Got a Speeding Ticket on the 215 or I-15 in Las Vegas? Here's What to Do

You were driving on the 215 or I-15, an officer pulled you over, and now you are holding a speeding ticket. The first question most people ask is simple: do I need a lawyer, or can I just pay it?

You can just pay it. But paying has consequences that are easy to miss. This post walks through what they are, so you can decide with clear information.

What Happens When You Pay a Speeding Ticket in Nevada

Paying a speeding ticket is the same as pleading guilty. The court enters a conviction, and that conviction is reported to the Nevada DMV.

• Demerit points are added to your driving record.
• The conviction is reported to the DMV.
• Your insurance company can see it at renewal and may raise your rate.
• Points stay on your record and count toward the 12-points-in-12-months suspension threshold.

The fine is only part of the cost. Higher insurance premiums can last for years, and they often cost more than the ticket itself.

Nevada Speeding Points and Fines

Nevada assigns 1 to 4 points for speeding, depending on how far over the limit you were going. The more you exceed the limit, the more points and the higher the fine.

• 1 point: fine of $150
• 2 points: fine of $195
• 3 points: fine of $305
• 4 points: fine of $294 or $415

Highway speeds on the 215 and I-15 mean many tickets land in the higher point ranges. A driver going 20 over on a 65 mph stretch is in a very different position than one going 5 over in a neighborhood.

When Does It Make Sense to Fight?

Paying can make sense if the ticket is for 1 point, you have a clean record, and your insurance will not be affected. For many people, it does not work out that way.

You should look at your options before paying if:

• The ticket carries 2 or more points.
• You already have points on your record.
• You have a commercial driver's license or drive for work.
• You believe the speed reading, the stop, or the citation was wrong.
• Your insurance rates matter to you, which is true for most drivers.

What an Attorney Can Do

There are two main paths. Which one fits depends on your ticket and the court.

Negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation

In many cases, I can negotiate to reduce your speeding ticket to a non-moving violation. That means no points, no DMV reporting, and no insurance impact. The ticket is effectively reduced to something like a parking ticket. The court may require traffic school or a reduction fee, and the fine usually stays about the same.

Contest the ticket

If there are weaknesses in the citation or the evidence, we can contest it. In Las Vegas Justice Court, contested cases are often dismissed. A contested case takes longer, since the court sets a hearing date months out, and a bond is required. No outcome is guaranteed, but contesting is a real option when the facts support it.

How the Flat Fee Works in Your Favor

My fee is a flat $100 to $200. There is no hourly billing and no surprise charges.

Compare that with what a conviction can cost. A 3-point ticket means a $305 fine, plus points on your record, plus a likely insurance increase over the next few years. If a $100 to $200 fee keeps those points off your record, the math is usually on your side.

What To Do Next

• Do not ignore the ticket. A missed court date creates bigger problems.
• Find the court date and deadline printed on your citation.
• Take a clear photo of the citation, front and back.
• Contact me before you pay. Once you pay, the conviction is entered.

Send me a copy of your citation and I will tell you what your options look like. You can call me directly at (702) 870-6402.

I am Donald Kudler, co-founding attorney at Cap & Kudler, with more than 20 years of Nevada legal experience. I handle every traffic ticket case personally.