Those living or playing in Nevada in 2023 should make themselves aware of new traffic laws that will come into effect in the new year. One significant change that will happen as of January 1 of this year is that minor traffic offenses will no longer be criminalized. Just as important, individuals who do not pay for these traffic offenses will no longer be jailed as a result. In addition to these two important changes, all warrants that are pending and related to unpaid tickets and minor traffic violations will be canceled.
A Long Time Coming
The new law, Assembly Bill 116, which passed in the 2021 Nevada Legislative Sessions, had been in the works for several years. The Nevada legislature hopes that the passing of this law will keep people out of jail for minor offenses and bring relief to those who cannot pay imposed fines. It is estimated that there are 270,000 residents in Clark County alone with outstanding warrants due to minor traffic offenses.
But just because you can no longer be criminally charged for failing to pay a traffic citation does not mean that you are off the hook. Tickets must be paid for, and failure to do so will be reported to auto insurance carriers and eventually referred to collections. Notably, the decriminalization of traffic offenses only applies to minor ones; more serious offenses, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or reckless driving, are still crimes.
Staying Safe in 2023
The New Year can mean many celebrations for those living or playing in Nevada. That being said, it is critical to stay safe not just during NYE but during the remainder of the new year. According to research, there are more than 70% more car accidents involving the use of drugs or alcohol between December 31 and January 1 between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am than any other average weekend during the year. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 400 people are killed on America’s roads every New Year’s holiday. Moreover, 49% of traffic fatalities in 2020 involved a drunk driver. Several things you can do to help keep yourself safe during any holiday in 2023 include expecting longer trips, having alternate routes, and having flexibility with your travel dates.
Contact Our Attorneys
Knowing the traffic laws in your state, whether you are living or visiting, is critical to ensure you are not running into issues on the road. Even the best drivers who strive to stay up-to-date with local traffic laws can still get involved in a car accident in Nevada through no fault of their own. The skilled personal injury lawyers at H&P Law can help you seek compensation for the harm you have suffered due to a negligent driver. Contact us today.
