Nevada Assembly proposes AB 417 to combat street racing and improve vehicle safety regulations

During a recent meeting of the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure, lawmakers discussed Assembly Bill 417, aimed at enhancing road safety by addressing reckless driving behaviors, particularly speed contests and trick driving. The bill proposes a series of measures that would empower the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take more decisive action against vehicles deemed unsafe for the road.

The bill's primary objective is to reduce the number of vehicles involved in dangerous driving activities. Under the proposed legislation, any vehicle cited for participating in speed contests or trick driving that fails to meet safety standards would be reported to the DMV. This would allow the DMV to temporarily cancel the vehicle's registration, requiring the owner to rectify any safety violations within 30 days. Lawmakers acknowledged that some repairs might take longer and are considering amendments to allow for reasonable extensions.

Key provisions of AB 417 include mandatory inspections by law enforcement officers for vehicles involved in speed contests. Officers would be required to check for compliance with Nevada's vehicle safety laws, which cover essential features like functional lights, brakes, and mirrors. If a vehicle is found to be unsafe, the officer must issue a citation and notify the DMV within five days.

The bill also strengthens existing penalties for reckless driving. Courts would be required to send impoundment orders to the DMV within five days, ensuring that vehicles involved in such activities are promptly addressed. This is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety on Nevada's roads, where incidents of street takeovers and reckless driving have become increasingly common.

Assemblymember Linda Hunt emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that reckless driving poses significant risks to both drivers and pedestrians. The committee is currently open to questions and discussions about the bill, with members expressing concerns about unregistered vehicles and how the DMV plans to manage them under the new regulations.

As the committee continues to refine the bill, the focus remains on creating safer roadways for all Nevadans, with the hope that these legislative changes will lead to a decrease in accidents and injuries related to reckless driving.