Criminal Defense Lawyers

What is the new left lane law in Las Vegas, Nevada?

What You Need to Know About Nevada’s Left Lane Law

As experienced traffic attorneys serving clients in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, we at the Spodek Law Group have seen firsthand how changes to traffic laws can impact drivers. One recent change that has caused some confusion is Nevada’s left lane law, which took effect in 2017. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law – and avoid a costly ticket.

Understanding the Left Lane Law

Nevada’s left lane law is officially known as NRS 484B.627. In a nutshell, it requires drivers to use the left lane only for passing on controlled-access highways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you’ve passed a slower vehicle, you’re required to move back into the right lane.The law states that you cannot drive in the left lane if you know – or reasonably should know – that you’re traveling slower than the traffic behind you. The only exceptions are:

• When traffic conditions or congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane
• When weather conditions make it necessary to drive in the left lane
• When complying with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device
• When preparing to turn left
• When passing an official traffic control device located in the right lane

Violating the left lane law is a misdemeanor traffic offense. For a first offense, the penalty is a fine of up to $250. Subsequent violations within a 7-year period carry higher fines of up to $1,000 as well as the possibility of a driver’s license suspension.

Why the Left Lane Law Was Passed

So why did Nevada lawmakers feel the need to pass this law? The primary reason was safety. When slower drivers camp out in the left lane, it can cause faster drivers to weave in and out of traffic to get around them. This increases the risk of accidents.There’s also a courtesy factor. Many drivers find it frustrating to get stuck behind a slower vehicle in the left lane, especially over long distances. The left lane law is meant to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduce road rage incidents.Interestingly, Nevada was actually one of the last states to pass a left lane law. All but a handful of states have similar laws on the books. So if you’re visiting from out of state, chances are you’re already familiar with the concept of the left lane being for passing only.

Enforcing the Left Lane Law

Of course, passing a law is one thing – enforcing it is another. In the early days after the left lane law took effect, the Nevada Highway Patrol issued warnings to drivers violating the law. But they quickly moved to writing tickets instead.In the first year the law was in effect, NHP troopers issued over 5,000 left lane violation tickets statewide. About a quarter of those were written in Clark County, which contains Las Vegas. Troopers have said they frequently observe drivers violating the left lane law, so enforcement remains a priority.One thing to keep in mind – the law applies even if you’re driving at or above the speed limit in the left lane. If a faster vehicle comes up behind you, you’re required to move over as soon as it’s safe to let them pass. The left lane law isn’t about speed, it’s about the smooth and orderly flow of traffic.

Defenses Against a Left Lane Ticket

What if you get pulled over and ticketed for a left lane violation? It may be possible to fight the ticket with the help of a skilled traffic ticket attorney like those of us at the Spodek Law Group. Some potential defenses include:

• The officer incorrectly perceived that you were traveling slower than the flow of traffic
• You were preparing to make a legal left turn
• You were passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the right shoulder
• Hazardous weather or road conditions made it unsafe to drive in the right lane
• You were complying with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device

Every case is unique, so it’s important to discuss the specifics of your situation with an attorney to determine the best approach. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in reaching out to see if we can help.

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2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

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2024-03-18

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2024-03-15

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2024-03-15

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2024-02-24

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The Bottom Line on Nevada’s Left Lane Law

To sum up, if you’re driving on a controlled-access highway in Nevada with two or more lanes going in the same direction, you can only drive in the left lane when:

• Passing a slower vehicle
• Directed to do so by a police officer or traffic control device
• Preparing to make a legal left turn
• When right lane traffic is congested
• When hazardous conditions make driving in the right lane unsafe

If you find yourself cruising along in the left lane and a faster vehicle approaches from behind, move over as soon as you safely can. It’s not only common courtesy, it’s the law. And violating it could cost you hundreds of dollars.As traffic ticket attorneys serving Las Vegas and beyond, we’re here to help if you find yourself facing a left lane law violation or any other traffic offense. With our extensive experience and client-focused approach, the Spodek Law Group is the firm to turn to for skilled legal guidance. Contact us today at 212-300-5196 or via our website at https://www.federallawyers.com to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to putting our knowledge to work for you.