Red Light and Stop Sign Tickets in Nevada

Learn about Nevada’s red light and stop sign laws and the consequences of a violation.

Nevada drivers who run a stop sign or stop light will likely have to pay a fine. Red light and stop sign violations will also add demerit points to the motorist's driving record. (Of course, you may have other options for dealing with your ticket that won't result in these penalties.) This article gives an outline of what the law says and some of the specific consequences of a stop sign or red light ticket.

Making the Stop

At a stop sign or red light (steady or flashing), drivers must come to a complete stop prior to the nearest of entering the crosswalk at the near side of the intersection, reaching a marked stop line, or entering the intersection itself.

Right-On-Red Rule

Like in most other states, Nevada law permits drivers to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, unless there's a sign indicating the turn isn't allowed. However, drivers need to use caution and follow right-of-way rules when making a right on red.

Left-on-Red Rule

In Nevada, motorists are allowed to make a left turn after stopping at a red light only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Of course, motorists have to follow the normal right-of-way rules and proceed with caution when making the turn.

Meaning of a Yellow Light

Some states prohibit entering an intersection on a yellow light. In Nevada, however, a solid yellow light is just a warning that the light is about to turn red. In other words, you can enter an intersection while the light is still yellow, just not after the light had turned red.

Special Rules for Bikes and Motorbikes

Many signals use sensors that trigger the light to switch only when a vehicle is waiting at the red light. Sometimes these sensors don't detect bicycles and motorcycles because of their weight or size. So, Nevada law generally allows persons on bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, and trimobiles to proceed through a red light if:

  • the motorist first stops
  • the signal fails to switch after two cycles
  • the signal's failure to change is due to a malfunction or failure to detect the presence of the person waiting at the light.

A bicyclist or motorcyclist taking advantage of this special rule, however, must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other motorists lawfully using the intersection.

Penalties

Generally, stop sign and red light violations are misdemeanors in Nevada. A misdemeanor conviction technically carries up to $1,000 in fines and/or six months in jail. But a red light or stop sign ticket will typically involve just a fine. The exact amount depends on the circumstances, including where you received the citation.

A stop sign or red light conviction will add four demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period normally leads to an automatic six-month license suspension. However, eligible motorists can get a three-point reduction by completing a traffic safety course.

Depending on the circumstances, a red light or stop sign violation could also lead to a reckless driving conviction. And if a motorist plows through a red signal or stop sign and causes a fatality, vehicular homicide charges are a possibility.

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