Sharing the road in Nevada

By the end of this topic you can

• You can yield correctly to pedestrians, including blind or visually impaired people.
• You can pass a cyclist legally.
• You can drive safely around motorcycles, mopeds and large trucks.
• You can cross railroad tracks safely and know what to do if you get stuck.
• You can recall Nevada's rule on young people riding in pickup beds.

What you need to know and understand

• A crosswalk exists at every intersection, even a T-intersection, whether or not it is painted.
• Do not pass a vehicle that has slowed or stopped until you know why it stopped; it may be yielding to a pedestrian.
• A blind or visually impaired pedestrian with a white cane or guide animal has the right-of-way at all times.
• When passing a cyclist, move into the next lane if there is one and it is safe; otherwise leave at least 3 feet.
• You must not drive, stop or park in a bike lane except in set situations, such as entering a driveway.
• If a train is coming, stop at least 15 feet from the tracks, and never go around a lowered gate.
• Anyone under 18 may not ride in the bed of a pickup or flatbed truck on a paved highway, with limited exceptions.

People on foot

Yield to pedestrians at intersections and in crosswalks. You must slow or stop when a pedestrian is on your half of the road or so close to it from the other side that they are in danger. When your light turns green, let anyone still crossing finish first, and remember pedestrians have priority over drivers turning right.

For blind or visually impaired pedestrians, the handbook advises stopping no more than five feet from the crosswalk, as they use the sound of your engine as a guide. Do not honk or call out directions, and give them a few seconds to decide. Electric vehicles are nearly silent, so take extra care in one. If a crossing guard is present, wait until they have completely left the crosswalk.

Bicycles, motorcycles and mopeds

• Cyclists may use the traffic lane, keeping as far right as practicable. Yield to cyclists at intersections and in bike lanes.
• Before opening your door on the street, and when backing out of a driveway, check for cyclists.
• Never speed up to pass a cyclist just before you turn right.
• Motorcyclists may use a full lane. Always dim your headlights for an oncoming motorcycle, and leave extra following distance, especially on wet roads.
• Moped riders must keep to the far right lane, except on single-lane roads, when preparing for a left turn, when the right lane is unsafe or when directed by police. Riders and passengers must wear helmets.

Big trucks and trains

Trucks and buses have large blind spots, called no-zones, on both sides, in front and directly behind. If you cannot see the driver's face in their side mirror, they cannot see you. After passing a truck, wait until you can see its whole front in your rearview mirror before moving back, and do not slow down. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the curb, and never pass behind a truck that is backing up.

At railroad crossings, look both ways even with no signal. Do not shift gears on the tracks. Never park within 50 feet of the nearest rail. If your car stalls on the tracks, get everyone out at once, then use the blue Emergency Notification System sign at the crossing to alert the railroad and call law enforcement.

Common mistakes

• Passing a car stopped at a crosswalk. It is illegal to overtake a stopped vehicle until you know why it stopped.
• Squeezing past a cyclist with less than 3 feet when there is no free lane. Wait until it is safe.
• Cutting in front of a truck right after passing. Trucks need far more distance to stop.
• Trying to drive a stalled car off the tracks when a train is coming. Get out and away first.

Test yourself: Sharing the road in Nevada

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Nevada DMV Road Test for Teens
• Learning to Drive in Nevada
• Moving to Nevada