Photo: Perry Z, Pexels
In Nevada, drivers under 18 may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are going to or from a scheduled event such as school or work. For the first 6 months with a license, 16 and 17 year olds also may not carry passengers under 18, except immediate family. This explainer covers both rules, the separate city curfews in Las Vegas and Reno, and the other limits that apply to Nevada teen drivers.
Nevada teen driving restrictions at a glance
| Rule | What it says | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Driving curfew | No driving 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless driving to or from a scheduled event | Until you turn 18, whenever your license was issued |
| Passenger limit | No passengers under 18, except immediate family | First 6 months of your license (if licensed at 16 or 17) |
| Alcohol | 0.02% blood alcohol or more means license revocation | Until 21 |
| Phones | No hand-held calls, no texting | All drivers, all ages |
What time is the Nevada teen driving curfew?
10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The handbook allows driving to or from a scheduled event. The DMV teen page names travel to or from school or work as the exceptions and says proof may be required, so carry something that shows where you are going, such as a work schedule or an event notice.
The curfew lasts until your 18th birthday. Getting your license at 17½ does not shorten it.
Who counts as a passenger under the Nevada 6-month rule?
- Not allowed: anyone under 18 who is not immediate family, such as friends or teammates.
- Allowed: immediate family members of any age, and passengers aged 18 or older.
- The rule comes from Nevada law (NRS 483.2523) and applies if you were 16 or 17 when the license was issued.
- Breaking it can lead to fines and extended restrictions.
The DMV pages do not define immediate family. If you are unsure whether someone counts, such as a step-sibling who lives with you, ask the DMV before you drive them.
Las Vegas and Reno curfews (non-driving)
These city curfews limit when minors can be out in public, whether driving or not. They are separate from the state driving curfew.
| Area | Curfew for minors |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas Strip and Downtown | 9 p.m. unless with an adult |
| Elsewhere in Las Vegas | 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday |
| Reno Downtown Gaming District | 9 p.m. unless with an adult |
| Elsewhere in Reno | 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday |
Other cities may have their own curfews. Check with your local police.
Scenario: Friday night in Las Vegas
A 17 year old licensed for 8 months drives home from a Friday shift that ends at 11 p.m. The work exception covers the drive itself, so carrying a schedule is sensible. Stopping on the Strip on the way home would break the 9 p.m. city curfew unless an adult is present, and giving a 16-year-old coworker a ride is fine only because the 6-month passenger period has ended.
Other rules that can cost a Nevada teen their license
- Alcohol or drug offenses, even ones not connected with driving.
- Firearms violations.
- Habitual truancy.
- Racing or trick driving.
Details and penalty lengths: Nevada demerit points and license suspensions.
Parents: your role and responsibilities
- The parent or guardian who signed the Financial Responsibility Statement can cancel the teen’s license at any time before 18, using form DP-38 and surrendering the license at a DMV office.
- Parents who knowingly let an unlicensed or non-compliant minor drive may be held responsible for fines and restitution after a citation or crash.
- An adult who serves, sells or allows alcohol or drugs to a minor on their property may face civil liability for resulting damage.
Common questions
Can I drive at night with a parent in the car in Nevada?
The DMV pages list only the scheduled-event, school and work exceptions. They do not mention an exception for driving with a parent, so check with the Nevada DMV before relying on one.
Can my friends ride with me at 16 in Nevada?
Not if they are under 18, for your first 6 months with a license. Immediate family members are the exception.
When does the Nevada passenger restriction end?
6 months after your license is issued. The 10 p.m. curfew carries on until 18.
Do the curfew rules apply to permit holders?
A permit holder always needs a licensed driver aged 21 or older beside them. The curfew and passenger rules on the DMV teen license page are listed for licensed minors.
Can I drive to a school sports game after 10 p.m.?
The handbook exception covers driving to or from a scheduled event. Carry proof of the event in case you are stopped.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Nevada. Related: the Nevada road test. Compare states: US graduated driver licensing compared and zero tolerance laws for under 21s.
Sources
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get Your Teen License” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Nevada Driver’s Handbook, DMV 700 (March 2024)” (dmv.nv.gov)