By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed January 10, 2024
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Whether by car, motorcycle, or moped, Nebraska drivers must obey the same set of laws. Yet, there are hundreds of motor vehicle rules to remember. A police officer could notice if you forget or ignore just one.
Refreshing your knowledge can be helpful, whether you recently began driving or got your license decades ago. If you're contesting a ticket or traffic arrest, you have an even greater incentive to understand how the law works.
In this article, learn about Nebraska driving laws and traffic violations. An attorney can also answer questions you may have about a recent ticket.
The state laws you'll need to know appear in Chapter 60 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes. Find common driving topics and their matching laws in the table below.
| Drinking & Driving Violations | Driving under influence of alcoholic liquor or drug (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 196) |
|---|---|
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | Operator's license required (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-484) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | Proof of financial responsibility (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-528) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | Registration required (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-362) |
| Illegal U-Turn | Turning to proceed in opposite direction (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 160) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Motor vehicle accident; duty to stop (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-696) |
| Mechanical Violations | Vehicle equipment and violations (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 219 to 60-6, 287.01) |
| Reckless Driving | Reckless driving (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 213) |
| Right of Way | Right-Of-Way (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 146 to 60-6, 151) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | Obedience to traffic control devices (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 119) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Use of restraint system or occupant protection system (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6, 267) |
| Speeding | Speed limit violations (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-682.01) |
You could face various consequences if law enforcement pulls you over for a traffic ticket or an arrest. The penalties can rise for repeat offenses. Depending on the severity of the offense and your driving record, you could even lose your driver's license.
Nebraska uses a license point system. Many violations will add points to your license for five years. Getting 12 points within two years means the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can automatically suspend your driving privileges. Consider your driving history when deciding whether to fight a ticket to prevent these points.
Below are a few common traffic violations and their potential penalties.
Speeding penalties increase by how fast you drive above the speed limit. You may face a base fine from $10 to $300 plus surcharges. But this fine only applies to regular areas like a state highway or residential district. Speeding in a construction, maintenance, or school zone will double the fine.
The license point value for speeding ranges from zero to four in Nebraska. You won't get points for speeding up to five miles above the limit.
Careless driving is an infraction for failing to pay attention to the road. It usually applies to mildly inconsiderate or distracted driving.
The maximum base fines for careless driving include:
Because carelessness is not a criminal misdemeanor, unlike reckless and willful reckless driving offenses, the penalties are slightly lower. You won't face jail time for careless driving. But you could get four points on your license.
Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are complex. They might involve:
You'll likely have to follow a series of steps before you can get back on the road. Sometimes, drivers can't get their licenses back for over a decade. See FindLaw's guide to Nebraska's DUI Laws for details.
When you're fighting a traffic ticket or facing license issues, a local attorney can help you. They can use their experience in the state of Nebraska to review your situation and represent you in court.
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.