Nevada Driving Records

Driving records are vital for both individuals and organizations. They are essential tools for verifying driving history, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. 

These records provide a comprehensive account of a driver’s behavior, which is crucial for personal monitoring and legal purposes. Organizations like insurance companies and employers rely on driving records to assess risk, set insurance premiums, and make informed hiring decisions.

In this state, the Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA) governs the management of driving records to maintain a balance between transparency and privacy. This law restricts access to personal driving information and allows detailed records to be released only when authorized by the driver through a notarized consent form. 

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains these records, safeguards their accuracy, and prevents unauthorized access. Additionally, the Nevada DMV corrects any errors in driving records to maintain the accuracy of the information and its effective use by individuals and organizations.

Types of Driving Records Available in Nevada

In Nevada, motorists have access to several types of driving records, including:

3-Year Record

The 3-year record is one of the most commonly requested driving records in Nevada. This document provides a snapshot of a driver's recent history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status changes that occurred within the past three years. 

10-Year Record

The 10-year record provides a more comprehensive driver's history. This extended report covers a decade of driving activity and is particularly useful for employers conducting background checks on potential hires for positions that involve driving responsibilities. 

Full Record

The full record, also known as the Complete Driver History Record, is the most extensive driving record available in Nevada. This document provides a complete overview of a driver's entire history since they first obtained a Nevada license. 

It includes all traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements throughout the driver's lifetime. Law enforcement agencies and courts often request this record for legal proceedings or investigations. 

The full record is also useful for drivers who need to provide a comprehensive history for certain employment or legal purposes.

Insurance Record

This record typically includes information about moving violations, at-fault accidents, and license suspensions or revocations within a specified period, usually the past three to five years. Insurance providers use this record to evaluate risk and determine appropriate coverage and rates for their clients.

Commercial Driver Record

The commercial driver record is available for individuals holding a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Nevada. This specialized record contains information pertinent to commercial driving, including any violations of commercial driving regulations, medical certifications, and endorsements.

Employers in the transportation industry often request this record to ensure their drivers meet federal and state requirements for commercial vehicle operation.

How To Request a Nevada Driving History Report?

Nevada residents can obtain their driving history report through the Nevada DMV's three methods: online, in-person, and by mail. 

Digital Access

The most efficient method to secure a Nevada driving history report is through the Nevada Official Driving Records Online portal or MyDMV system. 

To access records online, individuals must provide their Nevada driver's license or ID card number and personal details such as date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

For a $7 fee, users can select a 3-year or 10-year history report. Upon completion, the document is immediately available for download and printing. Users should print the report promptly, as it may not be accessible after the initial session.

On-Site Retrieval

For those preferring direct interaction or requiring immediate access, in-person services are available at local Nevada DMV offices and DMV Now kiosks. The self-service kiosks are conveniently located at larger Nevada DMV facilities and various partner sites throughout Nevada.

Drivers can obtain 3-year, 10-year, or School Bus history reports at these locations. The service costs $7, with an additional $1.25 kiosk processing fee. 

Postal Request

Postal request provides a straightforward solution for those unable to use online or in-person services, though it may take longer to receive the report.

This method involves submitting a completed Application for Individual Record Information (Form IR-002) to the Nevada DMV Records Section in Carson City. The form requires essential personal information, including the driver's full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and mailing address. 

Applicants must enclose a check or money order for $7, payable to the Nevada DMV, along with the completed form. For certified copies, an additional $4 certification fee is necessary.

Uses of Nevada Driving Records

Nevada driving records serve various vital purposes for individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Section 481.063 outlines the proper use and distribution of driving record information. 

The following list highlights the critical uses of Nevada driving records:

• Personal review: Motorists can obtain their records to verify accuracy and monitor violations.
• Insurance evaluation: Insurers review records to assess risk and determine policy rates.
• Employment screening: Companies use records to vet candidates for driving-related positions.
• Legal proceedings: Attorneys and courts may utilize records as evidence in traffic cases.
• Law enforcement: Police officers access records during traffic stops and investigations.
• DMV administration: The Nevada DMV relies on records for vehicle registrations, license renewals, and administrative tasks.
• Background checks: Various entities incorporate driving records into comprehensive screenings.
• Traffic safety research: Anonymized data from records contributes to road safety studies.
• Interagency cooperation: Other government departments may access records for official purposes.
• Driver improvement: Records help identify motorists who could benefit from additional training.
• Commercial licensing: Records are crucial in issuing and maintaining commercial driver's licenses.

Understanding Nevada Driving Laws

Nevada has a comprehensive set of driving laws and regulations that all motorists must adhere to. Below are some of the essential driving laws and regulations in Nevada, along with their corresponding penalties:

Licensing Laws and Penalties 

According to NRS Section 483.230, all drivers must possess and present a valid license when operating a vehicle on Nevada roads. Driving without a license is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, courts may allow community service as an alternative. 

Speeding Laws and Penalties 

Nevada's speeding laws, as outlined in NRS Section 484B.600, consist of the basic speeding law and absolute speed limits. The basic law requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and safe speed based on conditions, while absolute limits prohibit exceeding posted speeds, which cannot surpass 80 miles per hour (mph). 

Penalties vary depending on factors like speed, location, and involvement in accidents. Standard fines typically range from $20 to $500 per mile over the limit. Fines double in pedestrian safety and construction zones.

Exceeding the limit by 30 mph or more is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail. 

Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Under NRS Section 484B.653, reckless driving in Nevada encompasses actions like willful disregard for safety, unauthorized street racing, and evading police. Certain violations leading to collisions with pedestrians or bicyclists also qualify. 

Penalties for a first willful disregard offense can include up to six months in jail and $250 to $1,000 in fines. Repeat offenses face higher fines. 

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws and Penalties

As per NRS Section 484C.110, DUI is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher within two hours of driving or while impaired. Commercial drivers have a lower .04% limit, and those under 21 face a .02% limit. 

First-time DUI offenses can result in up to 180 days in jail, $400 to $1,000 in fines, a 185-day license revocation, and an ignition interlock device requirement. 

Penalties escalate for subsequent offenses, with third-time DUIs classified as felonies. 

The Point System in Nevada

The Nevada DMV leverages a point system to promote road safety and discourage traffic violations. This system assigns demerit points based on the severity of infractions, ranging from minor offenses to serious violations.

Here are some examples of violations and their associated point values:

• 1 point: Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit
• 2 points: Speeding 11-20 mph over the limit, driving too fast for conditions, impeding traffic, failing to dim headlights
• 3 points: Speeding 21-30 mph over the limit
• 4 points: Speeding 31-40 mph over the limit, following too closely, failing to yield the right of way, or passing a school bus with flashing lights
• 5 points: Speeding 41 mph or more over the limit
• 6 points: Careless driving, failing to render aid at an accident scene, failing to provide personal information after a crash
• 8 points: Reckless driving (the most serious traffic offense)

Consequences of Point Accumulation

The Nevada DMV takes action based on the number of points a driver accumulates:

• Three or more points: Drivers receive a notification from the Nevada DMV's Driver License Review Section
• 3-11 points: Drivers can remove three points by completing a Nevada DMV-approved traffic safety course (once every 12 months)
• 12 or more points within 12 months: Results in an automatic six-month license suspension

Note that while points are removed from a driver's record 12 months after the conviction date, the convictions themselves remain on the permanent driving record. Additionally, major offenses such as DUI result in immediate license suspension or revocation without point accumulation.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Nevada

Nevada laws classify driving-related violations as criminal or civil offenses, each with different penalties.

Criminal Driving Offenses

In Nevada, serious traffic violations are classified as criminal offenses, including felonies. Felony traffic offenses involve intentional or reckless actions leading to severe injury or death.

• Vehicular homicide: If a driver's negligent or impaired driving causes death, they can face life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
• Repeat DUI offenders: Those with three DUI convictions in a 7-year period face felony charges, which can result in 2 to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• DUI causing serious injury or death: These are considered severe felonies, with penalties ranging from 8 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, or infractions, are less severe traffic violations that lead to civil liabilities rather than criminal penalties. Although they don't result in criminal charges, these infractions can still have significant consequences, such as fines, demerit points, and possible license suspension.

For example:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way: Fine of $50 to $250 and one demerit point
• Running a red light or stop sign, tailgating: Fine of $195 and two demerit points
• Using a handheld device while driving: $50 fine for the first offense and one demerit point

These consequences can impact the driver’s record and driving privileges.

Nevada Driving Statistics and Goals

A recent report from The Road Information Program (TRIP) reveals that Nevada's traffic fatalities have surged by 46% over the past decade, climbing from 258 in 2013 to 377 in 2023. 

During the same period, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 30%, from 1.08 to 1.40. In 2023 alone, the economic and quality-of-life costs of these crashes amounted to $16.3 billion.

To address this, Nevada has adopted the Vision Zero initiative and aligned with the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS). Vision Zero aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2050, with a short-term goal of reducing deaths by 50% by 2035. The NRSS focuses on safer road designs, improved vehicle safety, and better post-crash care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Driving Records

The following answers critical questions about driving records in Nevada. Understanding how these records are accessed, corrected, or sealed is essential for effective driving history management.

Can Someone Request Another Person’s Driving Records?

In Nevada, individuals are only allowed to access their own driving records. The state’s strict privacy laws prohibit the release of these records to a third party without explicit permission. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly for law enforcement agencies and insurance companies, which may access these records under specific legal provisions.

To authorize the release of a driving record to another party, the individual must provide a notarized release, known as a Letter of Authorization to Release Information (Form IR-015). 

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

If a motorist finds errors in their driving record, they should act quickly to prevent legal or insurance issues. First, obtain a copy of the driving record from the Nevada DMV. Gather supporting documents, such as court records or proof of identity, to confirm the correct details.

Submit a written request with the documentation to the DMV in person, by mail, or online. If the correction is approved, the DMV will review and update the record. Check the updated record to ensure the correction was made. If denied, consider filing an appeal.

Can Traffic Violations on Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed?

In Nevada, sealing or expunging driving records varies by offense. 

Traffic felonies, such as DUI causing serious harm, cannot be sealed or expunged and remain on the record permanently. Sealing is possible for traffic misdemeanors but depends on factors like the individual’s history and public interest. 

Typically, misdemeanor records can be sealed two years after case closure, but this requires a court petition, and not all offenses qualify. Sealed records are restricted from public access but remain viewable by law enforcement.

Helpful Links and Resources

Nevada's state government provides online resources where individuals can find detailed information about driving records, traffic laws, and accidents.

• Nevada DMV’s driver history reports page: https://dmv.nv.gov/dlhistory.htm
• Nevada traffic laws and regulations: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-484a.html
• Nevada State Police (NSP) Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) fatality analysis reporting system: https://ots.nv.gov/Programs/FARS/

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Counties in Nevada

• Carson City
• Churchill
• Clark
• Douglas
• Elko
• Esmeralda
• Eureka
• Humboldt
• Lander
• Lincoln
• Lyon
• Mineral
• Nye
• Pershing
• Storey
• Washoe
• White Pine