Is Jaywalking Illegal in Nevada? Laws and Penalties (2026)

What Nevada Law Says About Jaywalking

Nevada's jaywalking statute is outlined in NRS 484B.287. The law lays out several clear rules for pedestrians.

First, anyone crossing a highway at a point other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.

Second, if a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing exists, pedestrians must use it rather than crossing at street level.

Third, between adjacent intersections with working traffic-control devices, pedestrians may only cross within a marked crosswalk. Finally, diagonal crossing at an intersection is prohibited unless traffic-control devices specifically authorize it.

Penalties for Jaywalking in Nevada

Here's the good news for anyone who's received a jaywalking ticket: it's not a criminal charge. Jaywalking violation is explicitly "not a misdemeanor." Instead, it carries a civil penalty of no more than $100.

That means no criminal record, no jail time, and no points on your driving record. Violators generally only need to pay the fine. However, ignoring the citation could lead to additional court fees or complications, so addressing it promptly is generally a wise move.

Defenses Against a Jaywalking Citation

If you receive a jaywalking citation, you may have options. Common defenses include:

• You were in a crosswalk. If you crossed within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, you were not jaywalking under Nevada law.
• No traffic-control devices were operating. The rule requiring crosswalk use between adjacent intersections only applies when official traffic-control devices are in operation at those intersections.
• Emergency or obstruction. You may have a defense if you were forced to step into the street to avoid an immediate hazard on the sidewalk, or if a sudden emergency required you to cross outside of a crosswalk to ensure your safety.

Who Is at Fault If a Driver Hits a Jaywalker

Determining fault is rarely straightforward because drivers in Nevada still have a legal duty to exercise due care, even when a pedestrian jaywalks. Under NRS 484B.280, drivers must give an audible warning when necessary and use proper caution upon observing a pedestrian.

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. That means fault can be shared. A jaywalking pedestrian might bear some responsibility, but if the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to brake, the driver could share or even carry the majority of the fault.

If you were hit while crossing the street — whether or not you were in a crosswalk — your right to seek compensation may still exist. The percentage of fault assigned to each party determines the final outcome.

Get Matched With a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can leave you dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies that may not have your best interests in mind. Navigating fault and liability under Nevada's pedestrian laws takes experienced legal guidance.

ConsumerShield matches you directly with experienced Nevada personal injury lawyers who handle cases like yours. We simplify the process so you can focus on recovery while the right attorney fights for the compensation you may deserve.