LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Changes are coming to Nevada’s traffic laws beginning next year. Minor traffic offenses will no longer be criminalized.
Henderson resident and former firefighter Brad Kreutzer has responded to crashes in the valley for years and seen many people get hurt in minor incidents.
"My family is on the road. I got grandchildren that are starting to drive. I don't think anything good could come from that," said Kreutzer.
"It is concerning because, at the end of the day, I have my family out on the road," said driver Jose Quintero.
The new law goes into effect on Jan. 1 that decriminalizes minor traffic offenses in Nevada. Beginning in 2023, anyone who receives traffic violations — such as driving with broken tail lights or driving with people in the back of a pickup truck — can be ticketed. But violators will no longer see jail time for not paying those fines.
Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy says that even though people won't be put behind bars, there will still be consequences.
"In many cases, the court could send the unpaid bills to collections, which could garnish your wages or even place liens on your properties," said McCurdy.
To help educate drivers here in the valley about the new law, Commissioner McCurdy and Judge Belinda Harris will host traffic ticket workshops.
"We don't want anyone to be incarcerated for the inability to have the money to pay a minor traffic violation," McCurdy said.
Traffic Ticket Workshops will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Pearson Community Center
- Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Walnut Recreation Center.
