Nevada Law
Can You Turn Right On Red In Nevada
Can you turn right on red in Nevada? Learn the rules under NRS 484B.307, when it's legal, situations where it's prohibited, potential penalties, and how to make the turn safely.
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Can You Turn Right at a Red Light in Nevada
In Nevada, it is generally legal to turn right at a red light; however, there are specific rules and situations where turning right at a red light could be illegal.
Under Nevada Revised Statue (NRS) 484B.307, turning right at red lights is legal as:
- No Traffic Lights or Signs Prohibited It: As long as no signs prohibit a right-hand turn on a red light, a driver can make a right turn after coming to a complete stop.
- The Driver Yields: The driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; failure to do so could result in a traffic violation.
Breaking the traffic laws regarding right-hand turns on red lights could result in numerous punishments such as traffic citations, demerit points, and license suspension.
When a Right Turn Might Be Prohibited
While the Nevada Revised Statute typically allows right-hand turns at a red light, there are situations in which they could be considered illegal.
"No Turn on Red" Sign Present
If a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted at the intersection, the driver may not legally make a right turn while the traffic light is red.
School Zone During Active Hours
Under NRS 484B.363, drivers cannot make a right-hand turn on red traffic signals while the flashing yellow light is on in a school zone or children are present.
Pedestrians in the Crosswalk
According to NRS 484B.283, if a pedestrian is present in the crosswalk, a driver cannot turn, regardless of how far the pedestrian may be.
This traffic law ensures that pedestrians are given the right of way and helps prevent pedestrian accidents.
Oncoming Driver with a Green Arrow or Signal
In an intersection, if oncoming or adjacent traffic has a green turn signal, a driver cannot turn on a red, according to Nevada law NRS 484B.307(3).
This is the case because turning on a red with oncoming vehicles could result in a T-bone car accident.
Work Zones or Temporary Restrictions
In work zones or other zones with temporary turn restrictions, you may either not be able to turn right on a red or must proceed cautiously when making a right turn on a red.
What Are the Penalties for an Illegal Right-Hand Turn
Making an illegal turn is considered a moving violation and, depending on the circumstances, could result in significant punishment.
For example, if the unlawful turn resulted in a car accident, punishments could range from liability for the damages and injuries, such as the medical expenses and lost wages of the other drivers, to criminal charges, such as reckless driving.
Fines
If you illegally turn on a red in Nevada, you may receive a traffic ticket, which generally ranges from $100 to $250.
In addition, if you choose to fight the traffic ticket, you have to pay court and legal fees.
Points on Driving Record
According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, an illegal right turn can add demerit points to your record.
A demerit point is used to track traffic violations on a driver, and having 12 or more points in Nevada within 12 months will result in a driver's license suspension.
Increased Insurance Rates
Moving violations, even minor ones, can raise insurance premiums, as any traffic law you break and are cited for is reported to your insurance provider.
However, whether or not your insurance premiums rise depends on your driving history and the severity of your offense.
Double Penalties in Construction or School Zones
Breaking traffic laws, such as illegally turning on a red in a work or school zone, could result in your moving violation having double penalties.
Double penalties mean that a fine or demerit point could be doubled, causing a more significant impact on your record and financial state.
What Are the Defenses of an Unlawful Right Turn
When seeking to have an illegal right turn charge reduced or a ticket dropped, you must understand the common defenses you can use.
By understanding your legal rights and defenses, you can set yourself up for success in the court system.
Lack of Proper Signage
Numerous locations in the Las Vegas area may lack visible "No Turn on Red" signs, and under NRS 484B.307, traffic signs must be clear in order for law enforcement to issue a traffic citation to a driver.
Using this information, you may be able to state that the "No Turn on Red" sign was not clearly seen and have your ticket dismissed.
Emergency Situations
In a situation where you were getting out of the way of an emergency vehicle, you may be able to argue that you made a lawful turn in order to stay safe and allow the emergency responders to have a clear path.
Using this defense may reduce your charges or cause them to be dropped.
Reasonable Safety
You can argue that turning on a red light did not endanger other drivers or pedestrians.
To prove this, using dashcam footage to witness statements is highly recommended.
Broken Traffic Signal
If you were cited for an illegal right turn on a red, but the traffic signal was non-operational or malfunctioning, you may use the signal's malfunctioning as a defense against the ticket.
How to Properly Make a Right-Hand Turn On a Red
To avoid violating traffic law and possibly ending up in a car accident, you must understand how to properly turn at a red light.
To correctly make a right turn on a red amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, you must:
- Come to a Complete Stop: Make a complete stop at the marked stop line.
- Check for "No Turn on Red" Signs: Scan the area for "No Turn on Red" signs, specifically near the turn signal and the side of the road.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Check if any pedestrians are in the crosswalk; if so, you must yield to them before turning.
- Yield to Oncoming Vehicles: Vehicles with the green light have the right away, so you must yield them the right away before turning.
- Proceed with Caution: Ensure the road is clear and avoid making sharp and sudden movements during your turn.
By doing these steps, you can correctly and safely make a right turn on a red traffic light.
Talk with a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Today
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