03/26/2023 • 5 min
Las Vegas driving guide
Las Vegas – a glittering oasis of life in the middle of the Mojave Desert. As Nevada’s most popular city to visit, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle – off and on the roads.
In this handy guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about driving in and around this shining city. From breaking down speed limits in Las Vegas to tackling its toll roads – everything you need is right here.
Read on to discover more about traversing this iconic, loud and proud city behind the wheel, from Caesar’s Palace to Red Rock Canyon.
Driving rules in Las Vegas
- U-Turns: You cannot make a U-turn in Las Vegas unless specifically signposted, or you’re able to do so safely.
- Accidents: In the event of an accident, you must move to the hard shoulder – unless your vehicle can’t be moved.
- Red lights: You can turn right at a red light when you are at a full stop, unless it’s signposted otherwise.
- Emergency vehicles: When driving in Las Vegas, you have an obligation to slow down for any emergency vehicle, whether they’re moving or at a stop.
- Right of way: You need to yield to all traffic coming through an intersection, as well as all pedestrians on the road.
- Cellphone use: Using your mobile phone while driving, including texting and making calls, is illegal in Las Vegas. You may be fined up to $250. You can, however, use a hands-free headset.
- When to signal: You must signal at least 100 feet prior to turning or merging in residential areas, and 300 feet prior on highways.
Speed limits in Las Vegas
While you may think Las Vegas speed limits would be the same as much of Nevada, there are exceptions to this rule. You should make sure you’re aware of the speed limits you’re expected to adhere to before you set off on your Las Vegas adventure.
| Cars | Trucks |
Residential roads | 25-30 mph | 25-30 mph |
Urban highways | 65-70 mph | 65-70 mph |
Rural highways | 55-70 mph | 55-70 mph |
School zones | 15-25 mph | 15-25 mph |
Something to keep in mind: While you, of course, must stick to specified speed limits in Las Vegas, the state of Nevada also has a ‘basic rule’ you need to follow. As well as keeping to any signed limits, you also need to consider traffic, road conditions and weather to judge what is a ‘proper’ speed. This may be a fair way below the signposted limit.
Toll roads in and around Las Vegas
You’ll be happy to hear, there are no Las Vegas toll roads. In fact, there aren’t any toll roads in Nevada at all.
Keep in mind, however, that you may encounter tolls if you’re planning on driving across state lines – for example, into California or Oregon.
Las Vegas’ driving license requirements
To drive in Las Vegas, all you need is your full valid photo ID driver’s license. Much like the rest of the USA, you need to be at least 16 years old to drive here.
To rent a car, you need to be at least 20 years old. If you’re under 25, you may have to pay a Young Renter daily fee. Check out our Nevada driving guide for more information.
Fremont Street Experience Parking Garage
Fremont Street is in a prime central location, perfect if you’re looking for a bite to eat in one of the city’s top restaurants, or want a trip to an iconic casino, such as the Golden Nugget or the Fremont itself. With over 1,300 spaces, you’re sure to find a spot.
Location: 111 South 4th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cost: $4 an hour – max $20 a day
How to pay: Visit the booth near the garage exit (cash).
El Cortez Hotel and Casino Parking
Obviously, this spot is the best choice if you’re visiting or staying at the El Cortez. However, it’s also open to the public, so offers a prime location for a day out on the strip. The garage has 680 spaces, but these will likely fill up quickly as the casino gets busier throughout the day.
Location: 707 East Ogden Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cost: Free for hotel and casino customers, $5 for two hours for non-customers.
How to pay: Pay at the booth when you enter (cash).
Lewis Street Garage
Just a little outside the main strip, this garage still provides great access to the surrounding casinos and restaurants. It’s perfect if you want to stop by the Vegas Chapel (as a tourist or soon-to-be-hitched). The lot is next to Vegas’ business and retail district, where you can while away an afternoon. A slightly smaller parking garage, this lot has 405 spaces.
Location: 321 South Casino Center Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cost: $12 for two hours. $24 for 24 hours.
How to pay: Pay at the booth when you exit the lot (cash and card).
Street parking in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas strip has plenty of free street parking dotted up and down the main boulevard. However, it’ll come as no surprise that these spaces fill up quite quickly – so it may be a good idea to head out early if you’re hoping to grab one.
In Downtown Vegas, there are, unfortunately, no free street parking options. However, there are still plenty of public lots that only cost a few dollars an hour.
Las Vegas parking app
There are currently two Las Vegas parking apps available to use – both allow you to pay using contactless and are recommended by Nevada authorities.
- Flowbird. This handy app allows you to reserve spaces in registered garages, pay using your phone and receive notifications when your ticket’s about to expire.
- ParkWhiz. This platform isn’t an app, but is accessed on your phone by scanning a QR code at your chosen parking lot. On their site, you can book and pay for your parking slot.
Electric car charging in Las Vegas
As Vegas is such a buzzing city, there are close to 1,000 EV charging points throughout the area. Around 145 of these are free to use, and just under 260 are DC Fast Chargers.
As you might expect, it’s extremely easy to find and use the chargers dotted around the city, so there’s no need to worry if your rental car is an electric or hybrid model. You’ll find the majority of chargers stationed up and down the main stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard. You can also find them in hotel and casino car parks.
Quick driving tips for Las Vegas
- Use a GPS. It’s a big, busy city, with lots of turns and different roads to account for outside of the main strip. Try to plan your route before you head off.
- If you forget to signal, don’t turn. Again, busy city, lots of cars. If you forget to signal or signal too late, don’t turn, as it may cause more harm than good. Instead, carry on and find another way around.
- Don’t just take the Boulevard. Although Las Vegas Boulevard is the biggest road in the city, there are plenty of other smaller, quieter roads that will get you to where you need to go.
- Plan your days. If you’re relying on your rental to get around, it’s best to take stock of a few of the roads you intend to use beforehand. It may also benefit you to plan EV charging stops into your days if necessary, to avoid range anxiety.
- Be patient. Especially during rush hour, the city can get quite busy with both vehicles and pedestrians. It is the city that never sleeps, after all.
What is the best time of day to drive in Las Vegas?
As with many major cities, it’s probably best to avoid general rush hour times – from 7am to 9am, then 4pm to 6pm. The main Vegas Strip always tends to be busy, so perhaps think about taking different back roads to get to your day trip destinations, to avoid the worst of the traffic and wandering pedestrians.
Is it difficult driving in Las Vegas?
Vegas is busy, there’s no doubt about it. For some people, this might make it a bit more difficult to drive around the city. We’d suggest avoiding Las Vegas Boulevard, if you can, and planning your routes around quieter roads that take you around.
When is rush hour in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas rush hour times are similar to what you might expect across the rest of the country – 7am until 9am in the morning, and 4pm to 6pm at night. Keep in mind that, on weekends, the evenings will stay particularly busy as people move to and from casinos and restaurants, so these hours may extend past 6pm.
How much is a speeding ticket in Las Vegas?
Speeding tickets in Las Vegas and Nevada go up to the amount of $1,000. Generally, you are fined $20 for every mph you go over the speed limit. Keep in mind, you may also receive points on your license, and be charged extra administrative fees.
Now you know more about what it’s like to drive under the bright lights of Las Vegas, you’re ready to get behind the wheel. Make sure to plan your routes, and keep in mind city speed limits and rush hours – to ensure you have the smoothest journey possible.
Want to find out more about driving in the wider state? Read our comprehensive Nevada driving guide.
Get ready for your trip to Las Vegas
So, you know how to get around, but what is there to do in Las Vegas besides the obvious trip or two to the casinos? Take a look below at all of our extensive guides for places to go, stay and explore.
- Best hotels in Las Vegas
- Best things to do in Las Vegas
- Best restaurants in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas’ neighborhoods
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