The Silver State's name is derived from the Spanish term for “snow-capped,” which locals pronounce “neh-VA-duh”, not “neh-vah-duh.” Carson City is the state capital.

 

Area Codes

Nevada has two area codes, with most of the state using 775. In the Las Vegas area, the area code is 702.

 

Gaming

Nevada is distinctive among American states thanks to the prevalence of gaming. It can be found statewide in such establishments as grocery stores, gas stations, airports, convenience stores and various other venues. It is prohibited only in Boulder City. The legal gambling age in Nevada is 21, and casinos are open 24 hours.

 

Emergency Assistance

In an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire or medical assistance.

 

Road Conditions

For current road conditions, visit NVRoads.com from your computer or NVRoads.mobi on your mobile phone or dial 511.

 

Liquor Laws

Alcohol is sold throughout Nevada. The legal drinking age is 21.

 

Time

The majority of Nevada is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT Minus 8 hours) with the exception of West Wendover, which is in Mountain Time Zone (GMT Minus 7 hours). The state observes daylight saving time.

 

Taxes

Nevada state sales tax is 6.50%. Local sales tax may be an additional 1.25%.

 

Smoking

You must be 18 to purchase tobacco products in Nevada. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and areas where food is served. Smoking is permitted in casino areas, bars and other designated locations where no food is served.

 

Prostitution

Nevada is one of just two states that allow some form of legal prostitution, the other being Rhode Island. State law permits heavily regulated brothels to operate in any county with a population under 400,000, making prostitution illegal in Washoe and Clark Counties, among others. Eleven Nevada counties currently permit brothels in certain areas or cities.

 

Driving Regulations

Nevada law requires everyone in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
Speed limits in Nevada are posted in miles per hour (mph). Generally, and unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on urban freeways and rural highways is 65 mph. On rural interstate freeways, the speed limit is 70 mph. In business and residential areas, the limit is 25 mph. In school zones, while children are present and/or during school hours, the speed limit is 15 mph. Speed limits are reduced to 45 mph close to town.
Most intersections are controlled by either stop signs or traffic signals. Unless otherwise noted, it is legal to make a right turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop and determining that the road is clear.

 

Best Time to Travel to Nevada

No matter your favorite time of year, Nevada’s distinct four seasons make it an incredible year-round destination. Beautiful spring and summer months make visiting Nevada parks and recreation areas, places like Great Basin National Park, spectacular Lake Tahoe, Valley of Fire State Park and more, an amazing experience. You’ll find nowhere better for outdoor recreation like hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, camping and endless water sport activities. Cooler fall months make strenuous outdoor recreation even more enjoyable, with spectacular autumn colors to boot. And in the winter, Nevada only gets better. Lake Tahoe is famous for its legendary ski season and the nonstop winter sports that go with it, while the stunning Ruby Mountains in eastern Nevada and southern Nevada’s easily accessible Mt. Charleston make winter fun seem like a statewide mandate. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding and more, we make good use of the fluffy white stuff here. So no matter how you get out in the great outdoors, whether you prefer shorts and tees or snow boats and parkas, anytime is a great time to visit Nevada.