Speed limits are more than a sign. Nevada has a Basic Rule for driving at a “reasonable or proper” speed. (NRS 484.361) In addition to any posted speed limits you must also consider:
The amount and type of traffic.
The weather and the distance you can see.
The type of road and condition of the surface.

The Basic Rule means you NEVER drive at a speed that endangers you or anyone else.

The next time you want to speed ask yourself:
Why am I in a hurry?
Does it really matter?
Is it work endangering myself and others?

New Traffic Laws you should know.

Here are some important new laws passed by the 2003 Nevada Legislation:

Double penalties in work zones. This penalty now applies regardless of whether workers are present. Courts may double the fine, community service or jail terms for traffic offenses committed in highway work zones up to a certain maximums. The area must be marked as a double penalty zone. (Assembly Bill (AB) 444 Eff. 10/01/2003)

Flag persons. A driver who disobeys a flag person and causes injury to a road worker or more than $1,000 in damage is subject to a fine of a least $1,000 and 120 hours of community service. This may be doubled under the double penalty law. (AB 444 Eff. 10/01/2003)

Stopped emergency vehicles. If you are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle displaying its flashing lights, you must slow down to a reasonable speed which is less than the posted limit and, if possible, drive in a lane which is not adjacent to the lane in which the emergency vehicle is stopped. (AB 299 Eff 10/01/2003)

School zones. You must wait for all persons including the crossing guard, to completely clear the road before proceeding. (AB 442 Eff 07/01/2003)

What is aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving is all around us. Most of us see it everyday – the road racer, the red light runner, the tailgater, and the frequent lane changer.

Nevada law makes aggressive driving an offense in and of itself. If a driver speeds, creates an immediate hazard and commits two (2) other offenses such as red light running or tailgating over the course of one mile, he may be prosecuted for aggressive driving independently of the offenses. (NRS 484.3765)

Penalties are traffic school and possible driver license suspension for the first offense. Courts must impose a one-year driver license revocation for a second conviction within two (2) years.

“road Rage” is considered only one part of aggressive driving behavior – the part which goes beyond traffic offenses into criminal activity.

Avoid a problem.

Here’s what to do if you are confronted with an aggressive driver:

Get out of the way. First and foremost make every attempt to get out of their way.
Put your pride aside. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own in your travel lane.
Avoid eye contact. Eye contact can sometimes enrage an aggressive driver.
Gestures. Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
Report serious aggressive driving. You or a passenger may call the police. If you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location.

Don’t be a problem:

Plan ahead and give yourself extra time.

Concentrate. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cellular phone, eating, drinking, or putting on makeup.
Relax. Tune the radio to your favorite relaxing music. Music can calm your nerves and help you to enjoy your time in the car.
Drive the posted speed limit. Fewer crashes occur when vehicles are traveling at or about the same speed.
Identify alternate routes. Even if it looks longer on paper, you may find it is less congested.
Use public transportation. Public transportation can give you some much-needed relief from life behind the wheel.
Just be late. If at all fails, just be late. A ticket or a crash will cost you much more time.

Please drive responsibly. This is a public service message from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.

© Copyright 2006 by Nye County Sheriff's Office

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