An Update on Current Nevada Law

Since 2003 Nevada law has required drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and when possible, move to the far lane when passing an official emergency response vehicle(s) pulled over on the side of the road with amber lights flashing. Beginning July 1, 2017, NRS 484B.607 expanded to lawfully require drivers to do the same for Nevada Department of Transportation vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights on.

The law also includes NDOT's Freeway Service Patrol vehicles, which help keep traffic moving smoothly in Reno and Las Vegas. Drivers found guilty of violating the law can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Beginning October 1, 2017, the “Move Over” law will further apply to any “traffic incident” including stalled vehicles and debris on the roadway.

Keeping Nevada Drivers and NDOT Employees Safe

NDOT vehicles with flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights are often used to warn drivers of an immediate traffic hazard, as well as when employees are constructing, maintaining or repairing highways. Since 1948, nearly 25 NDOT employees have been killed while working on the job. 

NDOT has approximately 2,000 pieces of heavy equipment, such as snow plows, and 850 roadway maintenance and 350 construction administration professionals responsible for maintenance and construction improvements on more than 5,000 miles of state roadway. NDOT maintenance professionals perform as many as 100 different roadway maintenance tasks, from resurfacing state roads to removing snow. They are often first on scene to assist drivers and emergency responders when there is a roadway incident.