What is the Punishment for Street Racing in Nevada?

Street racing and reckless driving have become major issues in Nevada, especially in the Las Vegas area. With the rise of social media and car culture, illegal street racing events and stunt driving displays have become more common. However, these activities are extremely dangerous and against the law.

Nevada lawmakers have been working to implement stricter laws and penalties to crack down on street racing and stunt driving. A new bill, Assembly Bill 408 (AB408), was recently signed into law to help reduce reckless driving in the state. Here’s an overview of Nevada’s street racing laws, penalties, and what AB408 changes:

Nevada Laws on Street Racing and Reckless Driving

Under Nevada law NRS 484B.653, street racing and reckless driving displays are illegal. This includes not just racing, but also stunts like burnouts, donuts, wheelies, and other trick driving on public roads. The law prohibits driving “in an unauthorized speed contest on a public highway” as well as organizing, facilitating, or promoting these events.

Nevada classifies illegal street racing as a misdemeanor offense. For first-time offenses, the penalties can include:

• A fine between $250 to $1,000[1]
• 50 to 99 hours of community service[2]
• Up to 6 months in county jail[3]

Penalties increase for second offenses and subsequent violations. Fines can reach up to $2,000, community service hours up to 200, and potential jail time up to 364 days[4].

In addition to fines and service hours, courts can order offenders to pay restitution. For example, repaying the city for damage and cleanup costs from illegal takeovers. Police may also seize and impound vehicles involved in street racing.

AB408 – Nevada’s New Reckless Driving Law

In 2022, the Nevada Legislature passed AB408 to strengthen laws against reckless driving and allow police to tow vehicles more easily. Governor Steve Sisolak signed AB408 into law, which took effect October 1, 2022. Here are some key components of the new law[5]:

• Expanded Towing Authority – Officers can now tow a vehicle after issuing a citation for reckless driving. Previously, they could only tow if the driver was arrested.
• Trick Driving Ban – AB408 specifically prohibits trick driving displays like burnouts, donuts, and wheelies on any public premises. Before it only applied to activity on highways.
• Promotion and Facilitation – The law bans promoting or facilitating reckless driving events anywhere the public can access. This targets organizers of illegal takeovers.
• Towing & Storage Limits – The law prohibits unfair fees and caps storage costs for towing companies. This helps protect owners of seized vehicles.
• Accident Solicitation Ban – AB408 bans attorneys and firms from soliciting accident victims for legal services within 72 hours of an incident. This provision aims to protect vulnerable victims from predatory solicitations.

By expanding definitions and enforcement powers, AB408 gives police more tools to deter illegal street racing and related activities. But some critics argue the towing provisions are overreaching and that bans on promotion infringe on free speech rights. Only time will tell if the harsher penalties effectively reduce reckless driving problems plaguing cities like Las Vegas.

Common Defenses Against Street Racing Charges

Being charged with street racing in Nevada can lead to serious consequences. But in some cases, defendants may have valid legal defenses to fight the accusations:

• Lack of evidence – The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt you engaged in racing or reckless driving. A skilled attorney can argue there is insufficient evidence to support the charges.
• Mistaken identity – Sometimes police wrongly identify vehicles or drivers involved in street racing incidents. An attorney can argue you were misidentified.
• No reckless driving – Simply being present at an illegal event does not mean you participated in racing or stunts. Your lawyer may argue you did not drive recklessly.
• Unlawful traffic stop – If police lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop, evidence obtained may be inadmissible. An attorney can file a motion to suppress on constitutional grounds.

While street racing laws have tightened in Nevada, options exist to contest the charges. An experienced traffic violations lawyer can advise on the best defense strategy for your specific case.

Las Vegas Efforts to Deter Street Racing and Takeovers

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has been struggling to control illegal street takeovers and stunt driving displays happening across the city. With AB408 now in effect, Las Vegas police have additional authority to crack down on reckless driving. Some initiatives in the works include[6]:

• Targeted patrols – Officers are conducting directed patrols in problem areas known for takeover activity. They also monitor social media to stay aware of any planned events.
• Drone surveillance – The department has used drones to provide aerial views of takeovers in progress. This evidence helps identify and charge perpetrators.
• Driver education – Metro partners with schools and community groups to educate young drivers on the dangers of illegal street racing and stunts.
• Public awareness – Signs, billboards, and social media campaigns remind the public that reckless driving carries serious penalties.
• Traffic calming – Engineers are evaluating roadways to identify any design changes that could deter takeovers, like speed humps.

Despite these efforts, illegal street takeovers continue plaguing Las Vegas. AB408 brings stronger punishments, but addressing the root causes will require a combination of enforcement, education, and community engagement. The new law provides an added tool for law enforcement, but does not attack systemic issues contributing to reckless driving culture.

Consequences of Street Racing Accidents

Those who engage in illegal street racing and stunt driving not only face criminal penalties, but also civil liability if they cause a crash. Victims injured by reckless drivers can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits.

According to Las Vegas accident attorneys, common injuries in street racing crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Broken bones

Victims may require extensive medical treatment and incur hefty bills for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and other needs. Additionally, reckless driving accidents often inflict long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological harm. Victims can suffer chronic pain, permanent disabilities, lost income, and reduced quality of life.

Nevada uses a comparative negligence system, so victims may still recover damages even if they were partially at fault. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help victims pursue maximum compensation through negotiations or personal injury litigation. Available damages can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

By holding reckless drivers fully accountable, injury lawsuits deliver justice to victims while also deterring irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.

Final Thoughts

Street racing and stunt driving have no place on public roads where they endanger innocent lives. Nevada’s tougher laws and penalties aim to curb these dangerous activities. But lasting solutions require addressing root causes that push young people toward reckless driving in the first place.

With creative educational programs and providing legal outlets for automotive enthusiasm, Nevada can build a thriving car culture focused on safety and responsibility. Combined with vigorous traffic enforcement and serious consequences for violators, the state can reduce preventable tragedies resulting from illegal street racing.