Traffic Violations in Nevada

Las Vegas Traffic Violation Defense Attorney

In the State of Nevada, a police officer can cite you for violating various traffic laws and your traffic violations or traffic ticket will be assigned to a specific court depending on the jurisdiction where the infraction has taken place. Although the procedures for each court differs, the basic benefits of having an attorney represent you on a traffic ticket matter is that in most cases you do not need to appear in court. The attorney may be able to get the traffic violation charges reduced to a parking ticket so there are no demerit points given to you by the DMV. In other situations, no traffic school can be negotiated, dismissal of non-moving violations and other negotiable benefits.

Traffic Violations Penalties

Depending on the traffic violation, the simple traffic matter may be upgraded to a criminal matter where normal criminal case procedures will apply. Such traffic violations include but are not limited to: DUIs, Reckless Driving and Driving on a Revoked License. Demerit points with the DMV can affect your license as well as your insurance premium. Your insurance premium can increase as you accumulate points and these points will be reported to the DMV. Parking tickets are not moving violations so they are assigned no demerit points. You are also allowed only up to 12 demerit points per 12 month period before your license may be suspended, although some traffic violations result in an automatic suspension. See http://dmvnv.com/ for more information.

Common Nevada Traffic Violations and NRS Codes

Traffic violations in Nevada cover a wide range of offenses, many of which are outlined under specific Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Understanding these violations and their associated legal codes can help drivers navigate their responsibilities and avoid penalties. Below are several common traffic violations in Nevada along with their corresponding NRS codes:
  • Illegal U-turns – Drivers can be cited for making unsafe or illegal U-turns, especially in areas where signage prohibits such maneuvers. This is regulated under NRS §484B.403.
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signals – Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign are common violations covered under NRS §484B.300. These actions can result in hefty fines and demerit points.
  • Reckless Driving – Considered a serious offense, reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others, as detailed in NRS §484B.653. This offense can lead to criminal charges.
  • Hit and Run – Leaving the scene of an accident without providing necessary information or aid is a violation of NRS §484E.010, which can result in severe legal consequences.
  • Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road – Operating a vehicle in the opposite direction of traffic is a dangerous violation covered under NRS §484B.200.
  • Speeding – Speeding violations, particularly those that exceed posted speed limits by significant margins, are regulated under NRS §484B.600. The penalties increase based on how far over the limit a driver goes.
  • Driving with a Suspended License – Operating a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended is a serious offense under NRS §483.560 and can lead to further suspensions or criminal penalties.
  • Driving Without a Valid License – Drivers must hold a valid license to operate a vehicle in Nevada, as specified in NRS §480.230.
  • No Proof of Insurance – Failure to provide valid proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement is a violation of NRS §485.185.
  • No Proof of Vehicle Registration – Operating a vehicle without proper registration is a violation under NRS §482.205 and can result in fines or penalties.
  • Seat Belt and Child Restraint Violations – Nevada law mandates the use of seat belts and appropriate child restraints, as required under NRS §484.641. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in citations and fines.


Traffic Offenses and Demerit Point Values

Moving violations are all assigned a demerit point value based on the severity of the offense. Depending on how many points you have accumulated, it may be in your best interest to attend traffic safety school. However, if you are required to attend traffic school as a condition of your plea agreement, it will not count towards removing demerits from your record. Common traffic offenses and their demerit point value include:
  • Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit – 1 point
  • Speeding 11 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit – 2 points
  • Failure to dim headlights – 2 points
  • Following too closely – 4 points
  • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign – 4 points
  • Reckless driving – 8 points

Failure to Pay

Bench warrants can be issued for the arrest of those who do not deal with their tickets properly. Various reasons for the warrant to be issued are failure to complete traffic school, a fine not being paid or if no appearance has been made. An attorney may quash the warrant and have the traffic violation matter reopened if it has not yet been adjudicated or he/she may request to be placed back on a payment plan. When you are issued a warrant, the DMV is notified, your license is suspended and you may be arrested at any moment.
Experienced Las Vegas lawyer Garrett T. Ogata is capable of helping you out if you have been cited for a traffic violation in the state of Nevada. Call today for a free consultation, and you may even be able to keep your records clean by having the traffic violations dismissed altogether in some cases.

Bench Warrant in Las Vegas

If you've missed a court appearance or failed to resolve a traffic violation in Nevada, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. In Las Vegas, a bench warrant can result from unpaid fines, incomplete traffic school, or neglecting a court summons. Once issued, it allows law enforcement to arrest you at any time. Furthermore, the Nevada DMV is notified, and your driver’s license may be suspended. An experienced attorney can help quash the warrant, potentially reopening the case and negotiating a resolution, such as a payment plan or dismissal. 

Reduce a Ticket to a Non-Moving Violation

In many traffic violation cases, it is possible to reduce a moving violation to a non-moving violation. Non-moving violations do not carry demerit points on your driving record, which means they won’t affect your insurance rates or risk the suspension of your license. In Nevada, common reductions include downgrading speeding or other infractions to offenses such as parking violations or administrative fines. An attorney can negotiate these outcomes by highlighting your clean driving history, attending court on your behalf, or presenting mitigating circumstances in your favor.

Speeding Ticket Reduced to a Parking Violation

Many drivers worry about the impact of a speeding ticket on their driving record and insurance rates. Fortunately, it may be possible to have a speeding ticket reduced to a parking violation with the help of a qualified attorney. This often involves negotiating with the court or the prosecutor to reach an agreement that minimizes the penalties associated with the original ticket. If successful, this reduction can prevent demerit points from being added to your record and help avoid an increase in your insurance premiums.

DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving in Nevada

In Nevada, a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense that can carry significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, in some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea bargain to reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving. This alternative can result in less severe penalties and may help you avoid the long-term consequences associated with a DUI conviction. To explore this option, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of Nevada traffic law and can advocate on your behalf. The attorney can present mitigating circumstances and negotiate effectively with the prosecution to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Garrett T. Ogata To Deal With Tickets and Warrants

If you have been cited for a traffic violation in Nevada, experienced Las Vegas lawyer Garrett T. Ogata can assist you in navigating the complexities of your case. With a thorough understanding of traffic laws and extensive experience in representing clients, he can help you explore your options for resolving tickets and warrants. Call today for a free consultation, and you may even have the opportunity to keep your records clean by having your traffic violations dismissed altogether in some cases. If you have a current traffic citation, please fill out our Traffic Ticket Information form to get in touch with us.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you have a traffic warrant?
If you have a traffic warrant, law enforcement can arrest you at any time. Your license may be suspended, and you could face additional fines. It's essential to address the warrant promptly, ideally with an attorney's help.

How long before an unpaid ticket becomes a warrant?
An unpaid ticket can lead to a warrant after several missed payment deadlines or court appearances, but the timeline varies by jurisdiction.

Is a DUI a moving violation?
Yes, a DUI is classified as a moving violation in Nevada and carries serious penalties, including demerit points and possible jail time.

How much is a speeding ticket in Nevada?
Speeding ticket fines in Nevada range from approximately $100 to $600, depending on how much you exceed the speed limit and the jurisdiction.

How to quash a Las Vegas warrant?
To quash a warrant, file a motion with the issuing court. It's best to work with an attorney to navigate the process and negotiate terms effectively.

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