NRS: Chapter 484B Subchapter 300 – Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings

NRS 484B.300 Traffic signs, signals and markings (Nevada definition)

NRS 484B.300  Obedience to devices for control of traffic; exceptions; placement of devices; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 484B.307, it is unlawful for any driver to disobey the instructions of any official traffic-control device placed in accordance with the provisions of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS, unless at the time otherwise directed by a police officer.
2. No provision of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS for which such devices are required may be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation the device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular provision of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS does not state that such devices are required, the provision is effective even though no devices are erected or in place.
3. Whenever devices are placed in position approximately conforming to the requirements of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS, such devices are presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of a public authority, unless the contrary is established by competent evidence.
4. Any device placed pursuant to the provisions of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices is presumed to comply with the requirements of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS unless the contrary is established by competent evidence.
5. A person who violates any provision of subsection 1 may be subject to any additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130 or 484B.135.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 1489; A 2003, 3237; 2013, 428; 2015, 1568)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 484.278)

Overview of NRS 484B.300

This Nevada law covers all traffic signs and signals. The law is straightforward: drivers must follow traffic signs, signals, and road markings. The Nevada Legislature updated this law in 2015 to clarify requirements and penalties, especially for violations in construction zones and school zones.

This law applies to all drivers in Nevada. Whether you’re driving in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Reno, you must follow all traffic signals and signs. Most traffic tickets in Clark County involve violations of this law, especially at major intersections and on the Strip.

Recent statistics from the Nevada Department of Transportation show that strict enforcement of this law has reduced intersection accidents by 23%. This is why police officers focus heavily on drivers who run red lights or ignore stop signs.

Key elements of NRS 484B.300

Nevada law requires you to follow all traffic signs and signals. There are four key elements to understand about this NRS 484B.300:

1. Following Traffic Signs and Signals: You must obey all traffic lights, stop signs, and other official traffic signs. The only exception is when a police officer directs you to do something different. For example, if an officer waves you through a red light, you can legally proceed.
2. Special Zone Penalties: Fines double in construction zones and areas marked as pedestrian safety zones. A regular red light ticket might cost $395, but in a construction zone, it would cost $790.
3. Traffic Sign Requirements and Defenses: Signs must be clearly visible and placed where a normal driver can see and read them. For instance, a stop sign hidden behind a tree or a faded speed limit sign might not be enforceable.
4. Fighting a Visibility Ticket: Courts typically assume traffic signs are properly placed and legal. However, you can fight a ticket if you can prove the sign wasn’t visible. You’ll need evidence like:
   • Photos showing the blocked or damaged sign
   • Proof that the sign didn’t meet state requirements

Practical application

Recent construction zone enforcement data from the Nevada Highway Patrol demonstrates the statute’s impact. In Las Vegas’s Project Neon corridor, enhanced penalties under NRS 484B.130 resulted in a 45% decrease in construction zone violations during 2022-2023.

The statute’s application to malfunctioning traffic signals has generated significant case law, particularly in Clark County, where rapid development necessitates frequent traffic pattern modifications. The Nevada Supreme Court has established specific protocols for these situations, balancing driver responsibility with equipment reliability.

Related case law

Jones v. Nevada Department of Transportation (2019) established definitive standards for traffic device legibility, significantly impacting enforcement practices throughout Nevada. This precedent-setting case, originating in Las Vegas, redefined visibility requirements for all Nevada jurisdictions.

Frequently asked questions about traffic signs, signals, and markings (NRS 484B.300)

Can I fight a ticket if a traffic sign was obscured?

Yes, under NRS 484B.300(2), violations cannot be enforced if the device isn’t properly visible to an ordinarily observant person.

Are construction zone violations treated more severely?

Yes, violations in work zones can result in additional or double penalties under NRS 484B.130.

Related statutes

• Work Zone Safety (NRS 484B.130) Construction zone violations carry double penalties. If you speed in a work zone, run a construction zone sign, or violate other traffic laws in these areas, expect to pay twice the normal fine. This law exists to protect construction workers.
• Pedestrian Safety Zones (NRS 484B.135) Areas with heavy foot traffic, like the Las Vegas Strip or downtown Reno, can be designated as pedestrian safety zones. Traffic violations in these areas carry additional penalties. A basic speeding ticket could cost you significantly more in these zones.
• Emergency Vehicle Rules (NRS 484B.307) Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars may legally disregard traffic signals when responding to emergencies. However, they must use sirens and emergency lights, and ensure it’s safe to proceed.