Traffic Safety Laws in Nevada

Headlight Laws in Nevada

Headlights must be used from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever conditions make it impossible to see clearly at least 1,000 feet ahead.

High beams should not be used within 500 feet of approaching traffic, or 300 feet of trailing traffic.

Nevada Seat Belt Laws

With the exception of those under 6 years old, anyone riding in a motor vehicle must wear a safety belt, if the vehicle is required to have safety belts.

Vehicles built in 1968 and newer must be equipped with lap belts.

Vehicles manufactured in 1970 and newer must be equipped with lap belts and shoulder belts for the front seats.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 years old to ride in the back of a flatbed or open pickup truck unless for the purpose of ranching, farming or parades.

NV Child Car Seat Laws

Children who are younger than 6 years old and weighs less than 57 inches tall must ride in an approved safety restraint system. Children under 2 years old must ride in the back seat of the vehicle in a rear-facing child safety seat.

Children are generally safest riding in the back seat. In fact, with vehicles containing front seat passenger air bags, infants should always ride in the back seat.

If you don't properly restrain child passengers, you can be fined, forced to perform community service, and have your license suspended.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a car seat any time. Before ordering, be sure to read our article on How To Buy a Child Safety Seat.

Electronic Devices and Texting While Driving in Nevada

The use of a hand-held electronic device, accessing the Internet or texting while driving are illegal throughout the state.

Exceptions to this law include:

  • The use of a headset that is hands-free.
  • A voice-operated navigation system affixed to the vehicle.
  • Reporting criminal activity, a medical emergency or a safety hazard.
  • A citizen band or two-way radios with a handheld microphone. These require a license.
  • Emergency medical personnel, firefighters, or law enforcement personnel acting within the scope of their job.
  • Utility workers responding to an emergency or outage
  • During an emergency or a disaster - Amateur radio operators providing assistance.

NV Helmet Laws

If you ride a motorcycle, you are required to wear a helmet. In addition, on cycles without windscreens, you must protect yourself by using glasses, goggles, or face shields.

Beginning October 1st, 2019 all drivers of moped and trimobiles, that do not have an enclosed cab, will be required to wear a helmet.

Reporting an Unsafe Driver

Motorists can call *647 (or NHP) on their cell phones to alert the Nevada Highway Patrol about accidents, disabled vehicles, hazardous situations, and potentially drunk drivers.

Unattended Children and Pets

Leaving a child younger than 7 years old in a vehicle without proper supervision (someone at least 12 years old) is considered a misdemeanor, if doing so endangers the child's health and safety.

The state also considers leaving a child in a situation where physical or mental harm may take place (due to abuse or neglect) to be child endangerment.

It is also illegal to leave a pet in a vehicle in either extreme cold or heat. Officials may use force to remove the animal from the vehicle.

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