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FACT BRIEF

Can a Nevada driver found guilty of texting while driving face up to 7 years in prison?

By Todd Butterworth
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NO

A person who violates Nevada’s law against texting and driving is guilty of a misdemeanor and for the first offense within a 7-year period must pay a fine of $50; for a second offense, a fine of $100; and for a third offense, a fine of $250. No prison time is included in this law, however, if the violation occurs in a work zone or pedestrian safety zone a court may impose penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or 120 hours of community service. 

More than 220 million Americans subscribe to wireless services, and as many as 80% use their phones while driving. Forty-eight states ban text messaging for all drivers though many of these bans provide various exemptions, including for emergencies, law enforcement and first responders.

In 2018, more than 2,800 Americans died in distracted-driving crashes and an estimated 400,000 people were injured. 

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Nevada Legislature NRS 484B.165
Nevada Legislature NRS 484B.130
National Conference of State Legislatures Distracted driving data
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The Nevada Independent
The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.
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