dash-cam footage, traffic-camera data, police reports, witness affidavits, and any contradictory officer statements.
Options for Pleading Guilty, Negotiating, or Going to Trial
When cited for failure to yield, accepting a guilty plea can result in a reduced traffic ticket and prevent demerit points on your record, lessening the impact on your insurance company premiums.
You also have the options to:
- Negotiate: Aim for dismissal or a downgrade in exchange for traffic school or community service.
- Go to trial: Prepare a full defense and present evidence in front of a judge or jury.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
