Everything You Need To Know About Driving in Vegas

Vegas has some of the worst traffic, but you don’t have to let it spoil your fun.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Las Vegas, Nevada, is the entertainment capital of the world, with over 40 million visitors every year. Traffic in Sin City is worst on Friday afternoons, when many tourists arrive, and Sunday mornings, when many tourists leave.
From casinos, to live performances, to rooftop pool parties, Las Vegas is one big party. And that party can spill into the streets in many ways.
Whether you’re relocating or just in for the weekend to get married by an ordained Elvis impersonator, we've got all the info you need to navigate the streets of Vegas like a seasoned pro. 
We’ll look at the best and worst times to drive, local traffic laws, and we’ll even give you some tips on how to get the city’s best car insurance rates. So, read on, and remember: whatever happens in Vegas probably affects your
car insurance
.
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What is driving in Vegas like?

The average commute in Las Vegas is 25.4 minutes which is lower than the national average. But, that’s about where the good news ends. Nevada is one of the most expensive states for car ownership, with very high gas prices, higher-than-average car insurance rates, and high vehicle theft rates. 
And, while the Vegas Strip and Fremont street are tourist favorites, they can be absolute headaches for local commuters.
Here’s a look at the ins and outs of driving in Vegas.

Roads

One of the bigger challenges driving around Las Vegas is memorizing the street names that you will travel. Some streets are organized into a numbered grid system in the eastern part of the Summerlin neighborhood. This system stretches for about 15 blocks with each street increasing in number as you move east, away from Main St. But, for the most part, streets in Las Vegas are named.
The famous Las Vegas Strip extends for four miles of Las Vegas Blvd. between Sahara Ave. and Russell Road. Perhaps the busiest intersection in Las Vegas is the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave.
If you’re traveling from the north end of the city to the south, you can take the Las Vegas Beltway. The Beltway circles 3/4 of the Las Vegas Valley and allows you to avoid much of the traffic in downtown Las Vegas and the Strip.

Parking

There is limited free parking in Las Vegas and plenty of paid parking. If you're parking on the streets, meters cost $1 per hour on average. If you’re staying in a casino, your parking will likely be free. 
The city now offers two contactless ways to pay for your parking. There's the
Flowbird app
which uses GPS to identify where you’re parked, so you never have to find a meter. Flowbird warns you when your time is about to expire, you can renew your parking in the app, and you can pay in the app with your credit card.
ParkWhiz
parking meters allow you to scan a QR code without downloading an app, and you can set up payment using your credit card.
Most hotels and resorts in Las Vegas have their own parking garages. You can find parking in these facilities for $20 a day and you can even reserve a spot online. Booking a spot in one of these garages can be a good idea if you have tickets to a show and you don't want to waste time trying to find parking.

Weather 

Las Vegas is known for its very hot and dry summers, which can cause problems for drivers. Here’s what to expect from the Las Vegas heat:
  • Blow-outs: Extremely hot temperatures cause tires to expand and degrade causing
    blow-outs
    .
  • Overheating: Hot temperatures can cause engines to overheat and even catch fire. 
  • Pedestrians: Warm weather also tends to bring out more people into the streets. Las Vegas streets can become clogged with tourists and cyclists, especially in the balmy summer months. This can cause problems for motorists as tourists often have their eyes on the Strip’s spectacular hotels and attractions rather than the traffic. 
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Traffic and transportation options in Vegas

The worst times to drive in Las Vegas are the morning and evening rush hours which last from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM. The I-15, which runs parallel to the Strip, is notoriously congested during these times.
If you want a slow drive while taking in the sights and sounds the city has to offer, then driving down the Las Vegas Strip might be right up your alley. But, if you’re in a hurry, you may want to avoid the Strip as average speeds can plummet to 8 miles per hour. The same advice applies to downtown Las Vegas which is packed with thousands of tourists every day.
If you are heading to the Strip, but don’t want to get caught up in the Strip’s bumper-to-bumper gridlock, you can find a parallel side street like Koval Lane or Audrie Street to get you closer to where you need to be without the traffic headaches. 
The best times to drive in Las Vegas are outside rush hour times. That doesn’t necessarily apply to the Strip or downtown, though, as many people there are on vacation and don’t move in rhythm with the rush hour schedule.
For all the most up-to-date traffic information in Las Vegas, you can download the
NVRoads app
, which gives users real-time updates on road conditions, traffic accidents, and closures. You can also tune in to
NewsRadio 840 KXNT
for live traffic updates.

Should I rent a car in Vegas?

Car rentals are an option in Las Vegas, and you can even pick one up when you land at the airport. But be warned: traffic on the Strip moves slow, and parking comes at a premium. So, unless you’re planning a road trip at some point during your stay, renting a car might not be worth your while.
If you're planning on staying within the confines of the Strip you might want to use the monorail instead of driving. The monorail runs the length of the Strip, and an unlimited day pass costs $13. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about the parking, gas, or car insurance that comes along with renting a car.
Taxis and rideshares, like Uber and Lyft, are also available in Las Vegas and can be a great way to experience the city’s street life without the stresses of driving. 
MORE: 7 ways to save money on car rentals

Local driving laws in Vegas

Whether you’re just visiting or you’re making Las Vegas your new home, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with local driving laws if you plan on driving.
Here are some important local driving laws to keep in mind when driving in Vegas.
  • Distracted driving – Drivers who are caught talking or texting on a handheld device while driving in Nevada can face a fine of $250.
  • Speeding – Speeding in Vegas carries a $205 fine, however fines double to $410 in construction zones.
  • Emergency vehicles – If an emergency vehicle is approaching while you are driving, you must pull your vehicle over as far as possible to the right edge of the road. When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, you are required to move over at least one lane to pass.
  • Red-light cameras – Nevada is one of the few states that has banned the use of red-light cameras. Running a red light is still illegal, however, and if a police officer catches you, you could face a fine of $305 and four demerits. 

Crime rate in Vegas

Although Las Vegas’ overall crime rate is higher than the national average, and its vehicle theft rate is almost twice the national average. That’s bad news for your car insurance as theft rates cause insurance rates to go up.
But, like any city, there are areas and neighborhoods that have a lower crime rate than others. Sun City Summerlin, Tule Springs, Sheep Mountain, and Kyle Canyon are among the safest areas in Las Vegas. If you are relocating to Las Vegas, consider setting yourself up in one of these neighborhoods if possible. You’ll notice a difference when it comes time to renew your car insurance.

How to find car insurance in Vegas

Just because you’re in Las Vegas doesn’t mean you should gamble on your car insurance. If you want to get the best possible rates available on car insurance in Las Vegas, just get
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