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    NRS 484B.207 – Passing on the Right – Nevada Law & Penalties

    Definition

    Passing a vehicle on the right side is a traffic violation in Nevada (with some exceptions). For instance, passing on the right-hand side is usually illegal in the following situations:

    • on two-lane roads, or
    • if passing on the right would require the driver to go over an unpaved road

    Penalties

    Unlawfully passing a vehicle on the right side is a civil infraction in Nevada and carries four (4) driver’s license demerit points.

    The civil penalty varies depending on location. In the City of Las Vegas, the ticket is $305.

    No matter the jurisdiction, the civil penalty doubles if the incident occurred in a work zone or pedestrian zone.

    Defenses

    It is often possible to get traffic ticket charges reduced to a non-moving violation or even dismissed. Typical defenses are:

    • The defendant was being safe and law-abiding,
    • There was an emergency, or
    • Someone falsely accused the defendant

    In this article, our Las Vegas traffic ticket attorneys will discuss:

    Traffic sign for not passing on right in Nevada

    Unlawfully passing a car on the right is a civil infraction in Nevada.

    1. Is passing on the right illegal in Nevada?

    It depends on the situation. Passing vehicles on the left is the default traffic rule in Nevada, but passing on the right is lawful in any of the following four circumstances:

    1. on one-way roads when there is enough width for two vehicles; or
    2. the driver of the vehicle being passed is making a left turn (or signaling to make a left turn); or
    3. the road has at least two lanes moving in the same direction; or
    4. the road’s shoulder is sufficiently wide for the passing car, and
      • the passing driver travels a maximum of 200 feet on the shoulder, or
      • the shoulder is not part of an intersection or highway exit or entrance

    Meanwhile, passing on the right is unlawful in the following situations:

    • on two-lane roads, or
    • if passing on the right would require the driver to go over unpaved road1

    2. How do I fight the charges?

    The most effective defenses to Nevada charges of illegal passing on the right hinge on the specific facts of the case. Three common defense strategies include:

    1. The driver acted legally and safely
    2. The driver was in an emergency situation and acted reasonably
    3. The driver was falsely accused

    2.1. The driver acted legally and safely

    Sometimes safety is subjective. What seems hazardous to one traffic officer could appear lawful to another.

    A defense attorney would work to uncover surveillance video and eyewitnesses in order to show that the driver executed the pass legally and safely.

    2.2. The driver was in an emergency situation and acted reasonably

    Vehicle passing another vehicle on the right.

    Passing on the right may be legal in emergency situations.

    Close-calls happen on roads all the time. Drivers may succumb to a seizure, or perhaps debris falls from a truck, or a traffic light falls down. Either way, drivers faced with these unexpected situations might have to carry out an impromptu and risky car passing in an effort to avoid an accident.

    Under Nevada’s “sudden emergency doctrine,” drivers are relieved from civil liability when they act reasonably in unexpected conditions.2

    2.3. The driver was falsely accused

    Road rage is a common phenomenon, and each day motorists have meltdowns and hurl false allegations at others over minor occurrences. In these situations, surveillance video and eyewitness testimony would be valuable in proving that the accuser is lying (or mistaken).

    Note that most traffic cases involve little litigation where the defendant is called to defend him/herself on the merits. Oftentimes, the defense and D.A. can work out a favorable deal with no need to undertake an extensive investigation.

    3. What are the penalties for unlawful passing on the right side in Las Vegas, Nevada?

    Making an unlawful right-hand pass in the City of Las Vegas carries a $305 civil penalty.3 The amount is usually less in other jurisdictions, though. In the City of Reno, for example, the civil penalty for unlawfully passing a car on the right $115.4

    As a civil infraction, unlawful passing on the right carries a maximum penalty of $500.5

    3.1. Unsafe passing in a work zone or pedestrian zone

    Nevada law imposes double penalties for unlawful right-hand passing if the incident occurred in a work zone or a pedestrian safety zone. So a ticket that normally carries a $305 civil penalty would double to $610 if the alleged passing happened in a construction area or a zone designated for pedestrians.

    Car speeding on the right hand lane.

    Unlawfully passing on the right carries double penalties in work zones.

    Note that work zones and pedestrian safety zones are supposed to be marked with signage so that motorists have notice that violating traffic laws carries double penalties. In the event that these signs are missing, a defense attorney can argue that any double penalty civil penalties should be lifted since the driver was deprived of notice.6

    4. Can I get a charge for passing on the right reduced to a non-moving violation?

    Usually yes, especially if the defendant has a clean driving record. And if the defendant’s case is strong, the defense attorney may even be able to get the charge not just reduced but totally dismissed.

    5. How many points will go on my driver’s license?

    The Nevada DMV adds four (4) demerit points to a defendant’s license for illegally passing on the right-hand side.7 After one year passes, the demerit points disappear.

    Note that accumulating twelve (12) or more demerit points results in a six-month license suspension. It could be possible to fight the suspension at a DMV administrative hearing, which is similar to a trial.8

    Note that driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor carrying up to six (6) months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.9

    6. Will my auto insurance rates go up?

    Two cars driving on a road.

    Illegally passing a car on the right can increase insurance premiums.

    Yes, moving violations usually do cause insurance companies to increase premiums. But if the defense attorney manages to get the charge reduced to a non-moving violation or dismissed, there should be no insurance penalties.

    7. Do I have to do traffic school?

    It depends…

    Sometimes, prosecutors offer plea deals that require no traffic school. Other times, judges allow defendants to pay higher civil penalties in exchange for not doing traffic school. Many times, traffic school is the only way to get illegal passing charges lessened to a non-moving violation, which carries no demerit points or insurance rate increases.10

    Of course, the ideal scenario is for the defense attorney to persuade the prosecutor to dismiss the charges with no penalties whatsoever.

    8. What happens if I ignore my ticket?

    If 90 days pass without you paying the ticket, you can be assessed a delinquency fee, and your license may be suspended.11

    9. What will happen to my commercial driver’s license?

    The Nevada DMV will add four (4) demerit points to a driver’s commercial license (CDL) for illegally passing on the right.12

    9.1. CDL Suspension

    Federal law considers unsafe passing to be a “serious offense.” Commercial drivers who commit two serious offenses within three years will have their CDL suspended for 60 days. A third case within three years carries a 120-day CDL suspension.13

    10. What will happen to my out-of-state license?

    The best course of action is to consult with a lawyer in the home state to see if and how the DMV will penalize the person’s license. Usually, DMVs hand down the same penalties as they would if the passing violation took place in the home state.

    11. When can I seal the case?

    Because infractions are civil and not criminal, they do not show up on your criminal record. (Though if you do not pay the financial penalty, a civil judgment may show up on your record.)

    Old misdemeanor-level convictions from before January 1, 2023 can be sealed one year after the case ended. Dismissed cases can be sealed immediately.14

    Infractions do appear on your driving record, which is unsealable.15

    12. Will I get deported?

    No, legal aliens will not get deported for passing on the right side. The list of deportable offenses does not include minor traffic offenses.

    But considering the current political climate, all immigrants are advised to seek legal counsel whenever they are facing criminal charges to make sure their resident status will not be affected.

    13. Should I fight my citation or just pay?

    In most cases, fight it because the prosecutor will probably extend a favorable plea deal without much resistance. The few extra days or weeks it takes to challenge a ticket is worth possibly not getting demerit points or insurance rate increases.

    14. Can I go to trial?

    Traffic sign for not passing on right in Nevada.

    It is very rare for illegal right-hand passing cases to go to trial in Nevada.

    Yes, you can contest a hearing to fight the traffic citation. It is like a mini-trial.16

    15. Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a traffic ticket?

    Lawyering up provides defendants three main advantages:

    1. The D.A. usually gives better plea deals to traffic defendants who have counsel;
    2. Defense attorneys are skilled in negotiating favorable plea bargains with prosecutors; and
    3. Defendants who hire attorneys never have to appear in court (in most cases), which means they will not have to miss work.

    16. If a driver causes an accident by unlawfully passing on the right side, can I file a lawsuit?

    Yes. The victim in the accident (“plaintiff”) could have a viable claim under the Nevada legal doctrine of negligence per se. A defendant can be civilly liable under negligence per se if:

    1. the defendant violated a statute (such as NRS 484B.207);
    2. this violation caused an injury (such as a car accident and pedestrian knockdown); and
    3. the victim is part of the class of people that the statute is meant to protect (such as fellow people sharing the road).17

    As opposed to regular negligence cases, “negligence per se” cases allow the court to presume that the defendant breached his/her duty of care. So the plaintiff just has to prove that his/her injuries resulted from the defendant’s breach of duty.

    Ideally, personal injury cases settle without a trial. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys attempt to negotiate the largest settlement possible to cover the defendant’s:

    If negotiations are not fruitful, however, our attorneys will fight for the victim at trial in pursuit of the largest compensatory damages and punitive damages the court can give. Even if the victim partly contributed to the accident, he/she might still be eligible for hefty money damages. Learn more about our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys.

    17. Other traffic violations

    17.1. Failure to signal (NRS 484B.413)

    Failing to signal before changing lanes or making a turn is a civil infraction in Nevada. The penalty in the City of Las Vegas is $205. And the DMV levies one (1) demerit point.18

    17.2. Tailgating (NRS 484B.127)

    Following a car too closely is a misdemeanor in Nevada. It makes no difference if the tailgating does not result in an accident. The fine in the City of Las Vegas is $305. And the DMV levies four (4) demerit points.19

    17.3. Unsafe backing (NRS 484B.113)

    Backing up a vehicle in an unsafe manner is a civil infraction in Nevada. The penalty in the City of Las Vegas is $205, and the DMV levies two (2) demerit points. 20

    For a Nevada traffic defense attorney…

    For a consultation, call our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys. We may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed with no traffic school, demerit points penalties, or insurance rate hikes.

    Cited in California? Contact our Los Angeles traffic attorneys.

    Cited in Colorado? Contact our Denver traffic attorneys.

    Legal References:

    1. NRS 484B.207 – Overtaking vehicle on left side: Duties of drivers of overtaking and overtaken vehicle; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone. 1. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. 2. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle upon observing the overtaking vehicle or hearing a signal. The driver of an overtaken vehicle shall not increase the speed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. 3. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to any additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130 or 484B.135.
      NRS 484B.210. AB 56 (2023).
      NRS 484B.213 – Limitations on overtaking on left side; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone. 1. A vehicle must not be driven to the left side of the center of a two-lane, two-directional highway and overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. 2. A vehicle must not be driven to the left side of the highway at any time: (a) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction. (b) When approaching within 100 feet or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing. (c) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. 3. Subsection 2 does not apply upon a one-way highway. 4. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to any additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130 or 484B.135.
      NRS 484B.217 – Zones in which overtaking on left side or making left-hand turn prohibited; exceptions; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone. 1. The Department of Transportation with respect to highways constructed under the authority of chapter 408 of NRS, and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may determine those zones of highways where overtaking and passing to the left or making a left-hand turn would be hazardous, and may by the erection of official traffic-control devices indicate such zones. When such devices are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 4, a driver shall not drive on the left side of the highway within such zone or drive across or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such zone throughout its length. 3. A driver may drive across a pavement striping marking such zone to an adjoining highway if the driver has first given the appropriate turn signal and there will be no impediment to oncoming or following traffic. 4. Except where otherwise provided, a driver may drive across a pavement striping marking such a zone to make a left-hand turn if the driver has first given the appropriate turn signal in compliance with NRS 484B.413, if it is safe and if it would not be an impediment to oncoming or following traffic. 5. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to any additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130 or 484B.135.
    2. See Posas v. Horton, 228 P.3d 457, 126 Nev. 112 (2010)(“[A] sudden emergency occurs when an unexpected condition confronts a party exercising reasonable care.”).
    3. Las Vegas Municipal Bail Schedule & Sentencing Guidelines; The violation codes is 604.
    4. Reno Municipal Bail Schedule; the violation code is 6.06.125B.
    5. NRS 193.150. AB 116 (2021).
    6. NRS 484B.130; NRS 484B.135.
    7. Nevada DMV Violation Codes.
    8. NAC 483.500; NAC 483.510; NAC 483.764.
    9. NRS 484B.560.
    10. See, for example, Traffic School Information, North Las Vegas Municipal Court; Las Vegas Justice Court Traffic School.
    11. See Nevada DMV Suspension Information Page. NRS 484C.7047.
    12. NAC 483.500; NAC 483.510.
    13. 49 CFR §383.51.
    14. NRS 179.245. NRS 179.255.
    15. Nevada Official Driving Records Online, Nevada DMV
    16. Sixth Amendment.
    17. Sagebrush Ltd. v. Carson City, 660 P.2d 1013, 1015, 99 Nev. 204, 207, (Nev.,1983).
    18. Las Vegas Municipal Bail Schedule & Sentencing Guidelines; Nevada DMV Violation Codes.
    19. Id.
    20. Id.

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