Nevada Traffic Research & Education Newsletter
September 9, 2025 // VOL. 14, ISSUE 02
Understanding Nevada’s School Zone Laws: An Educational Guide
By: Selam Ayele, BS; Blessing Imade, BS; Ana L. Reyes, MS; Noehealani Antolin, PhD, MPH; Kavita Batra, PhD, MPH, BDS, FRSPH; Deborah A. Kuhls, MD FACS FCCM FRCST (Hon)
🚨New Bill Alert: Assembly Bill 527!
Effective Date
Assembly Bill 527 was signed into law and officially took effect on July 1, 2025.
Description of law
Authorizes school districts to install automated detection systems on school buses to record drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, while students are getting on or off the bus, as prohibited by NRS 484B.3Description of
Violations recorded by these systems are civil infractions, which are violations of the law that are not considered crimes. They usually result in a fine or penalty but do not lead to jail time or a criminal record.
Penalties
Passing a school bus with flashing red lights is a serious offense in Nevada. The penalties for violating NRS 484B.35 are as follows:
- First offense: Fine between $250 and $500
- Second offense (within 1 year of the first): Fine between $250 and $500 and Driver’s license suspension for 6 months
- Third or subsequent offense (within 2 years of the most recent offense): Fine of up to $1,000 and Driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year
In addition to this new legislation, Nevada drivers should be aware of the rules that apply when traveling through schools and zone and school crossing zones.
Defining School Zones and School Crossing Zones
School Zones are the sections of streets which are adjacent to school property [NRS 484B.063]. These streets typically provide direct access to schools and have curbside drop-off and pick-up areas.
School Crossing Zones are the sections of streets not adjacent to school property that school-age children cross while following a designated walking route to school [NRS 484B.060].
Figure 1: School Zone and School Crossing Zone Signs [1]
Laws and Signage in School Zones and School Crossing Zones
Reduced Speed Limits
In Nevada, all school zones and school crossing zones have reduced speed limits [1]. School zones have a speed limit of 15 mph and school crossing zones have a speed limit of 25 mph. There are traffic signs that indicate the reduced speed limit and state when it is in effect. Some school zones and school crossing zones may have flashing beacons that are operated when the reduced speed limit is in effect.
For example, as displayed in Figure 2, the speed limit is enforced when children are present, which is typically 30 minutes before and after the school day, or when the beacon is flashing.
Figure 2: Signs indicating a 15 mph speed limit in a school zone, a 25 mph limit in a school crossing zone, and a flashing beacon [1]
Enforcement Hours
The reduced speed limits are typically in effect during 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day and 30 minutes after the end of the school day. Drivers should always pay close attention to signals in school zones, as enforcement is based on the designated school hours. Start and end times vary across schools, some of which are indicated below:
- Public high schools: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Public middle schools: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- Public elementary schools: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Private schools may differ, with many starting between 8:00-8:30 AM and ending around 3:00-3:30 PM
Overtaking Another Vehicle and U-Turns in School Zones
NO PASSING
Passing another vehicle in a school zone or school crossing zone is also prohibited during the 30 minutes before school begins, the 30 minutes after school ends, when the school zone lights are flashing, or any other time children are present [NRS 484B.363].
NO U-TURNS
Additionally, U-turns are prohibited in school zones and school crossing zones during the 30 minutes before school begins, the 30 minutes after school ends, when the school zone lights are flashing, or any other time children are present [NRS 484B.363].
Figure 3: “No Passing” and “No U-turn” Traffic Signs in School Zones
KEY REMINDERS
As we begin the new school year, it’s critical for all drivers to stay informed and vigilant in school zones and school crossing zones.
Remember: reduced speed limits of 15 mph in school zones and 25 mph in school crossing zones are enforced typically during the 30 minutes before and after the school day, when beacons are flashing, or children are present. Additionally, passing and U-turns are strictly prohibited during these times.
With the implementation of Bill AB527 on July 1, 2025, violations for illegally passing a school bus when red lights are flashing will now be recorded through automated systems and treated as civil infractions. Let’s work together to prioritize the safety of Nevada’s children by obeying posted signs, slowing down, and remaining alert. Safe driving saves lives, especially in our school communities.
For more information on Nevada school zone and school crossing zone laws, visit the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS).
References
- City of Las Vegas Nevada. Transportation Engineering Division Fact Sheet. School Zones. 2024. https://files.lasvegasnevada.gov/public-works/Traffic Engineering/School Zones.pdf
NV Law Enforcement Non-Adjudicated Traffic Citation Data was obtained from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. This research was made possible by a grant from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety #TS-2025-UNLV-09
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