Speeding is a well-known crash risk that is controlled by laws such as maximum speed limits on Nevada’s public roads. Yet a lesser-known accident risk is driving too slowly. While Nevada does not have a universal minimum speed limit in place, there is a law prohibiting speeds that are unreasonably slow. If you’ve been injured in an accident potentially caused by someone driving too fast or too slow, discussing your case with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help clarify your legal options.
Is Driving Too Slowly Illegal in Nevada?
It is possible to receive a traffic ticket and points against your driver’s license for driving too slowly in the State of Nevada. While public roads do not have posted minimum speed limits, there is an overarching traffic law in Nevada that prohibits driving at a speed that is significantly lower than surrounding traffic without good reason. Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.623 states: A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. This law also gives public authorities the right to establish a minimum speed limit if one is deemed necessary after an engineering and traffic investigation.
Responsibilities of Slow-Moving Drivers
If a driver is forced to operate a motor vehicle at a speed that is slow enough to impede the normal flow of surrounding traffic – such as if the vehicle is operating on a donut tire or transporting a large load – he or she has a legal responsibility to drive to the extreme right side of the highway or right-hand lane, and to use alternate routes whenever possible. If a slow-moving vehicle has resulted in a line of five or more vehicles stuck behind the car, the driver of the moving vehicle has a duty to turn off the roadway at the nearest designated place or the nearest place where there is sufficient space for a safe turnout. Failing to turn off the road as a slow-moving vehicle can result in a civil infraction.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Too Slowly in Nevada?
Impeding the flow of traffic by driving at an extremely slow speed can be dangerous, especially on a highway with multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic. Surrounding drivers are not anticipating a slow-moving vehicle, especially in one of the left lanes. Other drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. For this reason, Nevada statutes penalize driving too slowly. Not driving fast enough is a civil infraction with a maximum penalty of $500 in fines. In addition, the driver can receive two demerit points against his or her driver’s license. If 12 or more points are accumulated within a year, the driver’s license will be suspended for six months.
What if a Slow-Moving Driver Causes an Accident?
A driver in Nevada could be held liable, or financially responsible, for a crash that he or she causes by driving too slowly. If an investigation finds that the driver was traveling significantly slower than the speed limit without a valid reason, such as car problems or bad weather, he or she can be held liable for a subsequent crash. Stopping without warning could also lead to liability for a collision, including a rear-end collision. If you get hurt in an accident because of a slow-moving driver in Las Vegas, consult with a car accident attorney in Las Vegas about your legal options. An attorney can help you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company and establish liability using evidence, such as a civil infraction received by the driver for driving too slowly or failing to use the right lane.