Is It Illegal to Drive a Totaled Car in Nevada?

Becoming involved in a car crash is a serious and stressful experience, especially if your car has sustained a significant amount of damage that makes you question whether or not it is drivable. While driving a totaled car around may seem like a safety hazard, but for some people they may not have any other choice, because they depend their livelihoods on that car. In such severe accidents and instances, it is completely normal to ask the important question, ‘is it illegal to drive a totaled car in Nevada?’ 

What Is a Totaled Vehicle?

According to section 487.790 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, a totaled vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has been wrecked, destroyed, or damaged to the extent where the cost of repairing it is 65% or more than the fair market value of the vehicle before it was wrecked. This evaluation is typically conducted by an insurance adjuster or by another certified vehicle appraiser. However, it is important to note, that it differs from a non repairable vehicle, which is defined as a 10 year old or older vehicle that requires a number of replacement parts in order for it to be operational and street legal.    

The Legal Status of a Totaled Car

Once a vehicle has been declared totaled by a certified vehicle appraiser, Nevada law mandates that a salvage title must be issued as per NRS 487.810. A salvage title is designed to indicate that a vehicle has sustained a significant amount of damage and, as a result, is no longer considered roadworthy. With that in mind, if you are driving a totaled car with a salvage license, you will be pulled over by local law enforcement and they will issue a ticket and any other penalty they deem appropriate based on the situation. 

How to Legally Drive a Totaled Vehicle in Nevada

In order to legally drive a totaled vehicle in Nevada, drivers must follow specific legal steps to make a totaled car street legal. The first step of that process is to apply for a salvage title at the Nevada DMV after the car has been deemed as a total loss. Once driver’s have the salvage title, they can repair the vehicle in a way that restores the car’s operating conditions and safety standards. 

When the necessary repairs have been made, then the vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection as per NRS 487.795. Should the vehicle pass inspection, the vehicle needs to be registered as a rebuilt or restored vehicle and once drivers obtain that registration only then they can legally drive a totaled vehicle. Any attempts to drive a vehicle without the necessary certificates will result in fines, impoundments, and other penalties that could potentially affect your driving privilege.  

What Are the Penalties for Driving a Totaled Car Without a Proper Title

If a driver is pulled over for driving a totaled car without the proper licenses and registration then they will be subjected to a series of fines and penalties. For instance, according to NRS 482.565, violators may face misdemeanor charges that can impose fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and possible imprisonment for up to 6 months. In addition, the totaled vehicle will be impounded until all fines and fees have been paid. Any failure to comply with the issued penalties will result in additional fines, jail time, and possibly have your driving privilege suspended or revoked. 

Are There Any Exceptions to Driving a Totaled Car?

In some cases, you may be allowed to move a vehicle with a salvage title under specific circumstances. According to the Nevada DMV, drivers can obtain a movement permit in order to move a totaled vehicle from one location to another. These permits can be obtained through the Nevada DMV on request and they are relatively cheap, ranging for about a few dollars. However, these permits only last for the requested time you ask for and are only valid in Nevada. Should you go outside of the state or allow the permit to expire, you will be issued a series of fines by local law enforcement. 

Can I Sell a Totaled Vehicle In Nevada

If you choose not to repair the totaled vehicle, you can sell it as salvage. However, under NRS 487.870, the sale of salvage-titled vehicles must be disclosed to potential buyers. It is illegal to sell a totaled vehicle without revealing its salvage status, and failure to do so may result in legal action for fraud and fines up to $650. As such, if you are deciding on whether to sell your totaled car, it is vital that you obtain the necessary paperwork and have it ready when you are selling it to an interested buyer or to a salvage yard. 

What Should I Do If I Was Ticketed For Driving a Totaled Car?

If you were ticketed for driving a totaled car, it is highly recommended that you pay all associated fines and fees as soon as possible. Should you choose to wait, you risk accruing additional fines and penalties which can impact your driving privileges. While driving around a totaled car after an accident may seem like a harmless act, it is actually dangerous and can possibly lead to additional car accidents where you may very likely become liable for. 

By adhering to these steps and understanding the Nevada Revised Statutes that govern salvage vehicles, you can make informed decisions about repairing or disposing of a totaled car. However, if you have been involved in a car accident and would like to seek legal representation regarding the matter, then West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and dedicated legal team.