Nevada's Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties

Most Nevada drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains how Nevada's speed limits work and the penalties for a speeding violation.

How Do Nevada's Speed Limit Laws Work?

Nevada has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." Below, we explain how these work. (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 484B.600 (2024).)

Nevada's Basic (Safe) Speed Rule

Nevada's basic rule prohibits driving at a speed that is greater than is "reasonable or proper, having due regard for the traffic, surface and width of the highway, the weather and other highway conditions." The law also prohibits driving at a rate of speed that "endanger the life, limb or property of any person" or results in the injury of another person or of any property.

In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Nevada's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Nevada's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Absolute speed limits are those that are posted alongside roadways. However, in no event is a motorist permitted to drive faster than 80 miles per hour.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Nevada

The penalties you'll face for a speeding violation generally depend on the driver's speed, where the violation took place, and whether the case involved an accident.

Standard Speeding Violation Fines in Nevada

Speeding is generally a moving traffic violations, but the judge can reduce the offense to a non-moving violation. The fines for a speeding ticket generally cannot exceed $20 for each mile per hour over the limit or safe speed or $500.

Speeding Violations in Construction and Pedestrian Safety Zones

Fines are typically doubled for speeding violations in pedestrian safety and construction zones.

Excessive Speeding Penalties in Nevada

Speeding is a misdemeanor when the driver was traveling 30 miles per hour or more over the limit. A misdemeanor conviction carries up to $1,000 in fines and a maximum six months in jail.

Traffic Violation Points for Speeding in Nevada

Depending on how fast a motorist was going, a speeding violation will generally add one to five points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points within a year leads to a six-month license suspension. However, the judge can reduce a speeding offense to a non-moving violation, which carries no points.

Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in Nevada

Depending on the situation, a speeding violation could lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. And a speeding violation that results in the death of another person could lead to vehicular manslaughter charges. Both of these offenses carry more serious penalties than a normal speeding ticket.