Nebraska Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are offenses committed while operating or controlling a motor vehicle. In Nebraska, traffic infractions include regular speeding, misdemeanors such as reckless driving, and felonies like aggravated or repeat DUIs, as well as some hit-and-run charges.

Understanding the legal (fines, jail time, and license penalties), financial (insurance surcharges), and civic (safe, predictable road system) classification, punishment, and documentation of traffic conduct issues in Nebraska can help you avoid such issues. The article below covers common offenses, punishments, and how to identify and retrieve records.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Nebraska?

Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 60, Article 6 regulates traffic violations in the state. These may include speeding, signal compliance, right-of-way, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving, all of which are illegal in Nebraska. District courts hear appeals from county court traffic cases and also handle serious DUIs that result in crimes. However, the majority of common traffic infractions are prosecuted in county courts.

According to Nebraska's DUI law, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. The severity of the penalty increases with previous convictions and a high BAC (≥0.15). A chemical test refusal or failure results in administrative license revocation (ALR), which is distinct from criminal prosecution.

Types of Traffic Violations in Nebraska

Under Nebraska law, drivers may be cited for several types of traffic violations, such as:

• Driving too fast for the circumstances or going over posted limits.
• Ignoring traffic-control equipment in any way, such as running a stop sign or red light.
• Operating a vehicle without a license, the appropriate class or endorsement, and without proof of financial responsibility or insurance.
• Operating a vehicle with a deliberate disregard for safety is known as reckless or intentional driving, and it is more severe than simple negligence.
• Higher penalties apply when there is injury or death involved in a hit-and-run or abandoning the scene.
• Not yielding, changing lanes incorrectly, or following too closely.
• Using a wireless handheld device, Nebraska imposes fines according to the offense number.
• Refusing a chemical test or DUI carries both criminal penalties and ALR.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Nebraska

A $200 basic charge for a first handheld device offense (more for subsequent crimes) and tiered speeding fines are only two examples of the waiver/fine schedules used in Nebraska for many ticketed infractions. Costs and fees are also evaluated by courts.

Convictions earn points from the DMV. License revocation occurs when 12 or more points are accrued in any two years (usually 6 months for the first point revocation; 3 years for a second within five years).

Every five years, drivers who voluntarily complete an authorized 4-hour defensive driving/driver development course can receive a one-time, 2-point credit (must be completed before the violation that would trigger the 12th point).

The act creates a lengthy look-back period for improvements as well as graded penalties. DUI penalties, which can include jail time, hefty fines, prolonged license revocations, and ignition-interlock requirements, escalate with past convictions and blood alcohol content. Upon test failure or refusal, ALR conducts administrative action, and eligibility for an Ignition Interlock Permit is suspended during revocation.

Insurance rates are usually increased by convictions and point accumulations; federal and state regulations further exclude business drivers.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Nebraska

Court case records (tickets and dispositions):Nebraska’s JUSTICE case information system provides public access to county and district court records—including traffic cases—by one-time search or subscriber access. Online case pages generally include case summaries, party names, offense information, financials, and the register of actions, with many filed documents viewable as images. Enhanced DUI felonies will appear in district court.

Many waiverable citations can be paid through the Judicial Branch ePayments portal.

Your official driving record (MVR) can be ordered from the DMV online or by mail (there is a fee). Identification details, license status, convictions and administrative withdrawals, and retention policies are all included in your MVR. Information on what is recorded and how long entry retention lasts is provided by Nebraska.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Nebraska?

Two distinct record systems matter:

1. DMV driving record: After the last license or ID application, Nebraska authorities retain a driver's record for 11 years, unless there are convictions or administrative withdrawals. The DMV's Driver Record Retention Schedule states that while DUI convictions and certain significant offenses are kept on file for 55 years, the majority of driving violations, including repeated speeding convictions, are kept on file for 10 years.
2. Court records: Unless sealed or otherwise limited by law or regulation (such as special secrecy for specific juvenile problems), case files in county or district court are normally open to the public.

The laws governing public access to electronic court documents in Nebraska specify what information is accessible to the public and when it cannot be accessed remotely; certain data are prohibited from public access under § 1-808.

Nebraska has procedures (and frequently automatic sealing) that keep juvenile records out of the public eye with stringent disclosure restrictions for juvenile traffic cases.