10 Odd Nevada Laws: Stipulations in the Silver State

10 Odd Nevada Laws You Should Know About

When going about your life, you do your best to obey the laws. You don’t run red lights, you don’t shoplift, and you don’t jaywalk. But even if you try your best to be a law-abiding citizen, you could be breaking one of Nevada’s weird laws without knowing it.

1. You can’t ride a camel on the highway.

In the 1800s, camels transported goods across the deserts of Nevada. Apparently, camel traffic on highways became a problem and was soon outlawed. However, Nevadans can still ride camels on city streets.

People often try to ride other vehicles on the highway, such as ATVs. This can be dangerous. If you’re in an ATV accident in Nevada, you should contact Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers right away. We also help with any other motor vehicle accidents in the state.

2. You can’t hula hoop on Fremont Street.

Downtown Las Vegas boasts many street performers. In 2010, the Las Vegas city council deemed hula-hooping in the area illegal, claiming it blocked pedestrian traffic and impacted surrounding businesses.  

Pedestrians are often at risk on Fremont Street. Even if the accident is not hula-hoop related, if you are in a pedestrian accident in Nevada, you should contact Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers. Our pedestrian accident lawyers will investigate the case and help you get compensation.

3. If you have a mustache, you can’t kiss a woman in Eureka.

In the 1800s and 1900s, various laws prohibited men’s facial hair in the U.S., sometimes for religious reasons. In Eureka, this law is still on the books, though (hopefully) not enforced. 

It is hopeful that these kisses are consensual. However, if they are not, you may have a sexual assault claim. Shook & Stone violent crime injury lawyers can help you get compensation for your physical and emotional losses due to an unwanted sexual advance.

4. You can hang someone for shooting your dog. 

In the 1800s, when Nevada was largely considered the Wild West, dogs were more than pets. They were used primarily for protecting herds of sheep and cattle, and harming a dog led to severe punishment.

While dogs were working animals in the 1800s, they are primarily pets today. If one does bite you, the injuries can be significant. You should contact Shook & Stone Las Vegas dog bite lawyers to get the compensation you deserve.

5. You can’t place benches or seats on streets or sidewalks in Reno without getting permission first. 

This law was originally established as an effort to curb the population of homeless people in Reno. However, if there is a strip of grass near a sidewalk it is not technically considered a sidewalk, so you’re fine to place a bench there. 

6. You can run a red light or stop sign if you are driving the lead car in a funeral procession.

Nevada is the only state in the country where this is legal, as it allows police officers to direct traffic in respect of funeral processions. 

When a person runs a red light or stop sign in a normal situation, they are liable for any crash that they cause. If you’re hurt in a wreck, you should contact a Las Vegas auto accident lawyer to help you get what you need to move forward with life.

7. You can’t lie down on a sidewalk in Reno. 

However, there is no law against lying down in the middle of the street. Though you probably wouldn’t want to do that, either.

8. You can’t spray paint a shopping cart and keep it in your basement.

Once a shopping cart is spray painted, it’s hard to tell where it was stolen from. This law helps prevent shopping cart theft, apparently.

9. You can’t pawn your dentures in Las Vegas. 

Because dentures are considered to be prescribed medical devices, they cannot be sold or auctioned off in any capacity. Not sure why anyone would want used dentures, but there you have it. 

Many people who are forced to pawn valuable items like dentures need Social Security Disability to help them pay their bills. The Las Vegas Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyers at Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers can help you get the benefits you need.

10. You can’t walk the streets in Elko without wearing a mask. 

Nowadays, walking down the street in a mask would draw some strange looks. But when the influenza pandemic hit Nevada in 1918, lawmakers had to force citizens to take precautions against the spread of disease.

Strange Laws Once Had a Purpose

These laws might seem strange, but they are completely real. Some are even still on the books. They may be too costly to repeal, they may be historically significant, or they may address specific circumstances not covered by conventional law. Luckily, most are not enforced. But play it safe, just in case and don’t ride a camel on the highway. 

Legal Questions? Contact Shook & Stone.

Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers handles an array of legal needs for people in Nevada. We have an experienced legal team with more than 25 years of experience representing people who have been injured by the negligence of others. We also help Nevada residents who need to get Social Security Disability or who have Workers’ Compensation claims. 

Our Mission: Protecting Nevada Residents

It is our mission to protect the injured and disabled individuals of Nevada, ensuring that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We also provide compassionate and personalized legal advice for people who often think they have no other options. Don’t give up. If you’ve been injured by negligence, at work, or need SSD/SSDI, Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers can help. 

Get The Legal Help You Need from Shook & Stone

It can be fun to learn about strange laws in Nevada. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you may have your own legal needs. Whether you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, hurt by a defective product, or need help filing for workers’ compensation or social security benefits—our team at Shook & Stone would love to hear from you. Get a free consultation today!