Nevada driving guide

Nevada’s known for its scenic drives, winding highways and stretches of desert road. But there’s a lot to think about if you’re planning a drive through the Silver State. From toll roads to speed limits in Nevada, discover everything you need to know to tackle the roads.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Nevada and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• If a vehicle has already entered the intersection as you approach, you must give way. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has right of way.
• Drivers should use headlights 30 minutes after sunset and before sunrise, or whenever vehicles and pedestrians within 1,000 feet are not visible.
• It’s illegal to use a handheld cellphone (or similar device) while driving.

Speed limits in Nevada

The speed limit in Nevada depends on the road type and your vehicle.

As well as these limits, Nevada also employs a rule for driving at reasonable and proper speeds, meaning you must consider the environment in which you’re driving. As an example, if there’s heavy traffic and it’s raining, you may want to drive more cautiously. 

Toll roads in Nevada

There are no conventional toll roads in Nevada, so you can journey through the state for free. However, if you’re planning a scenic drive to some of the region’s most popular parks and sights, you may come across one road that charges.

Valley of Fire Road (Highway)

This road serves as access through the Valley of Fire State Park and charges admission to vehicles driving along it.

From: I-15

To: Route 169

Cost for car: $15

Cost for truck: $15

How to pay: Payment is a physical park entrance fee and is for access to the road through the state park.

Driving ages and license requirements in Nevada

• The minimum legal driving age in Nevada is 16 years of age for a full license – though drivers under 18 may have certain restrictions in the first six months.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Nevada is 25, with a young driver rental option for those aged 20-24.

Check out our handy guide for young drivers to find out more about renting a car when you’re under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Nevada

In your vehicle, you must have your:

• License
• Passport
• Evidence of insurance
• Rental agreement
• First aid kit
• Owner’s manual
• Puncture kit.

For a full list of items you can’t carry in your Hertz car, you should refer to your rental agreement.

Nevada speed violations, infractions and penalties

In Nevada, speeding qualifies as a misdemeanor. Penalties include:

• Fines up to a maximum of $1,000 – the value depends on how many miles per hour you are over the speed limit.
• A charge of reckless driving (in extreme circumstances), which accrues stricter penalties.
• One to five points on your license depending on the severity of your infraction.

Driving with children in Nevada

Here are some rules to adhere to when driving with young children in Nevada:

• All occupants must wear safety belts or approved child safety restraint devices.
• Vehicles should be equipped with lap belts at a minimum, with shoulder belts in the front.
• Children under six years of age and 57 inches should ride in an approved child safety restraint device.
• Those under two years old should ride in an approved rear-facing child safety restraint device. They cannot be placed in front of airbags unless these are deactivated and there is no back seat available.

Additionally, children under the age of seven shouldn’t be left alone inside a vehicle.

Gas prices in Nevada

The average gas price in Nevada is $5.00 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.13 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.18 per mile.
• And for an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.25 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 26, 2022.

Electric car charging in Nevada

Nevada has over 1,000 publicly available EV charge stations across the state, though most of them are in the Las Vegas region. If you’re planning to travel further out, you can also find them along the state’s major interstates and highways.

Try to plan ahead and find out where the electric car charging points are located on your route. That way, you’re prepared if you need to charge up enroute.

Driving between Nevada and other states

If you’re looking to expand your vacation or road trip into other states, you can easily do so with Hertz. There are lots of great places bordering Nevada, so why not make the most of it?

Learn about the rules of the road in the nearby states to Nevada, including:

• Oregon
• Idaho
• Utah
• Arizona
• California

Driving conditions in Nevada

Nevada is a mostly semi-arid or desert environment, meaning conditions are dry, dusty and incredibly hot. With an average temperature in summer of 85°F, this means air conditioning, sun protection and hydration are key for a comfortable drive.

Extreme weather events include winter storms, windstorms and extreme heat, with highs of 120°F or more. During winter storms, snow and ice can appear in large amounts despite the environment – so make sure you have the right equipment when traveling in the colder months. Rocky regions can also be subject to rockslides.