Pulling over on the highway (law, dangerous, safest)

[unf0rgiven6262]

I'm seeing people pull over on the left side of the highway when flagged by a cop. Where I come from you were always supposed to pull to the right. Does it matter which side in Nevada?

[Joe3788]

Noticed the same thing when I moved out here 10 years ago. Very strange.

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Its pull to the Right.

Unless something changed...

[crazy_bd]

Same thing happens in Cali. But I think your odds improve if you pull to the right.

[Trash Can]

I went on a ride-along a few months ago with my neighbor, who works for the NHP. Every stop (approx 10) we made that night was to the right. He never mentioned anything about pulling over to the left.

[tomfirst]

I always go to the right including a flat tire, unless impossible, and, if it is the Police, you have more time than a flat tire to pick the safest spot including nearest off ramp. Protect yourself. Many tragic rear ends happen on the left side. Other drivers do not expect to encounter this.

[Buzz123]

If you're in the outside lane of a three or four lane highway, isn't it safer to pull to the left than to try and maneuver across those three or four lanes as long as there is room to pull off the road? If the cop wants you on the right he can use his lights to help you get there safely. If the cop doesn't care why should you?

[unf0rgiven6262]

I'm asking because I agree with tomfirst and was wondering if anyone knew if the law clearly stated one way or the other. I personally wouldn't pull to the left unless my axle just broke in half in the left lane.

[Buzz123]

The law says that you are to pull to the right in a safe manner and stop for emergency vehicles going in either direction unless there is a physical barrier between the opposing lanes. They do not consider the median as a physical barrier as the emergency vehicles sometimes have to cross it even though that is illegal. But everyone takes into account that crossing over three lanes of traffic is dangerous, and a driver is expected to use his/her head and not cause an accident because the law says pull to the right. Remember when that law was written most streets and highways were two lanes. If you have a cop on your tail though, it is usually safe to use your turn signal and gradually make your way to the right and look for a safe place to stop. If on a freeway, you can take a nearby an exit as long as you make it clear to the cop you aren't running. If you are a lone woman, and it's late at night, driving slowly to a well lighted area where there are other people is probably a good idea.

[olecapt]

The NV drivers handbook says pull over for a cop. No direction.

So pull over where it makes sense. I would also note they have loud speakers and can tell you what to do if they are not happy.