Nevada Law
What Are the Nevada Teen Driving Laws
Before allowing your teenager to ride on Nevada roads, you and your teen must first understand Nevada's teen driving laws.
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Table of Contents
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive in Nevada
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 483.2521, teens can begin driving at 15 ½ years old.
However, at this age, teen drivers can only apply for an instructional permit, a restricted license that only allows teens to drive if they're being supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has been a licensed driver for at least one year.
How Can a Teen Driver Apply for a Permit
For a teenage driver to obtain a driving permit, they must:
- Pass a written test or online written test
- Complete a vision test
- Provide a school attendance form
Can a Teen Driver Have Passengers in Nevada?
Under Nevada law NRS 483.2523, a teen driver under 18 years old who hasn't held their full driver's license for more than six months cannot transport passengers unless they are an immediate family member such as a sibling.
What Is the Penalty for a Minor Driving Without a License in Nevada?
According to Nevada law NRS 483.230, it's illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license.
If a teen is caught driving without a license or driving permit, they can face a misdemeanor offense, which could result in severe penalties such as:
- Fines: A teen caught driving without a license may face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.
- Community Service: A Nevada court can decide to impose community service on an unlicensed teen driver.
- Delayed Issuance of License: A count may extend the time a teen caught driving without a license is eligible for a permit or driver's license.
- Criminal Record: If the teen gets into a car accident without a license, it could result in more severe punishments, resulting in a criminal record.
- Increase Insurance Rates: If an insurance company receives a teen's driver record and discovers they were caught driving without a license, the insurance company may increase premiums.
What Are the Penalties for Underage Drunk Driving
Nevada DUI laws are extremely strict against underage driving, having a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers, meaning that if any driver under the age of 21 is found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, they can be charged with a DUI.
Underage drivers who are charged with a DUI can face numerous punishments, such as:
- License suspension
- Fines
- DUI school
- Community service
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Probation
- Higher insurance premiums
- Possible time in a juvenile detention facility
Who Is Responsible If a Teen Driver Causes a Car Accident in Nevada
If a teen driver is in an auto accident in Nevada, the child's parent will typically be responsible for the car wreck; however, depending on the circumstances, other parties can be at fault.
Why is the Parent Responsible for a Teen Car Accident?
Nevada law follows a legal principle known as "vicarious liability," which, in short, means that the parents or legal guardians can be held financially responsible for the actions of their minor child.
Vicarious liability will especially be in play if the parents negligently allow their teen to drive; an example is if the parents allow their child to drive knowing they are inexperienced or have a history of reckless behavior.
In addition, under NRS 41.440, parents or guardians who sign the applications for a minor license incur liability for any damages or injuries caused by their child's negligence or wrongful acts while driving.
Can You Drive Alone with a Permit in Nevada
No, in Nevada, you can't drive alone with a permit.
To adhere to Nevada teen driving laws, teen drivers who only hold a minor license must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver's license for one year.
In addition, the licensed adult must be seated in the front passenger seat while the permit holder is driving.
Can You Drive to School with a Permit in Nevada
Teen drivers with minor licenses must follow Nevada's law on permit drivers even while driving to school events.
This means that if a teen driver with a minor license intends to attend a school event, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
How Can Teen Drivers Get Their Driver's License in Nevada
The process for obtaining a license as a teen is straightforward and ensures that the newly licensed driver is prepared to drive safely and responsibly.
Obtain an Instructional Permit
Once a teenager turns 15 ½ years old, they can apply for a driving permit.
To apply for a permit, the teen, accompanied by a parent, must visit the Nevada DMV and supply personal information such as the teen's proof of identity, SSN, and proof of residency in Nevada.
After supplying this information, the teen must pass a vision and knowledge test.
Complete Driver's Education
Teens under 18 must take a DMV-approved driver's education course.
This course usually contains around 30 hours of instruction and teaches the teen about traffic laws, defensive driving, and vehicle operation.
Hold a Driver's Permit for Six Months
Before a teen can obtain their license, they must first have their instructional permit for at least six months.
During this six-month period, the teen should focus on improving their driving skills under the supervision of a licensed adult.
Pass the Driving Test
After having a permit for six months, teens can schedule a driving test with the DMV.
This driving test will test the teen's ability to operate the vehicle, obey traffic laws, park, and have an overall driving experience.
Why You Need a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer After a Teen Driver Accident
If your teenager was involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, NV, it's crucial that you seek immediate legal support from an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, as car accident cases involving a teen driver can bring complex insurance and claim issues.
With over 20+ years of experience in helping injured Las Vegas car accident victims, our personal injury attorneys understand what it takes to obtain the compensation you and your family are entitled to.
Don't wait—schedule a free consultation with us today by calling (702) 566-3600 or sending a message.
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