by Carson City, NV — Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 4 into law on Monday, introducing stricter penalties for drivers whose impaired actions result in another person’s death. The new law, which takes effect in January, raises the stakes for DUI offenses resulting in fatal accidents, aligning Nevada’s sentencing with second-degree murder penalties.
Minimum and Maximum Sentences Updated
Under the updated statute, drivers convicted of DUI-with-death face a maximum prison sentence of 25 years, with eligibility for parole after 10 years. Previously, the law allowed a maximum of 20 years, with parole eligibility after just eight years due to Nevada’s 1995 felony sentencing requirement, which mandates a minimum sentence equal to 40% of the maximum.
The law maintains a minimum sentence of two years for first-time offenders. However, drivers with one or two prior criminal offenses could face a minimum sentence of five years, increasing the potential prison range to five to 25 years.
Legislative Background and Governor’s Initiative
The Nevada Legislature convened a special session last month to address public safety and criminal justice proposals. Governor Lombardo, a Republican, had initially proposed stricter DUI penalties during the regular session, which ended in June, but the measure did not pass at that time.
The updated DUI-with-death penalties now mirror Nevada’s second-degree murder statute, reflecting the governor’s push for tougher sentencing on crimes that result in loss of life due to reckless driving.
Additional Traffic Safety Measures Signed
In addition to Assembly Bill 4, Governor Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 6, which doubles fines for traffic violations in school zones and school crossing zones. This legislation is designed to increase safety around schools and will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
Previous DUI Legislation Context
Last legislative session, Nevada lawmakers approved a law that doubles jail time after a driver’s second DUI within seven years, increasing the sentence from 10 to 20 days. Combined with the new DUI-with-death law, Nevada continues to take a tougher stance on impaired driving offenses.
Your Thoughts on the New Law
Do you think these tougher DUI penalties will make Nevada roads safer? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below — your input matters!
