Much of the United States has enacted bans or limits on using a cell phone while driving, but not every city or state has the same laws. In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, it is illegal to text and drive under most circumstances. But how exactly does Nevada define texting, and what other limitations should you be aware of before you get behind the wheel? The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys explains Nevada texting and driving law and its legal repercussions, plus what to do if you’re in a car crash caused by a distracted driver.
What Is Nevada Texting and Driving Law?
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.165, it is unlawful to use a handheld wireless communications device (i.e., a cell phone or tablet) while driving in order to:
- Manually type or enter text
- Send or read data to access or search the Internet
- Engage in non-voice communications with another person (including text messaging, electronic messaging, and instant messaging)
- Engage in voice communications without the use of a hands-free device (except to activate or deactivate a feature or function of a hands-free device)
Essentially, NRS 484B.165 puts a blanket ban on texting and driving, talking on the phone without a hands-free device, and manually typing or reading any text on your cell phone while you’re driving.
Exceptions to Nevada’s Texting and Driving Ban
Ordinary citizens may be excepted from Nevada’s texting and driving ban under the following limited circumstances, such as:
- You are either reporting or requesting assistance for a medical emergency, a safety hazard, or criminal activity
- You’re responding to an emergency situation to protect the health, welfare, or safety of a driver or another person and stopping the vehicle would be inadvisable, impractical, or dangerous
- You’re in a self-driving vehicle (and the autonomous operation of the motor vehicle is authorized by law)
There are several other exceptions to Nevada’s ban on texting and driving, most of which apply to emergency crews and law enforcement. These exceptions include:
- Paid or volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, ambulance attendants, or other persons trained to provide emergency medical services who are acting within the course and scope of their employment
- Law enforcement officers or persons designated by a sheriff, chief of police, or the Director of the Department of Public Safety who is acting within the course and scope of their employment
- Public utility employees or contractors using a handheld wireless communications device provided by the utility company or to respond to an emergency
- Amateur radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) who are providing a communication service in connection with an actual or impending disaster or emergency or participating in a drill or exercise
Punishments for Violating Nevada Texting and Driving Law
Much of the United States has enacted bans or limits on using a cell phone while driving, but not every city or state has the same laws. In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, it is illegal to text and drive under most circumstances. But how exactly does Nevada define texting, and what other limitations should you be aware of before you get behind the wheel? The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys explains Nevada texting and driving law and its legal repercussions, plus what to do if you’re in a car crash caused by a distracted driver.
Injured By a Driver Who Was Texting and Driving In Las Vegas?
If you or a loved one has been injured because of distracted driving in Las Vegas, you could be entitled to serious compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Actions like texting and driving constitute negligence, a cornerstone of liability in many car accident cases. If the driver was cited for breaking Nevada texting and driving law, this could serve as compelling evidence in your accident claim.
However, just because fault is obvious doesn’t mean car insurance companies will make a fair settlement offer. On top of injuries, you may be dealing with property damage to your vehicle, lost wages, and mounting medical bills, not to mention pain and suffering. A reasonable accident settlement should include compensation for all of these losses.
How Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Can Help
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe have helped thousands of injured victims get the settlement they deserve after an accident. Our streamlined personal injury claim process and dedicated legal team take the stress out of filing an accident claim so that you can focus on recovery.
With more than 240 years of combined personal injury litigation experience and billion-dollar settlements recovered on behalf of our clients nationwide, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is the powerhouse law firm you want in your corner. From negotiating a settlement out of court to taking your case to trial, our Las Vegas car wreck lawyers will be with you every step of the way.
To find out more about how we can help and to claim your FREE legal consultation, call us 24/7 at 702-877-1500, connect with a representative online via LiveChat, or fill out this short form. The call is free, the consultation is free, and there is no fee until we make a financial recovery on your behalf.