Nebraska

Title Application

An application must be submitted to the local county treasurer in the county where the vehicle is garaged.

The following information is required: Vehicle Identification Number, year, make, model, body style, color, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The application also requires the owner’s full name, address, mailing address, signature, and any lien information. The DMV will establish regulations prior to 2020 to require the owner’s driver’s license number or state ID card number, and additional identification elements to be specified.

In some cases, an application for a certificate of title shall include a statement that an identification inspection has been conducted on the vehicle by an inspector designated by the sheriff.

If the motor vehicle has previously been titled, the application for title must be accompanied by the certificate of title duly assigned.

If a certificate of title has not been previously issued for the vehicle, the application for title must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s or importer’s certificate.

Title Transfer of Ownership

No person shall sell or otherwise dispose of a motor vehicle without delivering to the purchaser or transferee of such vehicle a certificate of title.

The transferor of any motor vehicle of an age of less than 10 years and equipped with an odometer by the manufacturer shall provide to the transferee a signed statement that the mileage shown on the odometer is accurate to the transferor’s best knowledge.

Titles for Mobile Homes

All applications for a certificate of title for a mobile home shall be accompanied by a mobile home transfer statement prescribed by DPAT.

Registration Application

An application must be submitted to the county office where the vehicle is garaged.

An application for vehicle registration includes the owner’s name, valid proof of insurance, his or her residence address, a description of the vehicle, and whether and what type of alternative fuel is used to propel the motor vehicle.

Registration for Non-Residents

A non-resident owner, other than a foreign corporation, whose passenger car is operated in the state for 30 or more continuous days shall register such car in the same manner as a Nebraska resident unless the state of his or her legal residence grants immunity from such requirements to residents of this state operating a passenger car in that state. A non-resident owner who is a foreign corporation shall register the vehicle in the same manner as a Nebraska resident immediately upon presence in the state for the purposes of conducting business.

Registration Type

The registration period for motor vehicles shall expire on the 1st day of the month 1 year from the month of issuance, and renewal shall become due on such day and shall become delinquent on the 1st day of the following month. Registration may be renewed up to 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Any owner who has 2 or more vehicles required to be registered, may register all such vehicles on a calendar-year basis or on an annual basis for the same registration period beginning in a month chosen by the owner.

Emissions Inspection

No statewide emissions inspections required.

Safety Inspection

Nebraska has no statewide periodic annual safety inspection requirement.

Title and Registration Fees

Plate Disbursement

The DMV shall furnish to every person whose motor vehicle is registered fully reflectorized license plates upon which shall be displayed the registration number, consisting of letters and numerals assigned to such motor vehicle in figures not less than 2 1/2 inches nor more than 3 inches in height, and also the word “Nebraska.”

Two plates shall be displayed on all vehicles except motorcycles, autocycles, minitrucks, truck-tractors, trailers, buses, special interest, and those registered as apportioned or displaying dealer plates. When one plate is displayed it shall be prominently displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Effective January 1, 2017, the DMV shall issue one license plate for passenger cars that are manufactured to only display one plate. A decal authorizing the single plate shall be issued and displayed on the driver’s side of the windshield.

The DMV shall, without the payment of any extra fee, issue license plates for 1 motor vehicle and 1 motorcycle to any handicapped or disabled person.

The DMV shall furnish to every person whose motor vehicle is registered 1 or 2 renewal tabs that shall bear the year for which furnished and be so constructed as to permit them to be permanently affixed to the plates.

The color scheme for license plates is green/yellow on white for general passenger vehicles. This color scheme will discontinue January 1, 2018.  Beginning January 1, 2017 the color scheme for license plates will be gray, blue, and black on white for general passenger vehicles. There are also a variety of specialty license plates that utilize other color and design schemes.

Disabled license plates are available by application through DMV.

Transfer of Plates

The owner of a vehicle bearing personalized message license plates may make an application to the county treasurer to have such plates transferred to a motor vehicle other than the vehicle for which such plates were originally purchased if such vehicle is owned by the owner of the plates.

Driver’s License Examination

Vision Test: The DMV vision test measures visual acuity and field of vision. If corrective lenses are needed to meet the standards, they must be worn at all times while driving, and the license issued will be restricted accordingly. If the standards are not met, either an ophthalmologist or optometrist will be required to check the findings. Applicants who cannot meet the minimum vision standards will be denied a license.

Written Test: There is a separate written test for each class of license. Applicants renewing a valid Nebraska operator’s license will have the written test waived if they renew the license prior to expiration or within 1 year after expiration. The examiner has access to Nebraska driver records and will determine eligibility upon application for renewal.

Driving Test: The driving test measures the ability to operate a specific class of vehicle under typical driving conditions. Examiners may, at their discretion, give a driving test to any license applicant. The vehicle must be furnished by the applicant for the driving test and it must be representative of the type of license for which he or she is applying.

Graduated Driver’s Licensing

Nebraska has a system of graduated licensing for novice drivers.

At age 14, individuals may apply for a school learner’s permit.  This permit allows the individual to legally practice driving for a school permit and is valid for three months. Drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

At age 15, individuals may apply for a learner’s permit, which is valid for 1 year. Individuals at least 14 years and 2 months of age, but younger than 16, may apply for a school permit for the purpose of allowing a student to legally practice driving if he/she  either resides or attends a school located outside a city with a population of 5,000 or more. Applicants must have held the school learner’s permit for at least two months prior to making application for the school permit.

Applicants for a school permit must complete an approved driver safety course and pass a driving test given by the driver safety course instructor, or complete 50 hours (10 hours at night) of certified driving time and pass a drive test administered by a driver license examiner.

School permit holders can transport such person or any family member who resides with such person to school or extracurricular activities at the school the school permit holder attends.

• Drivers must hold a learner’s permit or school permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional permit.
• Drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

At age 16, drivers may apply for a provisional permit.

• Applicants must complete an approved driver safety course and pass a written and driving test given by the driver safety course instructor, or complete 50 hours (10 hours at night) of certified driving time and pass a drive test administered by a driver license examiner.
• Provisional license holders may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are driving to or from home, work or a school activity, or unless accompanied by licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. During the first 6 months of POP, the holder can only operate a motor vehicle with no more than 1 passenger who is not an immediate family member and who is under 19 years of age (secondarily enforced).
• All persons being transported are required to ride secured in an occupant protection system.

At age 17, drivers are eligible for an unrestricted license if they have held a provisional permit for at least 12 months and and have not accumulated 3 or more points on their driving records during the previous 12 month period.

If the driver is holding an LPE, SCP, LPD, or POP, seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers front and rear seats (secondary enforcement).

Driver's License Issuance/Application

An application for a Driver’s license or permit must be made to Driver Licensing Staff at any Driver Licensing Office. The application must include the applicant’s name, residential address, mailing address, physical description, birth information, social security number, and medical history information.

An application for a driver’s license or permit must be accompanied by proof of age and identity, and two forms of proof of address. If the applicant is under the age of 18, this must be his or her birth certificate. Only original documents will be accepted by the DMV as proof of age and identity and address.

A driver’s license shall at all times be carried by the licensee when operating a motor vehicle.

Any valid driver’s license issued to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, or the person’s spouse, is effective without the requirement for renewal until 60 days after the date of the person’s discharge from the service.

License does not include social security number.

License includes color photograph.

A 30 day temporary license is issued to the applicant upon successful completion of tests and payment of fees. The permanent license is sent to the applicant via U.S. mail within 20 days.

Driver’s License Renewal

An operator’s license issued to a person 21 years of age or older expires on the licensee’s birthday in the 5th year after issuance.

An operator’s license issued to a person under the age of 21 expires on that person’s 21st birthday.

Upon renewal, a vision test is required. The written and driving tests may be waived by the DMV.   Licensees under age 72 may be eligible to renew or obtain replacements of their license online.

Operator’s licenses issued to persons required to use bioptic or telescoptic lenses shall expire annually on the licensee’s birthday. License duration may be extended for up to two years based upon required review by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

A 30 day temporary license is issued to the applicant upon successful completion of tests and payment of fees. The permanent license is sent to the applicant via U.S. mail within 20 days.

Types of Driver’s Licenses

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): The CLP authorizes a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle for learning purposes when accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years of age and has the same class CDL that the CLP holder is operating (applicants must be at least age 18). First time CDL applicants and those applying for any upgrade to current CDL that requires skills testing must hold a CLP for 14 days prior to any skills testing.

Class A Commercial: Any combination of motor vehicles and towed vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs. if the GVWR of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.

Class B Commercial: Any single commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more or any such commercial motor vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.

Class C Commercial: Any single commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs. or any such motor vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs. This class includes motor vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and motor vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

Class M: Motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement on a permit, Class O non-commercial license, or CDL.

Class O: The operator’s license which authorizes the person to operate on highways any motor vehicle except a commercial motor vehicle or motorcycle.

School Bus Permit: A school bus permit is required for drivers of all vehicles that transport one or more school children provided such transportation is sponsored and approved by a Board of Education.

Distracted Driving

All drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. No LPE, SCP, LPD, or POP holder may use any interactive communication device while driving. Both are secondary offenses.

Emergency Radio/Cellular

Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls. Emergency cell phone number is *55.

Headsets

No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

Impaired Driving

All 50 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating beverages, with the illegal per se limit set at 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (.08 BAC). All 50 states and the District of Columbia set the legal drinking age at 21.

Every state’s chemical test law has ‘‘an implied consent’’ provision providing that any person operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, who is suspected of driving while intoxicated, consents to a chemical test to determine if he or she is inebriated. Failure to submit or pass such a test may cause the driver’s license to be suspended or revoked regardless of any court action finding the person innocent of the charge.

The most comprehensive resource on U.S. impaired driving laws is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Digest of Impaired Driving and Selected Beverage Control Laws.  NHTSA’s Digest is updated annually.

Nebraska requires the use of ignition interlocks for all impaired driving offenders.

Move Over Law

A driver approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, with flashing lights and traveling in the same direction to vacate the lane closest to the vehicle or reduce speed and maintain a safe speed while passing the vehicle. If vacating the closest lane if not possible, a driver must slow to a safe speed. Also included in the law are utility vehicles.

Seat Belts

Seat belts are required for the driver and all front seat passengers age 18 and older.

Violation of the seat belt law is a secondary offense.

Riding in the cargo area of any vehicle, including a pickup truck, is not permitted for persons under age 18; some other exceptions apply.

Child Passenger Safety

Children ages 6 until 18 are required to ride secured in an occupant protection system in all seating positions.

Children under age 6 are required to be in a child restraint system.

Violation of the child restraint law is a primary offense.

Railroad Crossing

Driver shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the railroad track if any of the following conditions are present: (1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device is giving warning of the immediate approach of a train; (2) a crossing gate is lowered or a flag-person is giving warning of an approaching train; or (3) an approaching train is plainly visible or audible and is in hazardous proximity.

No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or being opened or closed.

The driver of any bus for hire carrying passengers or of any school bus, shall stop such vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the railroad crossing and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely.

School Buses

Upon meeting or overtaking, from the front or rear, any school bus on which the yellow warning signal lights are flashing, the driver of a motor vehicle shall reduce the speed of such vehicle to not more than 25 mph, shall bring such vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stop signal arm is extended and red signal lights are flashing, and shall remain stopped until the stop signal arm is retracted and the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the bus driver to proceed.

Bumper Height

Modification of original vehicle bumper height is permitted.

Headlight Use

Headlights are required to be used from sunset to sunrise, and when visibility is less than 500 feet.

Hazard Light Use

Hazard light use is permitted while driving.

Tire Chains

Tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface.

Studded Tires

Studded tires are permitted November 1 to April 1.

Glass/Window Tinting

It shall be unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state upon a highway: (a) if the windows in such motor vehicle are tinted so that the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side or rear windows is reduced or the ability to see into the motor vehicle is substantially impaired; (b) if the windshield has any sunscreening material that is not clear and transparent below the AS-1 line or if it has a sunscreening material that is red, yellow, or amber in color above the AS-1 line; (c) if the front side windows have any sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 35%; or (d) if the rear window or side windows behind the front seat have sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 20% except for the rear window or side windows behind the front seat on a multipurpose vehicle, van, or bus.

The term “AS-1 line” shall mean a line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield or shall mean a line 5 inches below and parallel to the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield.

Video Screens

It shall be unlawful to operate upon any highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the TV viewing screen is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle.

Radar Detectors

Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

Windshield Stickers

It is unlawful to drive with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wing vents, or side or rear windows other than a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law. Enforced as a secondary offense.

Other Equipment Rules

N/A.

Motorcycle Equipment

A person shall not operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle unless such person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design meeting U.S. Department of Transportation standards. The helmet must also be secured properly on the operator or passenger’s head with a chin strap.

Motorcycle Licenses

Learner’s Permits (LPE or LPD): The applicant must pass a vision test before obtaining either permit and must also pass a written test for an LPD. The permit authorizes the holder to operate a motorcycle if he or she is within visible contact and is under the supervision of a person who is age 21 or older and a licensed motorcycle operator.

Class M: Applicant must pass a vision and written test. Applicant must also successfully complete a drive test. This examination may be waived if the applicant presents proof of successful completion of a DMV-approved motorcycle safety course within the immediately preceding 24 months.

Motorcycle Noise Limits

Every vehicle shall be equipped, maintained, and operated so as to prevent excessive or unusual noise. No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. It shall be unlawful to use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on any motor vehicle upon a highway. No person shall modify or change the exhaust muffler, the intake muffler, or any other noise-abatement device of a motorcycle in a manner such that the noise emitted by the motorcycle is increased above that emitted by the motorcycle as originally manufactured.

Mopeds & Other

A moped shall be entitled to full use of a traffic lane of any highway with an authorized speed limit of 45 mph or less.

No person shall operate a moped between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.

Mopeds shall not be operated more than 2 abreast in a single lane.

Any person who operates a moped on a highway shall ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as practicable.

No person shall operate any moped at a speed in excess of 30 mph.

No person shall operate or be a passenger on a moped unless they are wearing a protective helmet meeting U.S. Department of Transportation standards. The helmet must also be secured properly on the operator or passenger’s head with a chin strap.

No person shall operate a moped without a current, valid driver license.

Trailer Dimensions

Total length: 65 feet (excluding bumpers); trailer and motor home length: 40 feet (excluding bumpers); width: 8 feet 6 inches (excluding safety equipment and for motor homes, appurtenances up to 6 inches); height: 14 feet 6 inches.

Trailer Brakes

All commercial trailers with a carrying capacity of more than 10,000 lbs. shall be equipped on each wheel with brakes that can be operated from the driving position of the towing vehicle.

All recreational trailers having a gross loaded weight of 3,000 lbs. or more but less than 6,500 lbs. shall be equipped with brakes on at least 2 wheels.

All trailers with a gross loaded weight of 6,500 lbs. or more shall be equipped with brakes on each wheel. The brakes shall be operable from the driving position of the towing vehicle. Such trailers shall also be equipped with a breakaway, surge, or impulse switch on the trailer so that the trailer brakes are activated if the trailer becomes disengaged from the towing vehicle.

Trailer Hitch/Signals

Safety chains required.

Trailer Lighting

Any trailer, in use on a highway, shall be equipped with brake and turn-signal lights in good working order.

Trailer Mirrors

No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway when the motor vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the driver from obtaining a view of the highway to the rear unless such vehicle is equipped with a right-side and a left-side outside mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear.

Trailer Speed Limits

No person shall operate any motor vehicle when towing a mobile home at a rate of speed in excess of 50 mph.

Trailer Towing

The draw-bar or other connection between any 2 vehicles, 1 of which is towing or pulling the other on a highway, shall not exceed 15 feet in length from 1 vehicle to the other.

The connecting device between any 2 vehicles, 1 towing the other, shall have displayed at approximately the halfway point between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle a red flag or other signal or cloth not less than 12 inches square.

Whenever the load on any vehicle extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body, there shall be displayed at the end of such load a red flag not less than 12 inches square.

Whenever the load on any vehicle extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body, and is being operated between sunset and sunrise, there shall be displayed a red light plainly visible under normal weather conditions at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

Trailer Other Provisions

Riding in towed trailers is permitted.

Accident Reporting

Crashes are required to be reported in cases of death, injury, or when property damage exceeds $1000.00.

The deadline to file a report is 10 days.

Bail Bonds

Mandatory recognition of AAA arrest bond certificate up to $200, with specified exceptions.

Liability Laws

State has future proof law. Proof of coverage required at all times. Violators may be charged with a class II misdemeanor.

Any person operating a motor vehicle must have liability insurance with the following minimum coverage: $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of 1 person in 1 accident; $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of 2 or more persons in any 1 accident; and $25,000 for injury to or destruction of property in any 1 accident.

State has non-resident service of process law; does not have a guest suit law.

Weigh Stations

All trucks over 1 ton must stop, except a pickup truck pulling a recreational trailer.

Bicycles

Bicycle helmets are not required.

Drivers passing a bicycle must pass with a space of 3 feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle.

Other

Nebraska is party to the Non-Resident Violator Compact.