Millions of tourists flock to Las Vegas for its world-class hotels, casinos, and a taste of the Wild West. However, like any state in the U.S., Nevada has specific laws that you need to follow. It pays to know about these regulations before you embark on your epic journey. After all, your bucket list doesn’t include a trip to the slammer, does it? Nevada’s arrest laws are pretty much as straightforward as any state, but they do have some quirky rules. Avoid getting into a bind and enjoy a stress-free vacation by brushing up on Nevada’s laws.
Here are some of the most important laws you should be aware of when traveling to Las Vegas:
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Alcohol:
You can drink alcohol in Nevada if you are 21 or older. However, it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors or to drink alcohol while driving or operating a boat.
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- Note: On Fremont Street, in downtown Las Vegas, open containers are only allowed in plastic or paper containers. No glass containers or aluminum cans are permitted, and no open containers are allowed if the alcohol was not purchased within the Fremont Street area.
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Cannabis/marijuana:
Possession of Cannabis/marijuana is legal for adults 21 years old or older as long as they have no more than 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or one-quarter of an ounce of concentrates. However, it is illegal to consume cannabis/marijuana in public places, hotel rooms, or vehicles. Cannabis lounges were approved by the legislature in 2022 and are now places in the Las Vegas Valley where adults can consume cannabis legally outside of their homes.
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Drugs:
Nevada has strict laws against possessing drugs, controlled substances, or narcotics without a prescription. This is a felony under Nevada law and can result in prison time and fines if charged.
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Gambling:
Nevada is famous for its casinos, which are legal throughout the state. You can gamble in Las Vegas, Reno, and other cities, but you must be at least 21. If you have children with you, keep them at least 6 feet away from the casino playing area.
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Gun Laws:
Nevada allows you to openly carry a firearm without a permit in most public places, except for schools, airports, courthouses, and some private businesses. However, if you want to carry a concealed firearm, you need a Nevada Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit or a license/permit from a state that Nevada recognizes.
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Prostitution:
It is legal in some rural counties of Nevada but not in Clark County, where Las Vegas is located. You can find legal brothels outside the Strip, regulated by the state and local authorities. The nearest brothels are in Nye County. The three operating brothers are The Chicken Ranch and Sheri’s Ranch Brothel in Pahrump and the Alien Cathouse Brothel in Amargosa.
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Smoking:
Smoking is allowed in casinos but not in restaurants, bars, or other public places where food is served. You must be at least 18 years old to buy or use tobacco products.
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Taxes:
Nevada does not have a state income tax, which makes it attractive for many residents and businesses.
Other laws for Las Vegas visitors to be aware of:
Age of Consent/Having sex with a minor
In Nevada, the age of consent is 16, making any sexual activity with a child aged 15 or younger automatically illegal. It doesn’t matter if the child is mature, initiates the act, or lies about their age. Engaging in sexual activity with a 15 or 14-year-old at least four years younger is termed “statutory sexual seduction” or “statutory rape.” Nevada has strict laws against lewd acts with children under 14. A conviction for a sex crime can result in a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration.
Boarding an Airplane while Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs
Based on the contracts of carriage set by airlines, passengers may be prohibited from flying if they are visibly intoxicated or affected by drugs. This implies that they may be denied boarding or asked to leave the plane after boarding. If a passenger becomes intoxicated during a flight to or from Las Vegas and creates disturbances, they could face severe federal criminal charges.
Boating while Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs
In Nevada, operating a boat or personal watercraft under the influence (BUI) is a serious offense with similar penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), including severe fines and equally serious jail time. However, unlike DUI, BUI will not result in a driver’s license suspension because Nevada does not require watercraft operators to possess a license.
Brass Knuckles
In Nevada, brass knuckles are illegal weapons. Possession of metal knuckles – Nevada’s legal term for brass knuckles – is typically a gross misdemeanor. It can be punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Carrying a Firearm Openly
People otherwise qualified to possess guns may open carry in Nevada, even if they do not live in-state. As it sounds, open carry is carrying a gun to be visible to others. Examples of open carry are Carrying a firearm in a holster on a belt.
Catcalling
Catcalling is the act of shouting or making sexualized or inappropriate comments, whistles, or gestures at someone, usually a female, in public. It can be considered harassment, which is punishable under Nevada’s harassment laws. Harassment is generally defined as a course of conduct that annoys, threatens, intimidates, alarms or puts a person in fear of their safety.
Charging Food and Drinks to Another Person’s Hotel Room
If a food and beverage bill is charged to someone else’s hotel room in Nevada and the total cost is under $1,200, it is considered a misdemeanor. The penalty for this offense includes a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000, and compensation to the affected party. On the other hand, if the bill exceeds $1,200, it is categorized as a felony of type D, and the sentence can range from 1 to 4 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and restitution to the victims.
Counterfeit Casino Chips used to Gamble
According to Nevada law, it is a category B felony to use, sell, or manufacture counterfeit casino chips for use in a gambling game. The penalties include fines of up to $15,000 and 15 years in prison.
Counterfeiting
Possessing counterfeit money can be illegal if you know it is fake and try to use it to defraud another person. Counterfeiting is a serious Felony crime in Nevada that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony crime, punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and a prison sentence reaching as many as 25 years.
Cheating at Gambling in a Casino
Nevada law classifies cheating at a casino game as a felony offense under NRS 465.083 and NRS 465.073, and the consequences of violating these laws are severe. Offenders may face a category B felony charge and be subjected to corresponding punishment, including imprisonment for 1-6 years and a maximum fine of $10,000 for the first offense. The same penalties apply for subsequent violations, and even attempting to conspire in cheating can lead to a guilty verdict and the same adverse outcomes.
Deadly Force to Stop a Home or Vehicle Intruder
You can use deadly force in Nevada to protect your home and vehicles. Under Nevada’s Castle Doctrine, using deadly force in self-defense is permissible without a duty to retreat if an intruder is entering your occupied home or vehicle. However, Nevada’s Castle Doctrine does not apply to unoccupied homes or vehicles. People who see someone breaking into an empty house or car do not have the legal right to kill the intruder, even if it is their home or car.
Disturbing the Peace
Disturbing the peace is a crime in Nevada that carries up to 6 months in jail and up to $1000 in fines. A person that maliciously and willfully disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, person, or family by loud or unusual noises or tumultuous and offensive conduct, threatening, traducing, quarreling, challenging to fight, or fighting shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Driving Alone in a Carpool Lane
It is against the law to drive alone in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in Nevada, also known as the carpool or diamond lane. If caught, the driver may face a fine of at least $250, while the penalty in Las Vegas is $352. The HOV lane is reserved solely for vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers, including carpools, vanpools, and transit buses. The HOV lane is operational from 5 am to 10 pm daily, and single-occupancy vehicles are allowed to use the lane only between 10 pm and 5 am.
Driving with a License from a Foreign Country
People with valid and current driver’s licenses from a foreign country may drive in Nevada.
Driving while Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs
In Nevada, it is illegal for any driver to drive a motor vehicle while having a “blood alcohol concentration” (BAC) of .08% or higher within two hours of driving, known as DUI “per se,” or while under the influence of drugs. Commercial drivers and motorists under 21 must adhere to stricter BAC limits of .04% and .02%, respectively. A first-time DUI offense in Nevada is considered a misdemeanor. It carries standard penalties, including two days to six months in jail or 48 to 96 hours of community service, a fine ranging from $400 to $1,000, mandatory attendance at an online DUI school, completion of a Victim Impact Panel, and a 185-day suspension of the driver’s license upon conviction.
Dumpster Diving
Dumpster diving is illegal both in the City of Las Vegas and throughout Clark County. Rummaging through other people’s trash is prosecuted as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.
Fighting
Under the statutes of Nevada, assault involves the intentional use of force against a person or causing them to fear immediate bodily harm reasonably. Typically, simple assault is categorized as a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of six months imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,0001. However, if an individual commits an assault with a deadly weapon, it is considered a Category B felony in Nevada. Violation of this law carries severe penalties, including a conviction for a Category B felony, which may result in imprisonment for one to six years and a fine of up to $5,000.
Fireworks
The regulations governing fireworks in Nevada vary among different counties. While some counties allow fireworks to be purchased and used year-round, in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, Mesquite, Laughlin, and other local cities, only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted. Nonprofit groups will sell them from June 28 until midnight on July 4. Using fireworks, even “Safe and Sane” ones, outside of this period is illegal. Those who violate this law may be fined and required to pay disposal fees, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. Fireworks are defined as any item that explodes, flies through the air, or rotates on the ground.
Forgery
Forgery involves trying to deceive someone by using fraudulent or fake documents. In Nevada, forgery is considered a category D felony. It can result in a sentence of 1 to 4 years in prison, fines of up to $5000.00, and compensation to the affected party or parties.
Guns
Nevada is a traditional open carry state with no permit being required to carry openly and complete state preemption of firearms laws. However, there are some restrictions on where you can carry a firearm openly, such as schools, airports, courthouses, and some private businesses. If you want to carry a concealed firearm, you need a Nevada Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit or a license/permit from a state that Nevada recognizes.
Jaywalking
Jaywalking, defined as a pedestrian crossing the street outside a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, is considered a misdemeanor offense in Nevada and is punishable by fines that vary depending on the location. In Las Vegas, police typically issue citations for jaywalking similar to traffic tickets, which carry a fine of $160.
Littering
Littering is a misdemeanor in Nevada. The penalties for the first offense range from a fine of $500 to $1,000 and may include up to six months in jail.
Loitering
Loitering is considered a misdemeanor in Nevada. The penalties could be a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail term of up to 6 months. Loitering is a person who remains in a particular public place for a prolonged period, with no apparent purpose, simply standing or sitting around. Loitering laws are designed to deter criminal activity and create safe environments, especially in high-crime areas.
Parking in a Handicapped Space
Under Nevada State law, it is illegal to park in a handicapped space unless you have a current handicap placard or license plate. This is considered a criminal misdemeanor and can also be a civil infraction in some instances. A ticket for this violation carries a minimum fine of $250 in Las Vegas.
Prostitution
Prostitution is illegal in Nevada, except in licensed brothels. Solicitation can result in charges, even if the sexual act doesn’t occur. Encouraging or profiting from prostitution is also against the law. Child prostitution and pandering involving individuals under 18 are felonies with more severe penalties, including sex offender registration. In Nevada, sex workers must ensure patrons use a latex or polyurethane prophylactic during any sexual activity involving genitalia or intimate parts. Licensed brothels are legal in ten rural Nevada counties: Churchill, Elko (only in specific communities), Esmeralda, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey, and White Pine.
Providing Alcohol to a Minor
Nevada law prohibits furnishing alcohol to people under 21 years of age.
Public Drunkenness (Public Intoxication)
Public drunkenness or intoxication is not considered a crime in Las Vegas, NV. However, a person who is impaired in public could still face other criminal charges, typically misdemeanors that are punishable by a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. For example, if a person behaves in a disruptive or hostile manner, they could be charged with disturbing the peace. Similarly, if an individual is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they could face DUI charges. Additionally, if someone refuses to leave a venue, such as a casino, while intoxicated, they may be charged with trespassing. Lastly, relieving oneself in public is also considered a misdemeanor in Las Vegas.
Recording a Phone Call
Nevada is a “unilateral consent” state, meaning that only one person involved in a face-to-face meeting needs to consent to the recording, and you/your consent satisfies that requirement. However, you must have everyone’s consent to record over the telephone or other electronic or telecommunication.
Refusing to Pay for Food or Lodging
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 205.080, any person who obtains food, lodging, or other accommodation at any hotel, motel, or motor court and refuses to pay for such food, lodging, or other accommodation is guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalty for a misdemeanor in Nevada can include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Smoking Pot in Public
Consuming marijuana products in public in Nevada is a misdemeanor carrying a $600 fine. Juveniles under 18 caught with marijuana can be ordered to do 24 hours of community service. Meanwhile, minors ages 19 or 20 caught with less than one ounce of marijuana face a misdemeanor charge carrying up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Speeding, Reckless Driving, and Drag Racing
Breaking traffic laws in Nevada, even for speeding, can result in a misdemeanor charge. First-time offenders may face fines up to $1,000, a maximum of six months in jail, and a license suspension of up to a year. Reckless driving, characterized by willful disregard, can lead to fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, a potential jail sentence of up to six years, a license suspension of up to three years, and vehicle impoundment. Unauthorized speed contests on public roads are also misdemeanors, carrying fines of $250 to $1,000, license suspension lasting six months to two years, and a maximum jail term of six months.
Talking or Texting on a Cell Phone while Driving
Using a cell phone for talking or texting while operating a vehicle is against the law in Nevada. Those who violate the state’s distracted driving regulations may receive a traffic citation that includes a penalty of $50 for the initial infraction, $100 for the second one, and $250 for each subsequent offense.
Theft and Larceny
In Nevada, theft below $1,200 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Stealing $1,200 or more is grand larceny, a serious crime. Larceny occurs when someone intentionally takes something without consent. Grand larceny involves stealing over $1,200 worth of property without permission, encompassing various forms of theft. It’s a felony with penalties based on the value of the stolen property. Grand theft of $1,200 to less than $5,000 is a category D felony, carrying 1 to 4 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and restitution.
Traffic Stops and Reasonable Articulable Suspicion of a Crime
When a traffic violation occurs on Nevada roads, a police officer can lawfully make a traffic stop. However, for a traffic stop to be legal in Nevada, a police officer must have a reasonable, articulable suspicion (RAS) that a crime has been committed. This means that they must have witnessed a traffic violation or crime the driver or passenger committed or is about to commit. If the traffic stop results from a police officer’s mistaken belief, it is not illegal.
Here are some tips on how to handle being pulled over by the police:
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- Pull over safely: Slow down, signal, and pull over to a safe location. Try to choose a well-lit area.
- Turn off the engine: Turning off your engine demonstrates to the officer that you have no intention of driving away.
- Illuminate the interior: If it’s dark outside, turn on the interior lights in your car. This lets the officer see inside the vehicle and feel more at ease.
- Stay calm: It’s important to remain calm and composed during the encounter. Do your best to avoid any aggressive or defensive behavior.
- Stay in your vehicle: Exiting the vehicle without being asked can create suspicion and potentially escalate the situation.
- Keep your hands visible: To make the officer feel more at ease, keep both hands on the steering wheel where they can be seen. Avoid making sudden movements.
- Follow the officer’s instructions: If the officer requests your license and registration, let them know where they are and ask for permission before reaching for them.
- If you receive a citation, sign it. It is not an admission of guilt. It means you have received the citation and will either pay the fine or contest it in court.
Here are your legal rights when police pull you over:
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- You have the right to remain silent. You can exercise this right by saying clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
- Police do not have the right to search your vehicle or person without your consent if they do not have a warrant or probable cause.
- It is ok to ask why you were pulled over and what crime you are suspected of committing.
- You have the right to record your encounter with police in a public place.
- You have the right to ask for an attorney if you’re arrested.
By following these tips, you can help make the encounter with the police as smooth and safe as possible.
Trespassing
Nevada law defines trespassing as entering someone else’s property without permission or remaining on their property after being instructed to leave. Trespassing is a misdemeanor offense with a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Legal Disclaimer
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It may not be current or accurate and may need to be updated. It is for general informational purposes only. We make no warranties or guarantees about the information’s accuracy, completeness, or adequacy. Further, this article is not intended to provide legal advice. If you have questions about the laws of Nevada or how they apply to a specific situation, please get in touch with an attorney.
For information about all the current codified laws of the State of Nevada, please refer to the Nevada Revised Statutes.
Here are some related links:
Nevada Carry Concealed Weapon Permit (CCW)
Cannabis Dispensaries & Lounges in Las Vegas
Visitor Safety Tips FAQ
