Drive-Safely.net

Nebraska Rules of the Road (All You Need to Know)

Nebraska Rules of the Road (All You Need to Know)

Want to avoid those annoying tickets…

Or maybe you just want to be a safe driver. 

If so, then you need to know and obey the Nebraska rules of the road. 

This is why, here, we’re going to talk about these road rules, including:

We’ll also tell you how to share the road with:

  • Motorcycles
  • Bicycles
  • Pedestrians
  • Snow and ice removal operations
  • School buses
  • Large trucks

With all this, you’ll be the safest driver AND avoid getting ticketed. 

So shall we? 

Road Rules in Nebraska

Nebraska Rules of the Road
Source: canva.com

Let’s first go over the road rules in Nebraska. 

Move Over Law

The Move Over Law states that…

“All drivers who are on a multi-lane controlled-access highway and are approaching a stopped emergency, maintenance, solid waste, or road assistance vehicle that is flashing its lights must move away from the lane occupied by these vehicles.” 

The driver must move one lane away (there should be a lane between you and the stopped vehicle). If that’s not possible due to traffic or other road conditions, the driver can pass the stopped vehicle but must do it slowly. 

If you violate this law, here are the penalties you will face: 

  • First offense – fine of $100
  • Second and subsequent offenses – fine of up to $500 and/or 7-day jail time

Minor Crash Law

By law, if you are involved in a minor crash where there are no injuries and the vehicles are still drivable, you are required to move to the side of the road outside the travel lanes. You can discuss the crash from there. 

If you are unable to move the vehicle, contact Law Enforcement to have your vehicle moved to the side. 

Speed Limit Law

In Nebraska, different roads have different speed limits. We detail this in the table below. 

RoadSpeed Limit*
Rural interstate highways75 mph
Expressway/Freeway70 mph
State highways65 mph
Hard surface county roads55 mph
Gravel or non-hard surfaced county roads or highway50 mph
Residential districts25 mph
Business districts20 mph
School zonesAs posted

*Unless otherwise posted

Of course, even if there is a speed limit posted, you’re supposed to follow the speed of the traffic.

Also, don’t speed up just to reach the speed limit. If you are more in control going slower, then it’s best to do that. 

What if you go over the posted speed limit? 

Here are the penalties:

MPH Over Speed LimitNormalWork/School Zones
1-5$10$20
6-10$25$50
11-15$75$150
16-20$125$250
21-35$200$400
Over 35$300$600

You also have to pay court fees for all these violations. 

Passing Law

It is illegal to pass in these areas or instances: 

  • On any roads marked with a ‘no passing’ zone
  • If you have to exceed the speed limit when passing
  • If there is a school bus ahead with red flashing lights and/or a stop arm extended
  • Within 100 feet of any intersection
  • Within 100 feet of any railroad crossing
  • On any hill, curve, or bridge where vision is obstructed
  • On the shoulder of the road unless instructed by a police officer

Parking Law

Here are the areas where it is prohibited to park in Nebraska: 

  • On the roadway directly beside a stopped or parked vehicle
  • In front of a public or private driveway
  • On a sidewalk, intersection, or crosswalk
  • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
  • Within 20 feet of a crosswalk found near an intersection
  • Within 30 feet of any stop sign, yield sign, or flashing signal on the roadway
  • Within 50 feet of a railroad track
  • On bridges and within a highway tunnel
  • At any place where there are signs prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking
  • On handicapped parking access aisles unless you have a handicapped license plate or permit

If you illegally park in a handicapped-designated parking space, you will be fined: 

  • 1st offense – up to $150
  • 2nd offense – up to $300
  • 3rd and subsequent offense – up to $500

Distracted Driving Law

Taking part in distracted driving is very dangerous. 

In just one year, there were 19 deaths and 1,546 injuries due to distracted driving in Nebraska alone.  

This is why, in Nebraska, it is illegal to: 

  • Use a handheld wireless communication device to read, text, or send written communication while operating a motor vehicle
  • Have a television set or viewing screen that is visible to the driver on any motor vehicle

If you violate the distracted driving law, you will receive these penalties: 

  • First offense – $200
  • Second offense – $300
  • Third and subsequent offenses – $500 plus 3 points on your driving record

Rules for Sharing the Road in Nebraska

Now let’s move on to sharing the road with others. 

How to Share the Road with Motorcycles

The first thing you need to know about driving alongside motorcyclists is that they are treated the same way as vehicles. Because of that, they are given the same rights and privileges as any vehicle. 

But because motorcycles are not as stable, operating them is trickier, especially during wet weather conditions. 

So here are some things you need to know when driving with a motorcycle on the road: 

  • Give a full lane’s width to the motorcyclists. This is so they will have enough room to avoid humps or holes on the road. 
  • Always signal if you are passing or making a turn. Give the motorcyclist time to see your signal, too. 
  • If the motorcyclist signals a turn, give them time to change direction. 
  • Give a longer distance between you and the motorcyclist to avoid crashing into them when they suddenly change speed. 

How to Share the Road with Bicycles

Similar to motorcycles, bicycles have a higher risk of danger on the road. Because of that, vehicles should always take care when driving alongside them. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Bicyclists are encouraged to drive as far to the right as the road allows. However, they are not required to stay in the rightmost lane. They may use other lanes to pass. 
  • Give a safe distance between you and the bicyclists. You can never predict their next move.  
  • Be alert for their hand signals because they will not have lights to signal turning or passing. 
  • Do not blast your horn when there is a bicyclist. You just might scare them and make them lose their balance. 
  • If you need to pass a bicyclist, you are required by law to provide at least three feet of clearance if you can. 

How to Share the Road with Pedestrians

Despite having crosswalks, always expect that there will be pedestrians on the roadway. This way, you remain alert and prepared to stop or slow down if someone is crossing. 

Here are some rules when sharing the road with pedestrians: 

  • Yield to pedestrians when making a turn. 
  • When passing schools, be alert for pedestrians crossing even if they are still walking on the sidewalk. 
  • Always give the right-of-way to visually impaired people (usually carrying a cane or guided by a service dog). Slow down and make a full stop to let them pass. 
  • Come to a complete stop behind a crosswalk or the line before a crosswalk. 

How to Share the Road with Snow and Ice Removal Operations

When winter comes, expect to see ice removal operations on the road. 

If you find yourself approaching these operations, here’s what you should do: 

  • Pass only if you can see the roadway past the ice removal operations. Snow removal equipment may reduce visibility. 
  • Be extremely cautious when passing since snow removal equipment can leave ridges on the road. 
  • Maintain a safe following distance (at least 100 feet) from any snow removal equipment. Stay alert for flying sand or chunks of ice. 

How to Share the Road with School Buses

Even outside school zones, you may find yourself driving alongside a school bus. 

If so, this is what you should do: 

  • Slow down to 25 mph before making a full stop. 
  • You are required by law to make a complete stop when the school bus’ red flashing lights and/or the stop arm are activated. This applies to all lanes, even those traveling in the opposite direction. However, this does NOT apply to vehicles on the opposite lane IF the lane is divided by a median/island. 
  • Remain stopped until the driver turns off the red flashing lights and removes the stop sign. 

How to Share the Road with Large Trucks

And finally, here is how to share the road with large trucks: 

  • If you are turning, look out for any large trucks approaching. If they are too near, do not abruptly enter the roadway. Allow them to pass before entering. 
  • Keep in mind that a truck has blind spots (right beside and right behind). Try to avoid hanging out in these areas as the driver cannot see you. 
  • Do not make a sudden stop when you’re in front of a truck. 

Conclusion

And that was all the Nebraska rules of the road that you should know about. 

Sure, it’s a lot. 

But obeying these laws and rules is what can separate you from getting a ticket and being the safest driver out there. 

So make sure you follow them all!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *