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Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Does Nevada have specific penalties for DUI in a school zone?

Kiara Adams, The Nevada Independent
no

There are no stand-alone statutes in Nevada that outline specific penalties for DUI in a school zone. Such an offense would be considered an aggravating factor of the DUI charge.

Basic DUI penalties in Nevada vary on the offense. The first or second offenses without injury are classified as misdemeanors, but a third without injury becomes a felony. 

Any DUI resulting in death or substantial bodily harm are immediately felonies and punishable to up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

While there’s no school zone DUI statute, location in proximity to a school where children are present or if a child was in the car could be a factor in prosecutors pursuing a felony child endangerment charge or be seen as an aggravating circumstance in a general negligence claim.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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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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