Right of Way Rules: Who Goes First on the Road in Las Vegas?

Understanding right-of-way rules is crucial for safe driving in Las Vegas, a city known for its heavy traffic, tourist activity, and busy intersections. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, knowing who has the right of way can prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Below, we explore the key right-of-way rules in Las Vegas based on Nevada’s traffic laws.

Intersections Without Traffic Signals

When approaching an intersection without traffic signals or stop signs, the following rules apply:

The driver on the right has the right of way if two vehicles arrive simultaneously.
If a vehicle is already in the intersection, it has the right of way over vehicles approaching the intersection.
A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

Four-Way Stop Intersections

In Las Vegas, four-way stops are common, and the right-of-way rules here are straightforward:

The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection goes first.
If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.
If one driver is making a left turn and another is going straight, the driver going straight has the right of way.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are becoming increasingly common in Las Vegas to manage traffic efficiently. Right-of-way rules in roundabouts include:

Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating.
Pedestrians crossing at designated crosswalks always have the right of way.

Pedestrian Right of Way

Pedestrians have significant rights in Las Vegas, particularly at crosswalks:

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Pedestrians should not suddenly step into traffic, as they also have a duty to ensure their safety.
School zones require extra caution, with lower speed limits and mandatory stopping for pedestrians.

Emergency Vehicles

When emergency vehicles (such as ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks) approach with sirens and flashing lights:

Drivers must pull over to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
If in an intersection, clear the intersection before stopping.

Merging and Highway Right of Way

Las Vegas has several major highways, and merging rules are essential for safe traffic movement:

Vehicles entering a highway must yield to traffic already on the road.
On ramps, drivers should accelerate to match the speed of highway traffic while merging safely.
On highways with multiple lanes, slower-moving vehicles should keep right, allowing faster traffic to pass on the left.