Las Vegas Crosswalk Laws

In the state of Nevada, 601 pedestrians were killed between 2008 and 2017. The overwhelming majority of these fatalities took place in Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by driver error or negligence and a disregard for right of way laws. To help you avoid serious pedestrian accidents and injuries, it is essential to understand Las Vegas crosswalk laws.

Las Vegas Crosswalks

Crosswalks exist at just about any intersection in Las Vegas. They may have pavement markings, or they may not, but they are still designated as crosswalks for pedestrian use.

Under Nevada Statute 484B.287, “the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.” Therefore, pedestrians have the right of way as long as they are using the crosswalk appropriately or obeying all crosswalk signals at an intersection. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians that are following the pedestrian laws, such as:

• Pedestrians must obey traffic signals – meaning they cannot cross the road when they are not indicated to do so.
• Pedestrians must stay in the right-hand half of the crosswalk when able.
• Pedestrians cannot cross a street diagonally unless the crosswalk designates them to do so.
• A pedestrian cannot suddenly cross a street in front of a vehicle if it is impossible for that vehicle to stop.

Under NRS 484B.283, pedestrians may only proceed on a “Walk” indication. However, “a pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the ‘Walk’ signal may continue across on a flashing or steady ‘Don’t Walk’ signal.” This protects pedestrians who already entered the crosswalk lawfully, ensuring they are permitted to finish crossing safely.

What Drivers Must Do

Drivers owe pedestrians a higher duty of care to share the road and drive safely. They must:

• Avoid accidents with pedestrians at all costs.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all blind individuals using a cane or guide animal.
• Stop or slow down before passing another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Before entering a crosswalk in a school zone, they must wait for all persons to cross safely and for the crossing guard to exit the crosswalk and put down their sign.

Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks

Many people believe a crosswalk exists only when painted lines appear on the pavement. Nevada law says otherwise. NRS 484A.065 explains that a crosswalk exists at “the portion of a highway at an intersection ordinarily included within the prolongation of sidewalk lines.” 

This means intersections with no paint markings still count as legal crosswalks. Drivers cannot assume pedestrians lack right-of-way simply because the crosswalk is unmarked. Whether lines are present or not, the responsibility to yield remains the same.

Jaywalking in Las Vegas

Jaywalking remains a significant cause of pedestrian collisions in Clark County. Crossing outside a crosswalk, or failing to use an intersection when one is nearby, violates Nevada law. Under NRS 484B.287, pedestrians must use crosswalks when available, and failure to do so can result in fines or citations. Beyond citations, jaywalking increases the risk of severe injuries because drivers do not anticipate pedestrians appearing mid-block or stepping into high-speed traffic.

Penalties for Violating Crosswalk Laws

Failing to yield to a pedestrian is a serious offense. Under Nevada law, a driver who violates crosswalk rules may face fines, demerit points, or misdemeanor charges if the violation results in injury. Penalties may include:

• Civil fines for failure to yield
• Increased insurance premiums
• Possible license suspension for repeated violations
• Criminal charges in cases involving bodily harm

If a driver’s negligence causes a fatality, the penalties can escalate to vehicular manslaughter charges.

When a Pedestrian Can Be Considered at Fault

Although pedestrians often have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, Nevada law does not grant unlimited protection. Under NRS 484B.287, pedestrians must exercise reasonable care when crossing. The statute states that a pedestrian cannot “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.” When a pedestrian violates this rule, law enforcement may find the pedestrian partially or fully at fault. Pedestrians can also share responsibility if they:

• Ignore traffic signals or cross on a solid “Do Not Walk” indication.
• Cross the street outside of a crosswalk where jaywalking laws apply.
• Walk while distracted by a mobile device and step into traffic unexpectedly.
• Enter the roadway while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Attempt to cross diagonally at an intersection without a designated diagonal crosswalk.

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule that allows an injured pedestrian to pursue compensation as long as they are less than 51 percent at fault. However, the pedestrian’s compensation decreases by the percentage of fault assigned. 

Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Las Vegas

Pedestrians injured in Las Vegas crosswalk car accidents should immediately consult with an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer. They will help you determine if you have a case against the at-fault driver for compensation. People injured in crosswalk car accidents may be entitled to damages to cover medical bills, lost current and future income, pain and suffering, and more.

How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

A crosswalk car accident can be devastating for the pedestrian. You may be facing a lengthy recovery and be unable to work for some time, if ever again. That’s where a Las Vegas personal injury attorney can step in. They will conduct an independent investigation into your accident and take over any dealings with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurer will not simply offer up a fair amount of compensation. Their goal is to pay as little as possible and may even try to blame you for your injuries.

Your attorney will gather sufficient evidence in support of your claim for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to settle for appropriate compensation, your attorney will take your case in front of a jury to recover your losses.

We Offer Free Consultations

If you have been injured at a Las Vegas crosswalk, contact Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers. We have been helping injured clients for more than 20 years. Contact us online or call (702) 384-1414 today.