Driving Safely
Driving Safely covers Nevada's basic speed law, right-of-way, signals, following distance, cell phone restrictions, and common traffic maneuvers. Questions often test whether you can choose the safe action when the posted rule and conditions disagree.
Speed and space
Nevada's basic speed law says never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even below the posted limit. Common limits are 25 mph in residential or business areas unless posted, often 15 mph in school zones when children are present, and 65 to 80 mph on rural freeways. Use at least a three-second following gap, and increase it in rain, darkness, or behind large trucks.
Right-of-way and signals
At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first; if two stop at the same time, yield to the vehicle on the right. A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or right. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it, but you must yield to pedestrians and traffic. Signal before turns and lane changes.
Cell phones
Nevada prohibits handheld cell phone use and texting while driving. Adults may use hands-free devices; drivers under 18 may not use a phone except in an emergency.
Worked example
Two cars reach a four-way stop simultaneously. One is going straight; the other is turning left. The left-turning driver must yield, because the straight-through driver has the right-of-way.
Traps that cost marks
Rolling through a right turn on red; tailgating to prevent a merge; assuming the posted limit is always safe in rain; using a phone while stopped at a red light.