Nevada law permits passing on the right in certain circumstances, including on roadways with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. The maneuver must be made safely and without driving off the paved portion of the highway or road.
On the other hand, passing on the right is sometimes illegal. If a motorist gets into an accident while passing on the right side illegally, they can be subject to traffic tickets, fines, and other penalties. This motorist can also be held financially responsible for the losses of those harmed due to their negligence.
If you suffer injuries or property damage in an accident while passing on the right and someone else is at fault, now is the time to meet with a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas from H&P Law. Our legal team has recovered over $100 million for our clients. Depending on your situation, we can help you obtain damages from the party liable for your automobile accident.
Is It Okay to Pass Someone on the Right in Nevada?
In Nevada, it’s legal to pass on the right only under specific conditions where the movement can be made safely and without driving off the paved portion of the highway or road. Per Nevada law, there are scenarios in which you are legally permitted to pass on the right, including:
- The vehicle you want to pass is in the process of making a left-hand turn or is signaling to make a left-hand turn.
- The highway has unobstructed pavement, is not occupied by a parked vehicle, and is wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction.
- The road is a one-way street, and there are two or more lanes designated for vehicle traffic.
If someone wasn’t legally passing on the right and crashed their car into your vehicle, you could potentially have grounds for a claim or lawsuit against them. To find out, meet with the team at H&P Law. We have more than 60 years of combined experience and can use what we know to help you secure compensation from the responsible party.
Is It Illegal to Pass on the Right Anywhere in the U.S.?
Passing on the right is not illegal everywhere in the United States, but it is heavily restricted based on the road type, local government, and state law. Below are times when it is illegal for a driver to pass on the right:
- Using the shoulder: It is usually against the law to drive onto an unpaved or paved shoulder to bypass traffic, but specific rules and exceptions vary by state.
- Two-lane, two-way roads: On a standard two-lane road, with one lane in each direction, it’s typically illegal to pass on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning left.
- Specific state restrictions: There’s no federal law that makes it illegal to pass on the right nationwide, but legislatures in Florida, New York, and several other states have statutes that limit right-lane overtaking under certain conditions. In Nevada, passing on the right is regulated in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.210.
If you were involved in a car accident in which the other driver illegally passed on the right, talk with a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas from H&P Law. We can teach you about legislation relating to passing on the right in Nevada and elsewhere in the United States. Plus, we may help you take the initial step to file a claim or lawsuit against the party liable for your accident.
Can You Legally Pass a Bicycle Rider on the Right?
Nevada law generally requires motorists overtaking a bicycle, an electric bicycle, or an electric scooter traveling in the same direction to pass on the left. When there is more than one lane traveling in the same direction, the motorist has to move into the designated lane immediately to the left when that lane is available and doing so is reasonably safe.
Bicycle riders are required to ride on the right side of the road or in a designated bike lane. Outside of Nevada’s rules for using bicycle lanes, cyclists are legally entitled to occupy a designated lane for traffic under various conditions.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Traffic Collision When Another Driver Was Passing on the Right
If you were injured in a traffic collision because another driver was passing on the right, you may have a case for pursuing economic and non-economic damages from this motorist as part of an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. To recover damages, you’ll have to establish negligence and show that this motorist caused your accident, injuries, and losses.
H&P Law is a Nevada personal injury law firm that’s earned many positive client testimonials. Our personal injury attorneys want to learn about your auto accident that occurred when another driver was passing on the right. We can investigate your accident to see whether the incident was the result of an illegal traffic maneuver, speeding, or other acts of negligence.
If you decide to file a claim or sue, we can help you seek compensation for your accident losses in accordance with Nevada law. Your personal injury attorney can negotiate the terms of a settlement for your car accident with a liable party’s insurer. Alternatively, we can argue to a judge or jury why you should recover damages in your personal injury case.
The Bottom Line on Whether It’s Legal for You to Pass on the Right
It is legal for you to pass on the right when you drive on Interstate 80 (I-80), Interstate 15 (I-15), U.S. Route 95, and other highways and roads in Nevada. Yet, it’s not legal in every situation. If you get hurt in a car crash in which the other motorist violated regulations involving passing on the right, the team at H&P Law is here to help you with a claim or lawsuit.
We are a courtroom-proven and client-praised personal injury law firm committed to helping our clients get the compensation and justice they deserve. Our attorneys can advise you on every aspect of your personal injury case. Along with this, any time you have legal concerns or questions, we want to address them promptly.
If you have suffered great bodily harm in a car accident when you were legally passing on the right, we encourage you to reach out. At this point, we can evaluate your auto accident case and discuss your legal options with you. To get started, schedule a free consultation.
