We’ve all seen aggressive drivers on the roads in Las Vegas and the rest of southern Nevada.
Drive on any of the numerous highways in Las Vegas and you will likely see a driver riding the bumper of the car in front or aggressively swerving between lanes to get ahead. This is a common occurrence on Interstate 15 especially during times of higher traffic.
Rush hour seems to push a button on many drivers making them act a bit different then they usually will. Perhaps it is the high occupancy of vehicles on the road at that time or maybe it is because higher traffic just means that a typical drive takes a bit longer than it usually does. In any case, when patience exits the driver’s characteristics, they sometimes can act more aggressively with their driving.
In most cases, the drivers of the car that are driving aggressively think by doing so, that behavior will get them to their destination sooner. Usually, that is not the end result. In most cases, those aggressive drivers traveling fast and cutting in and out of lanes, bypassing cars moving at the normal speed of traffic usually end up at the same red light as everyone else.
So, in all of their angst, they do not make any real progress. What they do though, is increase their odds of getting a traffic violation under Nevada Revised Statute 484B.650.
Patience, or a lack of, is not the only reason some drivers operate their automobile violently. Sometimes, a move or action by another car can set off a driver’s anger meter. Road rage incidents tend to be increasing and can really spiral out of control. Sometimes a driver makes an honest mistake and cuts a car off in error. If the other driver (the one that got cutoff) takes offense and acts violently towards the first car then this is a violation of NRS 484B.650.
What NRS 484B.650 Say About Aggressive Driving
The statute specifically reads the following and consists of numerous sub points:
NRS 484B.650 Acts constituting aggressive driving; penalties; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone.
There are some specific actions a driver must do to actually be cited a violation for this statute and they include:
- Creating a hazard for other drivers
- Driving at a speed higher than the posted limit
- Committing additional violations of other Rules of the Road in Nevada
These additional rules include the following:
- Following another car too closely
- Not adhering to the instructions of a controlled traffic device
- Driving unsafe or improperly on a roadway with marked traffic lanes and/or
- Failing to yield prior to making a left hand turn,
- Driving through a stop sign,
- Making an unsafe turn from a private driveway,
- Failing to yield at a controlled access highway or intersection or
- Failing to give the right of way to an emergency vehicle that is signaling distress.
If a driver meets all three of these criteria and is witnessed doing them by a law enforcement officer then there could be a traffic ticket issued for “aggressive driving”.
If you are ever issued a traffic ticket, whether it be for one of these three items or the bigger issue of aggressive driving, then we recommend you look for legal assistance.
You may not feel you need to but it is in your best interest to do so. Having to deal with court appearances and paying maximum fines is probably not anything you want to do.
So by hiring out an attorney from Ticket Busters, you can have them assist you with possibly avoiding having to show up for court. There is also the possibility of getting your ticket reduced or sometimes even getting it thrown out completely. It will all depend on the circumstances of what exactly occurred and how much evidence there is against you. In any case, our professional staff will work with you on a strategic meeting to get the details and to provide a solution to you for assistance.
Penalties for Aggressive Driving in Nevada
The fines for getting a ticket for aggressive driving can range depending on the severity of the situation. For a basic violation, the fine can be as low as $250 but it can increase up to $1,000.
Fines and Jail Time
For the first-time offense, a driver can expect to be charged with a misdemeanor and can also possibly face jail time up to six months. It is not common to get a sentence of jail time for violating NRS 484B.650 but fines are certainly the norm.
Courts do have the power to assign jail time and that will increase the more times you are cited with a violation of this type.
If a driver continues to get these same types of tickets, the punishments will continue to escalate. If a Nevada driver is cited for violating this statute two times in two years then their driver’s license will be suspended.
Within the statute are specific punishments for a second offense of driving aggressively. These punishments include:
- A fine no less than $1,000 but no more than $1,500
- By both fine and punishment in the county jail; this jail time is not to exceed more than six months
A third violation will award the aggressive driver in Nevada with:
- A fine to be charged that is no less than $1,500 but not to exceed $2,000
- By both fine and punishment in the county jail for not more than six months
License Suspension and Demerit Points
Another punishment that a driver can expect for violating this NRS is a loss of license.
For a first offense, the courts may order you to give up your license for a maximum of thirty days.
If that does not occur, then the driver would be assessed demerit points. The number of demerit points would be determined by how egregious the violations were and what specific offenses were actually committed. As a reminder, in Nevada, earning twelve demerit points within a period of six months will result in an automatic license suspension of six months.
For that same violation within a two year period, an aggressive driver in Nevada can expect to have their license revoked for one full year.
Aggressive Driving vs Reckless Driving
A reader not well versed in Nevada traffic laws might wonder what the difference is between an aggressive driver and a reckless driver.
Reckless driving is covered under NRS 484B.653 and really means that there was a “willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property”.
Being involved in a drag race on a surface street in Las Vegas or beyond will also qualify as reckless driving. Similarly, though, these can also be construed as aggressive driving assuming that the criteria are met. From what was previously mentioned, there is a specific formula for aggressive driving whereas reckless driving has fewer parameters making that accusation more common than aggressive driving.
As we have discussed, getting a ticket for aggressive driving is not subjective. Certain requirements need to be met in order for a police officer or highway patrolman to give you a ticket. This is another reason to reach out to Ticket Busters for help as we will argue on your behalf against the accusations you have been accused of. So regardless of the reason for your ticket, whether it was in error, a momentary lapse of judgment or if you were just feeling aggravated by the excessive summer heat and high traffic, call or email Ticket Busters for assistance and we will help.
Common Defenses to an Aggressive Driving Ticket
There are ways to defend against the charges of reckless or aggressive driving.
When we assess your specific situation we will determine if you were indeed the actual driver of the automobile (or did law enforcement pull over the incorrect driver). Sometimes police make errors or identify the wrong suspects so we will ensure that was accurate.
If you were having any kind of a medical episode that caused your driving to be sporadic and deemed aggressive, then we will utilize medical records and doctor statements in your defense. Just because you were suffering from a health issue does not mean you should be charged with traffic violations under the umbrella of aggression or recklessness.
Our legal staff at Ticket Busters will use everything in our control for your defense which would include surveillance video’s from traffic lights and nearby businesses, eyewitness accounts and dashcam videos.
What you never want to do though is ignore the ticket. Ignoring any traffic violation is not going to help you in any way. It is not like the Nevada court system will just forget about it. By delaying it, you will only increase your chances of getting additional fines and or jail time.
This is another reason to hire a lawyer especially if you are one to procrastinate on things.
By getting an attorney on your side they will ensure that all of your obligations are met.
We will negotiate your traffic violation on your behalf and can also appear in court so you do not have to.
We will ultimately save you time and we all know that time is money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reckless driving?
Reckless driving is defined in Nevada as a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property”. This can include drag racing, weaving through traffic and other forms of dangerous driving. It carries stiffer consequences than aggressive driving.
What is aggressive driving?
You can be cited for aggressive driving in Nevada if your driving behaviors create a hazard for other drivers, drive at a speed higher than the posted limit, or committed additional violations against The Rules of the Road. Common examples of aggressive driving are following a car too closely and not adhering to traffic control devices.
What are the consequences of reckless and aggressive driving?
The consequences for aggressive and reckless driving can vary depending on the number of times you have been cited, if any other drivers were at risk while you drove, and your age. Generally speaking, it will result in fines and points added to your driver’s license. It can also result in jail time and/or license suspension.
What should I do if I get pulled over for aggressive driving?
If you are pulled over by law enforcement, remain calm, polite and cooperative. Provide your license, registration and proof of insurance when requested. Never admit guilt or argument with the officer. Contact Ticket Busters for assistance as soon as possible. We can examine the circumstances of your citation, review evidence and negotiate on your behalf with the court.
