Rideshare Surge Pricing Prohibited During Governor’s Declared State of Emergency

The Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) is reminding transportation network companies (TNCs) and the public that surge pricing is prohibited during the state of emergency declared by Governor Joe Lombardo in response to the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires affecting areas of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony- Hungry Valley.

 Under NAC 706A.290(2), a transportation network company is prohibited, during a state of emergency, from charging a fare that exceeds the company's base fare. Accordingly, TNCs may not impose surge pricing during the state of emergency.

 The restriction applies to transportation network companies operating within the area of the declared emergency. TNCs should ensure that fares charged to passengers in Washoe County comply with the applicable requirements for the duration of the state of emergency.

 “During an emergency, Nevadans should be able to access transportation without facing increased fares based on extraordinary demand,” said Todd Park, Deputy Commissioner of the Nevada Transportation Authority. “We are reminding transportation network companies of their responsibilities and encouraging passengers to report suspected violations to the Authority.”

 What passengers should know

• Surge pricing is prohibited while the state of emergency is in effect.
• Review the fare displayed before accepting a ride.
• Keep a record or screenshot of the fare if they believe they have been charged a fare above the company's applicable base rate.
• Report suspected violations to the Nevada Transportation Authority.

The NTA encourages anyone who believes a TNC has charged a fare in violation of NAC 706A.290(2) to contact the Authority and provide information about the trip, including the date and time, TNC used, pickup and drop-off locations, fare charged and any available documentation. 

The NTA will continue to monitor transportation network company operations during the state of emergency and will take appropriate action regarding reported violations.

A copy of the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency can be found at https://www.gov.nv.gov/siteassets/content/newsroom/prs/2026/declaration-of-emergency-08102026.pdf. For more information about the Nevada Transportation Authority and transportation network companies, visit https://nta.nv.gov.

About the Nevada Transportation Authority

The Nevada Transportation Authority, a division of the Department of Business and Industry administers and enforces state laws pertaining to passenger transportation, household goods movers, storage of household goods, and tow cars.  They also regulate the taxicab industry outside of Clark County. The NTA has been charged with the responsibility of providing fair and impartial regulation, to promote safe, adequate, economical and efficient service, and to foster sound economic conditions in motor transportation. The NTA encourages the establishment and maintenance of reasonable charges for intrastate transportation by fully regulated carriers and non-consent towing services.

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