A red-light ticket in Nevada can still happen even though the state does not use automated red light cameras that issue citations without a police officer present. Each year, drivers are pulled over for running a red light or stop sign — and the consequences can be more serious than many realize.
A red light ticket in Nevada is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean:
- Hundreds of dollars in fines
- Four demerit points on your license
- Increased insurance premiums
- A potential license suspension
- Even jail time in certain circumstances
Understanding how Nevada now classifies red light violations, and how that affects your license and insurance, is critical before taking action — and speaking with an experienced Nevada traffic attorney can help you avoid unintended consequences.
Nevada’s Red Light Laws (NRS 484B.300)
Nevada’s Red Light Laws (NRS 484B.300)
Nevada’s traffic laws, including red light violations, are codified in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.300.
Under this law, drivers are prohibited from disobeying any official traffic-control device, including:
- Red traffic signals
- Stop signs
- “No Turn on Red” signage
Turning right on a red light where a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted can still result in a citation.
Exception: Malfunctioning Signals
If a traffic light is malfunctioning and a police officer is actively directing traffic, drivers must follow the officer’s instructions instead of the signal.
Are Red-Light Tickets Criminal in Nevada?
As of January 1, 2023, most standard red light tickets in Nevada are classified as civil infractions, not criminal misdemeanors.
Before Assembly Bill 116, traffic violations were treated as criminal offenses. That is no longer the case for most routine red light citations.
This distinction matters.
A civil infraction:
- Does not result in a criminal conviction
- Does not carry jail time
- Is resolved through monetary penalties and administrative procedures
However, a red light ticket is still a serious matter.
Drivers may still face significant financial and license-related consequences, highlighting the importance of speaking with an experienced Nevada traffic attorney before deciding how to respond.
Fines for Running a Red-Light in Nevada
If you are issued a red light ticket, fines generally range from:
$395 to $1,000
In many cases, you may be able to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation by completing traffic school.
Demerit Points and License Consequences
A red light violation results in:
- Four demerit points on your Nevada driver’s license
- Points that remain on your record for one year
If you accumulate:
- 12 demerit points within a 12-month period, your license will be automatically suspended for six months.
For out-of-state drivers, Nevada may report the violation to your home state.
If your charge is reduced to a non-moving violation, no demerit points are assessed.
Insurance Consequences
Although most red light tickets are now classified as civil infractions, they are still considered moving violations for DMV and insurance purposes.
A conviction can lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums.
The amount of increase depends on factors such as:
- Your driving history
- Your age
- Your vehicle
- Your insurance provider
Most drivers can expect higher premiums for several years following a moving violation.
Important Clarification
Red light violations can still become criminal matters if:
- The conduct rises to reckless driving
- The violation causes injury
- The violation results in substantial property damage
- The driver is charged with additional offenses
In those situations, criminal penalties, including jail, may still apply, and consulting with the experienced attorneys at Hale Injury Law can help you understand your rights and next steps.
Red Light Laws and Work Zones
If you run a red light in a work zone or an area designated as a “temporary traffic control zone,” any monetary penalty assessed may be doubled.
Under Nevada law, enhanced penalties apply only if the work zone is properly marked with:
- A sign stating “DOUBLE PENALTIES IN WORK ZONES”
- A clearly marked beginning of the work zone
- A clearly marked end of the work zone
Proper signage is a legal prerequisite for enhanced penalties.
How AB 116 Affects Work Zone Violations
For most routine red light violations, penalties are now handled as civil infractions, meaning they do not carry jail time.
However, enhanced or criminal penalties may still apply if:
- The violation involves reckless conduct
- The incident causes injury to a highway construction or maintenance worker
- The violation results in more than $1,000 in property damage
- The driver is charged under a separate criminal statute
In those circumstances, penalties can include:
- Substantial fines
- Community service
- Potential jail time
Because work zone cases can involve both civil penalties and criminal exposure depending on the facts, it is especially important to understand how the charge has been filed before resolving it, and to review your options with an experienced Nevada traffic attorney.
Failure to Respond to a Red Light Ticket
Getting a red light ticket can be stressful. It may be tempting to ignore it and hope it goes away.
That is rarely a good idea.
Civil Infractions (Most Standard Red Light Tickets)
If your citation is classified as a civil infraction, you generally have 90 calendar days from the date it becomes available online to resolve it.
If you fail to respond:
- The court may enter a finding of liability
- A conviction may be forwarded to the Nevada DMV (or your home state DMV)
- Your driver’s license may be suspended
- Additional administrative penalties may apply
Civil infractions do not automatically result in arrest warrants for nonpayment. However, ignoring the citation can still create serious financial and license-related consequences.
Because classification and deadlines matter, it is important to confirm how your citation has been filed before taking action. An experienced Nevada traffic attorney can help you review your status and avoid unintended consequences.
Criminal Traffic Violations
If your citation has been filed as a criminal traffic violation, you must appear in court as directed.
Failure to appear in a criminal case may result in:
- A bench warrant
- License suspension
- Additional criminal charges
When criminal exposure is possible, early legal guidance can make a significant difference in protecting your record and your driving privileges. The attorneys at Hale Injury Law can evaluate the specific circumstances of your citation and explain your options.
Driving on a Suspended License
If your license is suspended for failing to resolve a ticket and you continue driving, you may be charged with driving on a suspended license — which remains a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If you are unsure whether your license is at risk of suspension, it is wise to verify your status before continuing to drive. Taking proactive steps now can prevent compounding penalties later.
Defenses to a Red Light Ticket
There are several possible defenses, as well as opportunities to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation and avoid demerit points.
Because eligibility for reductions and defenses depends on how the citation has been classified and your driving history, individualized legal review is often beneficial.
Obstruction of the Signal
Nevada law requires traffic control devices to be properly positioned and sufficiently visible. If a stop sign was obstructed by foliage or a signal was malfunctioning, you may have grounds to challenge the citation.
(If the signal is flashing red, it must be treated as a stop sign.)
Gathering photographic or video evidence early can strengthen this type of defense. If you don’t yet have a dash-cam in your car, it’s time to get one!
Contested Hearing (Bench Trial)
If you believe you were wrongfully cited, you may request a contested hearing.
For civil infractions, the court determines liability under a civil standard.
For criminal traffic charges, the prosecution must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
You may present:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photographs
- Dash-cam or surveillance footage
Understanding the applicable legal standard is critical before choosing to contest a citation. Consulting with a knowledgeable Nevada traffic attorney can help you assess the strength of your case.
Reduction to a Non-Moving Violation
Many drivers may be eligible to reduce a moving violation to a non-moving violation (0 demerit points).
This can:
- Prevent demerit points
- Protect your license
- Reduce insurance impact
Eligibility typically depends on your prior driving history and the specific facts of the citation. Reviewing your record before resolving the ticket can help you determine the best course of action.
Traffic School
Completing a Nevada DMV-approved 5-hour traffic safety course may help you qualify for a reduction to a non-moving violation.
Traffic school is often available online and can be completed at your convenience.
Because procedures and eligibility requirements vary between courts and case classifications, it is important to understand your specific situation before entering a plea or making payment. If you would like guidance on how to proceed, the experienced traffic attorneys at Hale Injury Law are available to review your citation and discuss your options.
Why You Want a Lawyer for a Red-Light Ticket
A red light ticket may seem minor — especially now that most standard violations are classified as civil infractions. But the consequences can still affect your license, your insurance rates, and your long-term driving record.
An experienced Nevada traffic attorney can help you understand:
- Whether your citation has been filed as a civil infraction or a criminal charge
- Whether you qualify for a reduction to a non-moving violation
- Whether traffic school is the best strategy
- Whether contesting the ticket makes sense in your situation
Every case is different. The right approach depends on your driving history, how the citation was issued, and how the court has classified the charge.
Representation Can Simplify the Process
When you hire a traffic attorney, your attorney can:
- Review the evidence and citation for legal or procedural issues
- Communicate with the court on your behalf
- Negotiate potential reductions
- Appear in court for you in many situations
For out-of-state drivers, having local counsel can be especially helpful.
If There Is a Warrant or License Issue
If your citation was filed as a criminal matter and a bench warrant has been issued for failure to appear, an attorney can file a motion to quash the warrant and work toward resolving the case.
If your license has been suspended due to an unresolved citation, an attorney can help determine what steps are necessary to seek reinstatement.
Record Sealing and Long-Term Protection
In certain situations, traffic-related convictions may be eligible for record sealing after the applicable waiting period. An attorney can review your eligibility and guide you through the process if sealing is available in your case.
Because civil infractions and criminal traffic violations are handled differently, it is important to understand how your specific case was filed before assuming the long-term impact.
The Value of Early Guidance
Even when jail is not at issue, a red light ticket can result in:
- Demerit points
- License suspension
- Increased insurance premiums
- Additional costs if the matter is not handled correctly
Addressing the citation strategically at the outset can help prevent compounding consequences later.
If you have received a red light ticket in Nevada, the experienced traffic attorneys at Hale Injury Law can review your citation, clarify how it has been filed, and help you determine the most strategic path forward.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice regarding your specific situation, you should speak directly with a qualified Nevada attorney.