Recent Changes to Nevada Traffic Law

Important updates that affect how your traffic ticket is handled

The Big Change: Civil Infractions vs. Criminal Misdemeanors

Nevada law has undergone a significant change regarding how most traffic violations are classified. Previously, many traffic tickets were treated as criminal misdemeanors. Now, most traffic violations are classified as civil infractions.

What This Means for You

Before (Criminal Misdemeanors)

  • • Traffic tickets were criminal offenses
  • • Could result in a criminal record
  • • Required appearance in criminal court
  • • Carried potential for jail time in some cases
  • • More complex legal proceedings

Now (Civil Infractions)

  • • Most tickets are civil matters
  • • No criminal record from most violations
  • • Streamlined court procedures
  • • No jail time for civil infractions
  • • Focus on fines and points

Points Still Matter

While the reclassification to civil infractions removes the criminal stigma from most traffic violations, demerit points are still assessed for moving violations. These points:

  • Are reported to the Nevada DMV
  • Can increase your insurance premiums significantly
  • Accumulate on your driving record (12 points in 12 months = suspension)
  • Stay on your record for years

Our Goal: No Points

For civil traffic infractions, our goal is simple: reduce your moving violation to a parking ticket with no points.

A parking ticket means no points reported to the DMV, no notification to your insurance company, and no impact on your driving record.

Violations That Remain Criminal

Some serious traffic violations remain criminal offenses under Nevada law, including:

  • • DUI / DWI (Driving Under the Influence)
  • • Reckless Driving
  • • Hit and Run
  • • Driving on a Suspended License
  • • Vehicular Manslaughter

We Don't Handle Criminal Matters

Our practice focuses exclusively on civil traffic infractions. We do not handle criminal traffic matters such as DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, or driving on a suspended license. However, if you're facing criminal charges, we can refer you to experienced criminal defense attorneys who handle these cases. Contact us and let us know what you're facing—we're happy to point you in the right direction.

Have a Civil Traffic Ticket?

We'll review your case and explain your options—before you pay us anything.

Free Consultation