Are There Any Special Laws on the Las Vegas Strip?

If you visit Las Vegas and its famous Strip, you may feel like you’re in a different world. But before you start shedding all your previous notions of reality, it’s important to look into the laws of this strange new land to see if things are as free as they seem. While the Strip may be a tourist destination and hot spot, it’s still a public area with rules and regulations. That’s why De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers is listing regular (and not as regular) Las Vegas Strip laws to help you have some good, legal fun.

What Is the Las Vegas Strip?

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the city’s most recognizable streets. It’s filled with major casinos, bars, entertainment venues, restaurants, stores, and hotels, making it a tourist destination for those from all over the world. This 4.2-mile section of street is filled with dizzying sparkling lights and a party atmosphere that won’t quit. While families can enjoy the shows and events on the Strip, many of the bars, casinos, and after-hours attractions could be reasonably considered “adult-only.” With bars allowed to stay open 24 hours a day, there’s plenty of time for these late-night activities.

When you think of Las Vegas, you often think of the Strip. But did you know that this location technically doesn’t fall within city limits? Along with the local international airport and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the strip sits within Clark County, or the unincorporated town of Paradise, Nevada. While this distinction doesn’t mean much to the excited Nevada tourist, it is important to consider when thinking about the laws of this iconic destination.

Drinking on the Strip

Alcohol can be a major part of the Las Vegas culture. From bars to boozy brunches, you might want to know more about the legality of enjoying a few drinks on the Strip. First of all, you may be happy to know that carrying and consuming an open container of alcohol in public is legal in both Las Vegas and Clark County. That means you can feel free to grab a drink from your favorite bar and take it with you as you explore the street.

There are some exceptions to this rule, of course. First of all, you won’t be allowed to consume alcohol within 1,000 feet of a church, synagogue, public or private school, hospital, withdrawal management facility, or homeless shelter. While you may not encounter any of these places on the Strip itself, it’s important to remember in case you accidentally wander off your path.

There are also some complicated laws when it comes to containers. If you purchase an open drink, like one in a plastic cup, you can legally drink it out on the street. If you buy a closed container, like from a liquor store, you can’t consume it on the premises or within 1,000 feet of the store.

Additionally, you may be surprised to know that a Clark County law makes it illegal to carry glass beverage containers of any kind on the Strip. The reason for this law is that it prevents litter and minimizes the chance of turning a glass container into a weapon. The city previously enacted this rule on New Year’s Eve for these very reasons, but now it stands year-round.

What Else Can and Can’t You Do on the Strip?

Curious about other Las Vegas Strip regulations and laws? For starters, you may be interested to know that marijuana is recreationally legal for those over 21 in all of Nevada. However, unlike alcohol, you can’t consume this substance in public as you walk the Strip.

While some movies and shows may have you believe that prostitution is legal in Vegas, it’s actually not permitted in the city or Clark County. Another thing you can’t do on this fabled street is stay out late if you’re under 18. Curfew laws in Las Vegas and Clark County mean that any minor who is not engaged in lawful employment or accompanied by an adult cannot stroll the Strip between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

Other Special Strip Laws

There are also a few unique laws that may or may not ever be relevant to your trip, but they might be fun to discover nonetheless. For example, did you know that it’s illegal for a Nevada pawnbroker to accept any property from someone who’s intoxicated? If you’re worried about having a few too many drinks and accidentally selling off your prized possession, know that the law is on your side here.

Another odd law is that you legally aren’t allowed to swear on any public street in Las Vegas, including the Strip. This includes any vile, obscene, or profane comments. Luckily, this law is rarely enforced.

There are also a few laws created with the intention of minimizing crowding and chaos on public streets. For example, you won’t be able to unicycle, roller skate, skateboard, in-line skate, or hula-hoop on heavily trafficked city streets like the pedestrian mall on Fremont Street. There are also some laws limiting your ability to operate toy cars on the Las Vegas streets.

Finally, you may wonder why Las Vegas is such a destination spot for weddings. The reason, besides all the glitz and glamour, is that the state of Nevada doesn’t have a waiting period for marriage, meaning that you can get your marriage license and tie the knot immediately after. If you can’t wait a second longer to begin married life with your significant other, a Strip vacation may be in your future.

At De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers, we want you to have a safe, legal, and fun time at one of our state’s most beloved attractions. Knowing more about the standard and unique laws for the Strip can help you plan for an enjoyable trip that leaves nothing but positive memories. Grab a drink and take a worry-free walk down this iconic street.

If you do find yourself in legal trouble, though, or would simply like to learn more about the laws of this unique area, you can always give us a call. Our passionate team of legal professionals will work tirelessly on your case, no matter how big or small. Let us protect you and your legal rights in Sin City.

Photo Credit: las vegas strip night view by Graeme Maclean is licensed with CC BY 2.0