Nevada Law Banning Texting and Hand-Held Cell Phones Awaits Governor's Signature
In June 2011, the Nevada legislature passed a bill that would prohibit all drivers from texting or using a hand-held cell phone while driving. The legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 140, has been sent to Governor Sandoval to sign. Currently, Nevada has no law banning drivers from texting or using a cell phone. We will provide an update when the Governor signs or vetoes the bill.
Texting Ban
The texting ban would prohibit drivers from using a cell phone or other wireless communications device to access or search the Internet, or to type, enter, send, or read any non-voice communication, including text messages, instant messages (IM), or email. Global positioning systems (GPS) are not covered by the law. The ban doesn't apply to emergency personnel, licensed amateur radio operators who are communicating certain public information, employees of public utilities who are responding to emergencies, or drivers who are reporting emergencies or responding to dangerous situations.
Violation of the law would be punishable by a fine of up to $50 for a first offense; $100 for a second offense within seven years; and $250 for a third offense within seven years. Higher fines would be imposed on drivers who violate the law in traffic control zones. Until January 1, 2012, the law instructs officers to give only warnings to those who violate the law; these fines will be imposed beginning in 2012.
Read the text of Nevada's text ban legislation.
Hand-Held Cell Phones
The ban would also apply to drivers using cell phones or other wireless communications devices to make or receive phone calls, unless they use hands-free equipment. The same penalties would apply for violation of this provision of the law.
Read the text of Nevada's hand-held cell phone legislation.
