Federal Judge Upholds Las Vegas Strip "Stop and Stand" Law That Carries Up to $1,000 Fine

A federal judge has upheld a controversial 2024 Clark County ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor to "stop, stand, or do something to cause someone to stop or stand" on the elevated walkways connecting Las Vegas Strip hotels. Violators can face a fine of up to $1,000 or six months in jail.
On Sept. 25, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey ruled that the ordinance "does not substantially burden constitutionally protected activity," the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. The ACLU of Nevada had challenged the law on behalf of a plaintiff in a wheelchair and two street performers.
Dorsey noted that only about 6% of the Strip's sidewalk space is near an escalator or elevator entrance, yet the law applies to the entirety of the elevated walkways. Clark County data shows 122 citations and arrests under the ordinance since 2024.
Police have said officers are instructed to issue warnings and educate before making an arrest, and that those stopping to take selfies would not be targeted. ACLU Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah called the ruling "somewhat of a dangerous decision" that will be unevenly enforced.