Nebraska Move Over Law
In Nebraska, failure to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles with flashing lights carries a $100 fine and adds at least 1 point to your driving record.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Under Nebraska state law, you must move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If you don’t, you could face a fine of up to $100 and have at least one point added to your driving record.
In 1994, states started to pass move over laws to protect their emergency workers. Even though being struck by passing vehicles is a leading cause of death for these workers, fewer than 30% of Americans are aware of move over laws.
Since every state has slightly different move over laws, it’s important to know the exact details for your state. That’s why
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has put together everything you need to know about the Nebraska move over law and how to reduce Nebraska insurance costs
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
What is the move over law in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s move over law requires you to move over or slow to a safe speed for emergency vehicles on the side of the road. If you see flashing lights in the distance, take your foot off the gas, turn your blinker on, and prepare to shift lanes.
If you don’t think you can merge safely (because of traffic, rain, or snow, for example), Nebraska state law requires you to brake until you reach a safe passing speed.
What is considered an emergency vehicle in Nebraska?
According to Nebraska law, emergency vehicles will have blue, red, white, or amber lights that are rotating and flashing. Here’s a list of vehicles to keep an eye out for:
- Police cars
- Fire trucks (including volunteer fire trucks)
- Ambulances
- Tow trucks
- Utility vehicles
- Pilot vehicles (you might see these guiding a truck with an oversized load)
- Military vehicles
Penalties for violating Nebraska’s move over law
For your first violation of Nebraska’s move over law, you will be fined up to $100 and found guilty of a traffic violation. As long as you weren’t committing any other violations at the same time (such as reckless driving), you’ll only have one point added to your driving record.
If you violate the move over law more than once, you will be fined up to $500 and face up to 7 days of jail time.
Remember, violating a move over law isn’t just illegal, it also puts emergency workers in unnecessary danger—so be sure to slow down and move over whenever you see flashing lights.
Can violating the move over law increase your insurance?
Violating the move over law in Nebraska will add a point to your driving record, which could result in a
jump in your insurance payments
. Although the rate increase might not be too steep, your wallet could still take a hit—and nobody wants to see their money disappear down the insurance chute.If you want to keep that extra cash in your pocket, even after a traffic violation, Jerry can help.
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, our car insurance comparison app, will find you the best rates from 50+ top insurers.MORE: Nebraska hit-and-run
Why do move over laws exist?
Move over laws create a safe zone around emergency workers so that police officers, firefighters, and paramedics can focus on helping people who have been in an accident.
In 1994, a South Carolina paramedic named James Garcia was struck by a car while he was on the side of the road helping with an emergency. Because there was no law to protect him, Garcia was found at fault for the accident. Since then,
Garcia has worked non-stop
in support of laws that protect emergency workers.Since Garcia’s injury in 1994, all 50 states have passed move over laws.
Key Takeaway: In 2019 alone, 44 emergency workers were struck and killed by vehicles. Slow down and switch lanes to protect our emergency workers.
How to find affordable insurance after a traffic violation
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