Is Jaywalking Illegal in Nevada? Rules and the $100 Civil Penalty

Nevada's jaywalking statute is NRS 484B.287. A pedestrian crossing a highway outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, may not cross between adjacent intersections with operating traffic-control devices except in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless official traffic-control devices authorize it. Since July 1, 2021, when Assembly Bill 403 took effect, a violation of NRS 484B.287 "is not a misdemeanor" and is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $100. That change covers the crossing rules in 484B.287 only: walking along a highway where a sidewalk is provided, or on the wrong side where none is, remains a misdemeanor under NRS 484B.297. To compare other states, see our guide to jaywalking laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-10. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Nevada state law: the pedestrian sections of NRS chapter 484B (484B.280 to 484B.307), the safety zone rule in 484B.110, the reckless driving provision in 484B.653, the crosswalk definition in NRS 484A.065, local authority limits in 484A.400 and 484A.420, the controlled-access highway rule in 484B.593, the additional-penalty sections 484B.135 and 484B.370, the civil infraction rules in 484A.900, 484A.704 and 484A.7043, the definition of "civil infraction" in NRS 481.015, the detention statute NRS 171.123, and Assembly Bill 403 (2021). It does not cover the text of any city or county ordinance, municipal court fee schedules, driver license demerit points, injury claims after a crash, or the law of other states.

Is jaywalking illegal in Nevada?

It depends on where and how you cross, and in Nevada the main crossing offense is civil, not criminal. NRS 484B.287 sets a duty to yield for ordinary mid-block crossing and two flat rules (no mid-block crossing between adjacent signal-controlled intersections, no diagonal crossing unless authorized). Since 2021 none of those is a crime. Walking along a highway is governed by a different section, NRS 484B.297, and that one is still a misdemeanor.

Crossing outside a crosswalk

NRS 484B.287(1) provides, in the parts that matter to most pedestrians:

"1. Except as provided in NRS 484B.290: (a) Every pedestrian crossing a highway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway."

This is a duty to yield, not a ban. A pedestrian who crosses mid-block, waits for a gap, and lets traffic pass complies with paragraph (a), subject to the signal-block and diagonal rules below. The opening words point to NRS 484B.290, the section on blind pedestrians, under which a driver who approaches or encounters such a person "shall yield the right-of-way, come to a full stop, if necessary, and take precautions before proceeding to avoid a crash or injury to the person."

Paragraph (b) adds that a pedestrian "crossing a highway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway." In or out of a crosswalk, NRS 484B.283(1)(b) provides: "A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield."

An unmarked crosswalk at an intersection counts the same as a painted one. Nevada defines "crosswalk" in NRS 484A.065:

"'Crosswalk' means: 1. That part of a highway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traveled portions of highways; or 2. Any portion of a highway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface."

The first part is drawn from the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway; its text contains no separate clause for an intersection without sidewalks. The second part reaches marked crossings away from intersections ("at an intersection or elsewhere"). Once in a crosswalk, NRS 484B.293 adds: "Pedestrians shall move whenever practicable upon the right half of crosswalks."

Mid-block between signals, and diagonal crossing

Paragraphs (c) through (e) of 484B.287(1) are flat rules rather than yield rules:

"(c) Between adjacent intersections at which official traffic-control devices are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. (d) A pedestrian shall not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices. (e) When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements."

Paragraph (c) applies only on a stretch of road between two adjacent intersections where traffic-control devices are operating. On that stretch, yielding is not enough: the crossing must be in a marked crosswalk.

AB 403: how Nevada made crossing violations civil

Before 2021, a violation of 484B.287 was a criminal offense. Assembly Bill 403 changed that. Its digest explains: "Section 2 of this bill decriminalizes the commission of such prohibited acts by pedestrians by specifically providing that a violation is not a misdemeanor and is instead punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $100." The section now reads:

"2. A violation of this section: (a) Is not a misdemeanor; and (b) Is punishable by the imposition of a civil penalty of not more than $100."

The act took effect on July 1, 2021. It applies "to a violation of NRS 484B.287 if the violation occurred before, on or after July 1, 2021," but "The provisions of this act do not apply to any violation of NRS 484B.287 for which a person was convicted before July 1, 2021." It also directed each court to "cancel each outstanding bench warrant issued by the court for a person who failed to appear in court in relation to an alleged violation of NRS 484B.287 which occurred before July 1, 2021."

Keep the scope of the reform in view. Subsection 2 says "a violation of this section," meaning 484B.287. It did not change NRS 484B.297, the walking-along-the-highway section, which still ends: "A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor." The signal rules for pedestrians sit in yet other sections (484B.283 and 484B.307), covered below.

Walking along the highway: still a misdemeanor

NRS 484B.297 governs walking along a road, as opposed to crossing it:

"1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, where sidewalks are provided, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent highway. 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, pedestrians walking along highways where sidewalks are not provided shall walk on the left side of those highways facing the approaching traffic."

Subsection 6 gives a practical exception: "A pedestrian walking or otherwise traveling on a sidewalk who encounters an obstruction to his or her mobility on the sidewalk, including, without limitation, a short section of the sidewalk that is missing or impassable, may proceed with due care on the immediately adjacent highway to move around such an obstruction."

The same section covers two more situations. Subsection 3 provides: "A person shall not stand in a highway to solicit a ride or any business from the driver or any occupant of a vehicle." Subsection 4 provides: "It is unlawful for any pedestrian who is under the influence of intoxicating liquors or any narcotic or stupefying drug to be within the traveled portion of any highway."

Subsection 7 sets the class: "A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor." So walking in the road beside a usable sidewalk, or walking with traffic on a road with no sidewalk, is a criminal offense in Nevada even though crossing mid-block without yielding is not.

Walk signals, countdown timers and traffic lights

Nevada's pedestrian signal rule, NRS 484B.283(1)(d), treats countdown timers specially:

"(1) While the "Walk" indication or walking person symbol is illuminated, pedestrians facing the signal may proceed across the highway in the direction of the signal and must be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. (2) While the "Don't Walk" or "Wait" indication or an upraised hand symbol is illuminated, is flashing and is accompanied by a countdown timer, a pedestrian may proceed across the highway in the direction of the signal, but must complete the crossing before the countdown timer gets to zero. (3) While the 'Don't Walk' or 'Wait' indication or an upraised hand symbol is illuminated and flashing but is not accompanied by a countdown timer, a pedestrian may not proceed to cross the highway, but a pedestrian who entered the highway lawfully pursuant to subparagraph (1) may continue to cross the highway but must proceed to a curb, sidewalk, safety zone if one is provided or other place of safety before the 'Don't Walk' or 'Wait' indication or an upraised hand symbol is illuminated and steady."

Subparagraph (4) covers the steady hand: "While the 'Don't Walk' or 'Wait' indication or an upraised hand symbol is illuminated and steady a pedestrian may not proceed to cross the highway, but a pedestrian who entered the highway lawfully pursuant to subparagraph (1) or (2) may continue to cross the highway but must proceed to a curb, sidewalk, safety zone if one is provided or other place of safety as soon as possible."

In short: on a flashing hand with a countdown, starting across is allowed, but the crossing must be completed before the timer reaches zero; on a flashing hand without a countdown, or on a steady hand, starting across is not.

Where there is no pedestrian signal, the ordinary traffic light in NRS 484B.307 governs pedestrians:

• On green: "Pedestrians facing such a signal may proceed across the highway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, unless directed otherwise by another device as provided in NRS 484B.283."
• On steady yellow: pedestrians "are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the highway."
• On steady red alone: "Pedestrians facing such a signal shall not enter the highway, unless permitted to proceed by another device as provided in NRS 484B.283."

Sections 484B.283 and 484B.307 were amended in the Legislature's 36th Special Session in 2025, the session that added the school-zone additional penalty in NRS 484B.370 to which both sections now refer; the clauses quoted here are from the current text.

What drivers owe pedestrians

A pedestrian's duty to yield outside a crosswalk sits alongside duties the same chapter places on drivers. NRS 484B.283(1)(a) provides:

"(a) When official traffic-control devices are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the highway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the highway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which the vehicle is turning, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the highway as to be in danger."

The other driver duties:

• When a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, a driver approaching from the rear "shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle until the driver has determined that the vehicle being overtaken was not stopped for the purpose of permitting a pedestrian to cross the highway" (484B.283(1)(c)).
• A pedestrian on a Walk signal "must be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles" (484B.283(1)(d)).
• Under NRS 484B.280(1), a driver must "Exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian," give an audible warning with the horn when appropriate and necessary to avoid a collision, and exercise proper caution upon observing a pedestrian in or near places that include a school zone, a school crossing zone, or "a marked or unmarked crosswalk."
• "No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone" (484B.110).

The consequences for drivers are criminal. Under NRS 484B.653(2), if a driver violating 484B.280 or paragraph (a) or (c) of 484B.283(1) "is the proximate cause of a collision with a pedestrian or a person riding a bicycle, an electric bicycle or an electric scooter, the violation constitutes reckless driving." For a first offense, that is a misdemeanor punished by "a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $1,000" and "not less than 50 hours, but not more than 99 hours, of community service" (484B.653(4)). The court may also impose up to 6 months in the county jail, and it must suspend the driver's license for not less than 6 months but not more than 2 years (484B.653(4)(a)(3), (5)(a)).

Jaywalking fine and penalty in Nevada

For the crossing rules in 484B.287, the statute itself answers the question: a violation is not a misdemeanor and carries a civil penalty of not more than $100 (484B.287(2)). That figure is a ceiling, not a set fine.

Nevada's general civil infraction statute adds a layer. Under NRS 484A.7043(2), "If a person is found to have committed a civil infraction, in addition to any civil penalty imposed on the person, the court shall order the person to pay the administrative assessments set forth in NRS 176.059, 176.0611, 176.0613 and 176.0623 in the amount that the person would be required to pay if the civil penalty were a fine imposed on a defendant who pleads guilty" of a misdemeanor. A violation of a chapter 484B provision "that is not punishable as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony" is a "civil infraction" (NRS 481.015(3)(a)), which a 484B.287 violation now is, so the amount due is more than the penalty itself; the citation or the court handling it shows the total. A person who receives a civil infraction citation must respond within 90 calendar days, by paying or by requesting a hearing. If not, "the court must enter an order pursuant to NRS 484A.7043 finding that the person committed the civil infraction and assessing the monetary penalty and administrative assessments prescribed for the civil infraction" (NRS 484A.704).

The $100 cap is written for 484B.287 only. The pedestrian signal rules in 484B.283(1)(d) and 484B.307 set no base penalty of their own. Each section provides that a violator "may be subject to the additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.135 or 484B.370" (484B.283(3); 484B.307(14)). For a civil infraction committed in a designated pedestrian safety zone, or in an active school zone or active school crossing zone, those sections allow an additional civil penalty that "must not exceed a total of $250" (484B.135(2)(b), 484B.370(2)(b)). The general rule in NRS 484A.900(1) makes it "a civil infraction punishable pursuant to NRS 484A.703 to 484A.705, inclusive," to do any act forbidden in chapters 484A to 484E, "unless otherwise declared in chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS with respect to a particular offense." For a civil infraction, the general ceiling is "a civil penalty of not more than $500 per violation unless a greater civil penalty is authorized by specific statute" (484A.7043(1)).

A civil penalty does not rule out a stop. Under NRS 171.123, a peace officer "may detain any person whom the officer encounters under circumstances which reasonably indicate that the person has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime or civil infraction," only to ascertain the person's identity and the suspicious circumstances, and "in no event longer than 60 minutes." The statute adds: "Any person so detained shall identify himself or herself, but may not be compelled to answer any other inquiry of any peace officer."

City and county rules

Nevada cities and counties can regulate traffic, but within limits. NRS 484A.400(2) lets a local authority "enact by ordinance traffic regulations which cover the same subject matter as the various sections of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS if the provisions of the ordinance are not in conflict with chapters 484A to 484E." Subsection 3 then provides that a local authority shall not enact an ordinance "(d) Providing a criminal penalty for a violation of chapters 484A to 484E, inclusive, of NRS for which the penalty prescribed by those chapters is a civil penalty."

Because 484B.287 now carries a civil penalty, subsection 3(d) bars a city or county from attaching a criminal penalty to a violation of it. The list of local powers in NRS 484A.420 contains no clause authorizing local authorities to bar pedestrians from crossing outside crosswalks in business districts or on designated roads. Separately, NRS 484B.593 lets the Department of Transportation or a local authority, for a controlled-access highway under its jurisdiction, require a permit for pedestrian use or, if it determines that use would not be safe, prohibit it; violating such a prohibition or restriction is a civil infraction (484B.593(2)). Check posted signs and your city's code all the same, since local ordinances on the same subject may apply where they do not conflict with state law.

If a pedestrian is hit by a car

Whether a pedestrian was crossing lawfully under 484B.287 can come up after a collision, alongside the driver duties in 484B.280 and 484B.283 and the reckless driving rule in 484B.653. For how fault and insurance work after a crash, see Nevada car accident laws. Riders of electric scooters follow their own rules, covered in Nevada e-scooter laws.

Related pages

• Jaywalking laws by state
• Nevada car accident laws
• Nevada e-scooter laws
• California jaywalking laws
• Arizona jaywalking laws

This article provides general legal information about Nevada law, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Nevada.

Last updated: 2026-10-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaywalking illegal in Nevada?

Crossing outside a crosswalk is allowed under state law if you yield the right-of-way to all vehicles (NRS 484B.287(1)(a)). Crossing between adjacent signal-controlled intersections outside a marked crosswalk, or diagonally without authorization, is barred, but since July 1, 2021 a violation of 484B.287 is not a misdemeanor (484B.287(2)).

What is the fine for jaywalking in Nevada?

A violation of NRS 484B.287 is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $100 (484B.287(2)). Because the violation is a civil infraction, a court must also order administrative assessments (NRS 484A.7043(2)), so the total due is higher; the citation or the court shows it. A cited person must pay or request a hearing within 90 calendar days (NRS 484A.704).

Is jaywalking a crime in Nevada?

Not since July 1, 2021. Assembly Bill 403 amended NRS 484B.287 so that a violation is not a misdemeanor and carries only a civil penalty of not more than $100. Walking along a highway in violation of NRS 484B.297 is still a misdemeanor.

Is walking in the road a misdemeanor in Nevada?

Yes. Where sidewalks are provided, walking along the adjacent highway is unlawful, and where none are provided pedestrians must walk on the left facing traffic; a violation of NRS 484B.297 is a misdemeanor. Stepping into the road to get around a missing or impassable stretch of sidewalk is allowed with due care (484B.297(6)).

Can I start crossing when the hand is flashing in Nevada?

Only if a countdown timer accompanies it, and then you must finish before the timer reaches zero (NRS 484B.283(1)(d)(2)). Without a countdown timer, a pedestrian may not start to cross on a flashing Don't Walk, Wait or upraised hand (484B.283(1)(d)(3)).

Did AB 403 erase old jaywalking convictions in Nevada?

No. The act provides that it does not apply to any violation of NRS 484B.287 for which a person was convicted before July 1, 2021. It does apply to violations that occurred before July 1, 2021 without a conviction, and it directed courts to cancel outstanding bench warrants for failing to appear on such pre-July 2021 violations.

Can a Nevada city make jaywalking a crime?

NRS 484A.400(3)(d) bars a local authority from enacting an ordinance that provides a criminal penalty for a violation of the state traffic chapters for which the state penalty is a civil penalty, and NRS 484B.287 now carries a civil penalty.

Do drivers have to stop for pedestrians in Nevada?

Where signals are not in place or not operating, a driver must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, slowing down or stopping if need be, when the pedestrian is on the driver's half of the highway or approaching so closely from the other half as to be in danger (NRS 484B.283(1)(a)). A driver who violates that duty and is the proximate cause of a collision with a pedestrian commits reckless driving (484B.653(2)).