In addition to being frustrating, slow drivers in the left lane can also create dangerous situations on the roadways. To fix this problem, Nevada enacted Assembly Bill No. 334 on July 1, which makes it illegal for motorists to travel under the speed limit in the extreme left lane.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our seasoned Las Vegas car accident attorneys today to learn if you have legal options available to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What is Nevada’s New Left-Lane Law?
Nevada is one of the latest states to pass a left-lane law that makes it illegal for a motorist to travel in the extreme left lane if he or she knows or should reasonably know that he or she is driving below the speed limit and is being approached from behind by a faster vehicle.
However, there are several exceptions to this new traffic law:
- When a motorist is preparing for a left turn at an intersection
- When a motorist is using the left lane to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction
- When a motorist is traveling in a lane designated for the use of a high-occupancy vehicle, such as a carpool lane
- When a roadway is engaged in construction, maintenance or is being repaired, including the removal of snow from a highway
- When traffic conditions, dangerous weather, or obstructions or hazards in the roadway make it necessary to drive in the extreme left lane
- When in compliance with an official traffic control device or the direction of a police officer make it necessary to travel in the extreme left lane
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is allowed to use the extreme left lane in the course of his or her duty, and motorists are allowed to drive in the extreme left lane within the geographical limits of a city or town.
Why Are Left-Lane Laws Needed?
Several states have already enacted left-lane laws and issued fines to drivers who use the left lane for traveling rather than passing other vehicles.
Proponents of left-lane laws claim enacting and enforcing such legislation could potentially curb the rising number of U.S. traffic fatalities, which increased by 7.2 percent in 2015.
However, traffic safety advocacy groups, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, do not believe left-lane driving is a major cause of traffic fatalities, like speeding or distracted driving.
Nevada’s left-lane law is intended to keep traffic flowing smoothly and prevent dangerous driving behavior, such as road rage or recklessly changing lanes, which can be caused by motorists who travel too slowly in the left lane.
What are the Penalties for Breaking the Left-Lane Law?
It is now a misdemeanor charge in Nevada to drive slower than the speed limit in the extreme left lane. Drivers can also be issued a fine based on the number of times they have violated this law:
- First offense: $50
- Second offense: $100
- Third offense: $250
If you approach another driver traveling below the speed limit in the left lane of traffic, allow the driver time to change lanes and do not immediately assume they are ignoring your need to pass.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Henness & Haight, our legal team is well-versed in Nevada’s traffic laws and is ready to help auto accident victims hold a negligent driver accountable for the pain and suffering he or she has caused.
Our reputable Las Vegas personal injury attorneys will review your claim during a free initial legal consultation.
If you are able to take legal action against the at-fault driver, we will provide our services on a contingency fee basis and will not charge you upfront legal fees. We will only require payment if we help you recover compensation for your claim.