According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website, more than 37.5 million people visit Las Vegas annually. Some people get married, gamble, see their favorite stars perform or enjoy fine dining in gourmet restaurants. Most people who vacation in Las Vegas abide by the rules, but for those who don't, the men and women of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stand ready to prevent illegal behavior. So, before you go to Vegas, learn about local laws that could affect your vacation.
Get a room. Title 10, Division X of the Las Vegas Municipal Code prohibits sleeping in doorways, bus stops, cars and trucks. And don't even think about skipping out of a hotel if you can't pay your bill, that's a misdemeanor crime.
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 465 - Crimes and Liabilities Concerning Gaming, states that cheating at gambling is a Class B felony. Cheating includes: using a device in a casino to keep track of cards played, attempting to alter a gaming device such as a slot machine, and obtaining information that would affect the outcome of a game or race before the information is available to other players. It is also a felony to knowingly gamble with slugs or counterfeit chips. Violation of these laws can result in a maximum prison sentence of six years plus a $10,000 fine.
According to the Shouse Law Group website, public intoxication is not a crime in Las Vegas; however, disturbing the peace while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol constitute crimes. The Las Vegas Municipal Code also prohibits bringing alcohol into an athletic event, drinking in a park or drinking within 1,000 feet of a church, synagogue, school or homeless shelter. Under Chapter 10.62 of the Las Vegas Municipal Code, it is a crime for anyone under 21 years old to possess or drink alcohol and it is a crime to purchase or provide minors with alcohol.
The Las Vegas Municipal Code prohibits prostitution and solicitation of prostitution. Using obscene language during a telephone conversation or on a public street, highway or alley within Las Vegas is a crime. Spitting in public is punishable by a 30-day jail sentence. Laws against noise include shouting or singing on a public street between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
To marry in Las Vegas, both parties must appear at the Clark County Clerk's Office prior to the wedding with a photo proof of age and identification, such as a driver's license. In 2010, the cost of obtaining a marriage license in Las Vegas was $60.00.
