Everything You Need to Know About Nebraska’s Texting and Driving Laws
Texting and driving in Nebraska is punishable with fines of up to $500 and a minimum of 3 points on your license.
Written by Joshua Levy
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Texting and driving in Nebraska falls under distracted driving, which is considered a traffic violation. So those charged with distracted driving are liable to face fines of up to $500 and have points added to their record. That said, drivers over the age of 18 may use their cell phones to make calls on the road.
According to Trusted Choice, 22% of cellphone-related car accidents in Nebraska were caused by teen drivers. That’s why Nebraska has cellphone bans in place for drivers under the age of 18. The law prohibits young drivers from using their cellphones in the car, even in a hands-free capacity.
To help limit the damage caused by distracted driving, Nebraska has banned all texting and driving and made it punishable with a $200 fine for a first offense.
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What are the texting and driving laws in Nebraska?
Texting and driving is a secondary offense in Nebraska. This means that police officers can’t pull you over for texting on the road unless you commit a second offense, such as speeding.
But texting and driving is considered a primary offense for school bus drivers—meaning they may face more significant charges for texting while driving.
The state of Nebraska recognizes three categories of distracted driving, all of which apply to texting:
- Manual distractions involve removing your hands from the steering wheel
- Visual distractions prompt you to take your eyes off the road
- Cognitive distractions take your mind off the task at hand
Being caught texting and driving while speeding will likely result in a fine and points on your license.
What are the penalties for texting and driving in Nebraska?
The penalty you receive for texting and driving depends on how many times you’ve violated the law. While first-time offenders typically face lower fines, each offense will earn drivers a minimum of 3 points on their license.
Here are the penalties you’ll likely earn for each offense:
Offense | Type of violation | Fine | Points on license |
|---|---|---|---|
1st offense | Traffic Infraction | $200 | 3 points |
2nd offense | Traffic Infraction | $300 | 3 points |
3rd (or subsequent) offense | Traffic Infraction | $500 | 3 points |
Remember, the state of Nebraska will suspend your license if you get more than 12 points in any two-year period. That means that four texting infractions could get your license suspended, in addition to costing $1500.
Keep in mind that texting and driving is typically one part of a bigger offense. For example, speeding while texting means you’d be primarily charged with speeding and get an additional citation for texting. If you were to cause severe injuries or death as a result of your distracted driving, you could be charged with reckless driving, which carries more serious consequences.
Are there exceptions to Nebraska’s texting and driving law?
No. Nebraska has banned texting and driving altogether—but you can still use your cellphone to navigate or make calls if you’re over 18 years old.
The only regulations on cellphone use while driving in Nebraska are:
- Drivers cannot text on the road
- Drivers may not use the internet while driving
- Drivers under the age of 18 may not use their cell phones while driving
Since Nebraska has banned the use of the internet while driving, that includes checking texts or emails while in a stopped position.
But even if it were legal, it’s a bad idea. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
notes that around 36% of all car crashes in the United States occur at intersections. It’s always best to keep your attention on the road while you’re driving.Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?
Yes. Nebraska specifically prohibits drivers under 18 years old from using their cell phones in the car. That includes all forms of use, from making calls and checking texts to writing emails and scrolling through Instagram.
The cellphone ban for young drivers is a secondary law—meaning that young drivers cannot be pulled over and cited simply for using their phones.
Key Takeaway Texting while driving is illegal in Nebraska and punishable with fines of up to $500 and a minimum of 3 points on the violator's license.
Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?
Texting and driving can have a significant impact on your record—especially if it results in a
distracted driving ticket
. The average increase in insurance premiums after a distracted driving ticket in Nebraska is around $202. That’s a 15% increase for the average policyholder in Nebraska.
To make sure your insurance stays affordable, you should do what you can to keep a
clean driving record
. That means putting your phone away while you’re on the road and staying focused whenever you’re behind the wheel.How to save money on car insurance in Nebraska
Traffic violations can be expensive—especially when it comes to your insurance premium. Luckily, the
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Can you go to jail for texting and driving in Nebraska?
You won’t go to jail for texting and driving in Nebraska unless you cause a serious accident that involves severe personal injury or manslaughter. That said, you typically won’t be arrested for distracted driving—but you may get a lofty fine.
How serious is texting and driving?
Texting and driving is one of the biggest causes of accidents due to distracted driving. The NHTSA notes that distracted driving led to 4,699 deaths in 2017 in Nebraska. So, while texting and driving may seem like a minor infraction, it’s a serious issue that can lead to severe consequences.
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