NRS 484B.223 Driving on Highway Having Multiple Marked Lanes for Traffic

Anyone who has driven on a major highway would have come across multiple lanes of traffic all going in the same direction.

Nevada is littered though with smaller-sized highways such as highway 93 which travels north and south linking southern Nevada all the way to Elko by way of the old mining town of Ely (Ely is also the gateway town to Great Basin National Park).

Highway 95 also travels south and north but it is located on the west side of the state and links Reno to Las Vegas by way of many small towns with the most notable being Tonopah.

Tonopah is where silver was discovered and still has working mines in the area.

Highways 93 and 95 are, for the most part, two-lane highways where one lane travels in one direction while the other lane travels the opposite.  NRS 484B.223 was written more for major highways such as Interstate 80, which crosses Nevada from Elko to Reno by way of the old sheep town of Winnemucca.

Interstate 80 continues on through Utah to the east and California to the west.  Needless to say, it is a major thoroughfare consisting of multiple lanes traveling in both directions.

In the southern part of the state of Nevada, there is Interstate 15 which travels north and south. Similar to I-80 up north, it spans to Utah and beyond to the west and ends near San Diego, California in the southern direction.  It too has many lanes going both ways, especially when traveling through large cities such as Las Vegas.

If you ever find yourself pulled over by law enforcement officials in Nevada for any type of traffic ticket you should call or drop by to see Ticket Busters.  We have helped countless people in southern Nevada get their tickets resolved with many having had theirs dropped completely or reduced.  Our office will do the work so you do not have to.

Nevada Revised Statute 484B.223 lays out the rules for driving on these types of major highways that have multiple lanes marked up for drivers.  Being that the prefix to this statute is “484” which means that it is part of the Rules of the Road which basically lays out all rules for driving in Nevada.  The statute specifically reads:

NRS 484B.223 Driving on highway having multiple marked lanes for traffic; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone.

The statute has four sub-rules which we will get into next.

Use of Turn Signals

The first one is:

1. If a highway has two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in one direction, vehicles must:

(a) Be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane; and

(b) Not be moved from that lane until the driver has given the appropriate turn signal and ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.

This is pretty much common sense for anyone who has been driving or frankly anyone that has ever ridden in a car.

The lanes were set up and painted on the road for a reason and that reason is for cars to stay within them.  Driving on the line or swerving between lanes will get you a ticket by Nevada Highway Patrol (NPH).  It is imperative for safety that you always stay within the confines of your lane.  Bouncing through the solid lines poses a danger to other vehicles on the road and you could even make contact with one if they are directly next to you.

Of course, sometimes it is necessary to direct your car to a different lane for a variety of reasons. These reasons could include passing or overtaking another car or getting into a position to exit the highway.  Another common reason for making a lane change is to move to the right because you are driving slower than the normal flow of traffic.

Regardless of the reason for changing lanes, as the statute says, you always need to ensure you have your turn signal on and that there is ample room for you to make your move without impeding another driver.  Again, this shouldn’t be anything new to learn for drivers but if you violate the rules you will be subject to a ticket by NPH.

Guidance When There Are Three Lanes

The second sub-rule reads:

2. Upon a highway which has been divided into three clearly marked lanes, a vehicle must not be driven in the extreme left lane at any time. A vehicle on such a highway must not be driven in the center lane except:

(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle where the highway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic for a safe distance;

(b) In preparation for a left turn; or

(c) When the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction in which the vehicle is proceeding and a sign is posted to give notice of such allocation.

When there are three lanes of traffic clearly marked by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), you must not drive in the far left lane at any time.  Basically, you need to stay in the right-hand lane, although they do map out the exceptions for being in the middle lane.

So it is ok to drive in the center lane when you are passing someone (passing or overtaking a vehicle should pretty much always be conducted on the left-hand side) or in preparation of making a left-hand turn.

What to Do and What Not to Do in Center Lanes Used by Cars Travelling in Opposite Directions

The third rule within this NRS applies to roadways that have a center lane that is used by cars traveling in opposite directions:

3. If a highway has been designed to provide a single center lane to be used only for turning by traffic moving in both directions, the following rules apply:

(a) A vehicle may be driven in the center turn lane only for the purpose of making a left-hand turn onto or from the highway.

(b) A vehicle must not travel more than 200 feet in a center turn lane before making a left-hand turn from the highway.

(c) A vehicle must not travel more than 50 feet in a center turn lane after making a left-hand turn onto the highway before merging with traffic.

 It can be a little awkward when there is an open lane in between two others with traffic zooming in both directions.

That is why there are rules to follow.  By adhering to this NRS, drivers can be knowledgeable as to what to do and other drivers will know what to expect.

As subset (a) states, it is ok to utilize that center lane when one is making a left-hand turn.

As you can imagine, the middle lane works for any left-hand turn regardless of the direction of traffic.

When utilizing that lane, you just cannot drive in it for more than two hundred feet before making that said left-hand turn.

And when utilizing that lane after turning into the roadway, you cannot use it for more than fifty feet.

Basically, drivers in Nevada can utilize that center lane but they cannot use it for too long or you can be issued a traffic ticket.

Right-Lane for Turning Rules

4. If a highway has been designed to provide a single right lane to be used only for turning, a vehicle must:

(a) Be driven in the right turn lane only for the purpose of making a right turn; and

(b) While being driven in the right turn lane, not travel through an intersection.

When you see traffic that is built up to a long line of idled cars but see a right turn lane that is empty, you have to avoid the urge of using it as a through lane.  That lane was designed for the right-hand turn and that is the only reason you are allowed to use it.

Even if you follow that rule though you can still be in violation of this statute if you are traveling in that lane and pass through an intersection.

Again, the lane was intended to be utilized for drivers to turn right, not as a thoroughfare.

Often times we will be stuck in traffic and see someone utilize that lane to bypass all of the stuck cars.  That is not a friendly driving move and, if noticed by law enforcement, you can expect to receive a ticket.

Penalties for Violating NRS 484B.223

5. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to the additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130.

 As with most of the Nevada Revised Statutes that deal with traffic laws (or more commonly known as the “Rules of the Road”), there can be more penalties if a driver is caught violating this statute while operating their vehicle in a work zone.

If given a ticket for being in violation of NRS 484B.223 or any other statute or crime then contact Ticket Busters immediately.

You do not want to have to deal with navigating the court system by yourself.  Having legal professionals guide you through the system will make your life much easier.   And it is always better to have someone with knowledge and experience on your side.

At Ticket Busters, we are here to protect your rights and help keep your driving record in good standing.  We will work diligently to help you receive the best outcome possible in a court of law.  Contact us today for help.

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