Minimum Driving Age
- School Permit (SCP): Available at age 14 for school-related driving (with limitations).
- Learner’s Permit (LPD): Available at age 15.
- Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP): Eligible at age 16, after holding a learner’s permit for at least 6 months and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night).
- Full License: Available at age 17, or at age 18 without prior steps.
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+ seated in the front passenger seat.
- Driving Hours: Must complete 50 supervised driving hours, including 10 hours at night.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for drivers under 18, including hands-free devices.
License Types
- LPD (Learner’s Permit): For practicing with a licensed adult.
- POP (Provisional Operator’s Permit): Intermediate license with some restrictions.
- Class O: Full driver’s license.
- Class A, B, C: Commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).
Motorcycle License or Endorsement: Required to operate a motorcycle.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Nebraska, you must provide:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents.
- Proof of Identity: State ID or equivalent.
- Proof of Social Security Number: SSN card, W-2, or tax form.
- Proof of Nebraska Residency: Utility bill, lease, etc.
- Parental/Guardian Consent: Required if under 18.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Required for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 18.
- Child Restraints:
- Under 2 years: Must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Ages 2–8: Must use a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
- Ages 8–18: Must wear a seatbelt, regardless of seating position.
- Under 2 years: Must be in a rear-facing car seat.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Handheld Device Use:
- Under 18 (POP or LPD holders): Not allowed to use any mobile devices, even hands-free.
- 18 and over: Handheld use not currently banned statewide, but discouraged.
- Under 18 (POP or LPD holders): Not allowed to use any mobile devices, even hands-free.
DUI/DWI Laws
- Legal BAC Limit:
- 0.08% for drivers 21+.
- 0.02% for drivers under 21.
- 0.08% for drivers 21+.
- First Offense Penalties:
- Jail: Up to 60 days.
- Fine: Up to $500.
- License Suspension: Typically 6 months.
- Ignition Interlock Device: May be required for reinstatement.
- Jail: Up to 60 days.
Speed Limits
- Interstate Highways: Up to 75 mph.
- Rural Highways: Typically 65 mph.
- Urban Areas: 25–35 mph depending on local ordinances.
- School Zones: Generally 15–25 mph.
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with disregard for safety.
- Penalties for First Offense:
- Fine: Up to $500.
- Jail: Up to 3 months.
- Points on License: 5 points; accumulating 12+ points in 2 years leads to license revocation.
- Fine: Up to $500.
Points System
Nebraska uses a points-based system to track traffic violations:
- 12 points in 2 years results in license revocation.
- Examples:
- Speeding: 1–4 points, depending on speed.
- Reckless Driving: 5 points.
- DUI: 6 points.
- Speeding: 1–4 points, depending on speed.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum required liability coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident.
- Drivers must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle and during traffic stops.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Every 5 years for most drivers.
- Every 5 years for most drivers.
- Vision Test: Required at every renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required after serious traffic violations, medical concerns, or expired licenses.
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