FACT BRIEFIs it legal to speed in Nevada to rush someone to the hospital?
No.
On the books, it’s still illegal to speed in Nevada, even if you’re rushing someone to the hospital.
There are no exceptions in Nevada law for private vehicles going over the speed limit because a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency. Only authorized emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police cars and fire trucks, may exceed the speed limit.
Judicial discretion is permitted after the fact. The “sudden emergency doctrine,” which is recognized in many states — including Nevada — allows defendants to argue that they acted reasonably in response to an unexpected and sudden situation that demanded an immediate response. Judges may dismiss the fines or penalties incurred in such a case, but it’s not guaranteed.
The Nevada Independent partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.
Sources
- Manchin Injury Law Group Can You Break the Speed Limit in a Medical Emergency?
- Legal Match Defenses to Tort Liability: Sudden Emergency
- Nevada Legislature NRS 484B.700
- Nevada Legislature NRS 484B.600
It’s up to all of us to spread the truth.
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