California → Nevada · Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway)
The night-time return from Los Angeles, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, deserves its own protocol: anti-glare driving glasses on, dashboard light dimmed to the lowest setting, and well-lit truck stops pre-identified as candidate rest stops. The 434 km (270 miles) of Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway) and the 4h 8m of driving cross zones with patchy cellular coverage during the small hours. Approximate refuel cost on the way back stays at $36.34 for the 39.5 liters (10.4 gallons) consumed. Forecast reimbursement for the night leg holds at $186.62 applying the prevailing $0.43/km — without an automatic night premium in the IRS standard mileage rate (2025) table. If the company pays night-driving overtime, open a separate line on the Clara receipt: the payroll integration already recognizes the entry.