Nevada · Handbook chapter 5 · 4 min read

Entering and leaving Nevada freeways, ramp meters, lane-use control signals, carpool (HOV) lanes, anti-lock brakes and driver assistance systems.

Why this chapter matters

Freeways are usually the safest roads, with no intersections, signals or rail crossings, but speeds are high and mistakes are costly. Nevada's freeways also use ramp meters, overhead lane signals and HOV lanes that the test may ask about.

Entering a freeway

• Use the on-ramp. If you see DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY, you are going the wrong way.
• In the merge lane, signal, look for a gap and speed up to or near freeway speed.
• Do not stop before merging unless you must; a stop means a slow, dangerous start.
• Yield to traffic already on the freeway. If you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to let others merge.

On the freeway

• Keep the far left lane for faster traffic. Lane hopping is dangerous and seldom saves time.
• Look 20 to 30 seconds ahead and watch traffic all around you.
• Before a lane change, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for the blind spot, and signal.

Ramp meters

When a ramp meter is on, stop at the line on red, wait for green and then merge. Meter lights change faster than intersection signals. Where each ramp lane has its own meter, follow the one for your lane. An HOV bypass lane, marked with a diamond, lets carpools of two or more people pass the meter without stopping.

Lane-use control signals

Overhead signs can also lower the speed limit ahead of a crash or work zone.

HOV (carpool) lanes

• At least two people per vehicle (pets do not count; babies do).
• Motorcycles may use them; emergency vehicles responding to a call may too.
• Vehicles with more than two axles, or towing, may not.
• A double solid white line means do not cross into or out of the lane. Enter and leave only where the line is broken.
• Hours vary; read the signs.

Leaving a freeway

Move into the exit lane a mile or more ahead, then slow down in the deceleration lane, not on the freeway. If you miss your exit, never back up or turn around. Go to the next exit.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

With four-wheel ABS, press the brake hard, hold it down and steer where you want to go. Do not pump the pedal: pumping or easing off turns the ABS off. If the ABS light stays on after you start the car, the ABS is not working, but your ordinary brakes still are. Rear-wheel ABS (some light trucks) can still let the front wheels lock; ease off the brake just enough to let them roll and regain steering.

Driver assistance systems

Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot warnings and rear cross-traffic alerts help the driver but do not drive the car. Keep scanning and keep a safe following distance. Lane keeping may not work when lane lines are faint or covered.