Nebraska double yellow line rules & no-passing zones
NRS 60-6,135: Crossing double solid yellow centerlines prohibited
Double-solid yellow centerlines separate opposite directions of travel and mark no-passing zones on Nebraska highways. Under NRS 60-6,135 and 60-6,136, crossing double solid yellow to overtake and pass another vehicle is prohibited. Drivers must remain to the right of the centerline except when making a lawful left turn, executing a legal U-turn, or avoiding an obstruction when safe to do so.
Legal exceptions for left turns into driveways & private roads
Nebraska permits drivers to cross double yellow lines to make left turns into driveways, private roads, or intersecting streets when it is safe and no signs prohibit the maneuver. Signal at least 100 feet before turning, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and complete the crossover in a single, clean movement without lingering in the opposing lane.
Rural highway considerations: gravel roads & farm entrances
Nebraska's rural character means frequent farm and ranch entrances along state highways. When turning left across double yellow into a gravel road or field entrance, ensure adequate sight distance in both directions. Dust, grain trucks, and farm equipment may reduce visibility—wait for a clear gap and watch for vehicles approaching from behind while you signal and slow down.
Obstruction avoidance: when crossing is permitted
Nebraska allows brief crossing of double yellow to avoid stationary obstructions such as disabled vehicles, fallen debris, or road construction equipment—only when no oncoming traffic is present and it can be done safely. Return to your lane immediately after clearing the obstruction. This exception does not permit passing slow-moving vehicles across double yellow.
Broken yellow vs solid yellow line meanings
A broken yellow centerline indicates passing is permitted when safe. A solid yellow line on your side means you may not pass. Solid yellow paired with broken yellow means only the side with the broken line may pass. Where double solid yellow appears, neither direction may pass. These markings are established under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards adopted by Nebraska.
Passing zones on rural two-lane highways
Nebraska's rural two-lane highways feature passing zones marked with broken yellow centerlines where sight distance is adequate. Check for oncoming traffic, ensure sufficient distance to complete the pass, signal, and return to your lane before reaching solid yellow markings or approaching hills and curves.
No-passing zone enforcement & penalties
Illegal passing in no-passing zones carries fines starting at $100 plus court costs, potential points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates. Violations involving a collision or injury result in higher penalties and possible reckless driving charges.
Ticket defense: documented necessity & road conditions
If cited for crossing double yellow to avoid an emergency obstruction, document the hazard with photos, dash cam footage, and witness statements. Courts evaluate whether the crossover was necessary, brief, and conducted safely. Routine passing or impatience is not a valid defense.
Nebraska right turn on red & left turn on red rules
Right turn on red after complete stop (NRS 60-6,122)
Nebraska law permits right turns on red after coming to a complete stop at the limit line or crosswalk, unless prohibited by posted "NO TURN ON RED" signs. Drivers must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and all vehicles with the right-of-way before turning. Rolling stops and entering the intersection before fully stopping often result in citations and red-light camera tickets.
Reading "NO TURN ON RED" signs & time restrictions
Some intersections prohibit right turn on red during specific hours (e.g., 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM school zones). Treat time-based plaques as absolute schedules. If an arrow signal specifically controls the right turn, follow the arrow indication and do not turn on red unless the arrow permits it.
Pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks
Nebraska law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Do not block the crosswalk while stopped. When making a right turn on red, check for pedestrians stepping off the curb or already crossing—complete your turn only when the crosswalk is clear.
Red-light camera enforcement in Lincoln & Omaha
Lincoln and Omaha have historically used red-light camera enforcement at high-traffic intersections, though regulations change periodically. Camera photos capture vehicles over the limit line or in the intersection during red. Always stop fully behind the line, then creep forward if necessary to check traffic before turning.
Left turn on red from one-way to one-way streets
Nebraska permits left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless prohibited by signs. This applies primarily in urban areas like downtown Omaha and Lincoln where one-way street grids exist. Verify street direction with pavement arrows and signs, stop at the limit line, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and turn into the nearest legal lane.
Verifying one-way street configuration
One-way streets are marked with "ONE WAY" signs at intersections and often feature pavement arrows pointing in the direction of travel. Do not attempt a left on red if either street is two-way traffic.
Nebraska U-turn laws & restrictions
When U-turns are permitted & prohibited
Nebraska allows U-turns where they can be made safely and do not interfere with other traffic, unless specifically prohibited by signs. U-turns are generally illegal on curves, hills, or locations with limited visibility where oncoming traffic cannot see you in time to stop. Business districts and school zones often post "NO U-TURN" signs during peak hours.
U-turns at intersections with traffic signals
At controlled intersections, U-turns are permitted unless signed against. Yield to pedestrians and all traffic with the right-of-way, including vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. Complete the U-turn into the nearest legal lane without crossing into oncoming lanes.
Sight distance requirements & safe gap judgment
Ensure at least 500 feet of clear sight distance in both directions before executing a U-turn on rural highways. Judge oncoming speed carefully—farm equipment and trucks may be traveling faster than they appear on flat prairie roads.
Common U-turn ticket scenarios in Nebraska cities
Frequent U-turn citations occur at signed no-U-turn zones near schools, in downtown business districts during peak hours, and at intersections with median barriers that restrict turning movements. Always check for signs before turning.
School bus stop laws in Nebraska (NRS 60-6,176)
Stopping for school buses with flashing red lights & stop arm
When a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, traffic traveling in both directions on undivided roadways must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts. Failure to stop for a school bus carries severe penalties including fines up to $500, points on your license, and possible license suspension.
Both directions must stop on undivided roads
On two-lane undivided roads and multilane undivided streets without a physical median, all traffic in both directions must stop. Do not proceed until the bus driver signals it is safe or the bus resumes motion.
Divided highway exception: physical median or barrier
On divided highways with a physical median, raised divider, or barrier separating opposite directions, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Traffic on the opposite side of the median may proceed with caution but should watch for children who may attempt to cross.
Rural school bus stops: extra caution for children
Nebraska's rural school bus stops often occur on open highways with no sidewalks. Children may cross the road after exiting the bus. Always remain stopped until the bus driver signals it is safe, even if you do not see children—they may be obscured by the bus or approaching from behind farm equipment.
Penalties for passing a stopped school bus
First offense: fine up to $500, 5 points on driving record, and possible 30-day license suspension. Subsequent offenses carry higher fines, longer suspensions, and potential criminal charges if injuries occur. Nebraska treats school bus violations extremely seriously due to child safety risks.
Nebraska speed limits & safe driving requirements
Rural highway speed limits (NRS 60-6,186)
Nebraska's default rural highway speed limit is 65 mph on two-lane state highways outside city limits. On four-lane divided highways such as portions of US-30, US-77, and expressway sections, the limit may be posted at 75 mph. Interstate highways have a maximum speed limit of 75 mph in rural areas and 65 mph in urban zones.
Minimum speed limits & impeding traffic
Drivers must not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or compliance with law. On expressways and interstates, minimum speeds are posted where slow vehicles create hazards.
School zones & residential area speed limits
Nebraska school zones typically have speed limits of 15–25 mph during school hours when children are present. Residential areas within city limits generally observe 25–30 mph limits. Always obey posted signs and reduce speed for pedestrians, bicyclists, and parked vehicles.
Weather-related speed reductions: snow, ice, fog
Nebraska experiences harsh winter weather, spring thunderstorms, and prairie fog that drastically reduce visibility and traction. Slow down for icy roads, blowing snow, heavy rain, and fog regardless of the posted speed limit. You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even at or below the speed limit.
Reasonable and prudent speed doctrine
Nebraska requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and prudent under current conditions. Courts evaluate weather, traffic density, visibility, road surface, and vehicle condition when determining whether your speed was safe. Posted limits are maximums—actual safe speed may be significantly lower.
Nebraska DUI & impaired driving laws
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits & penalties
Nebraska prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher for non-commercial drivers age 21+, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under age 21. First-offense DUI carries fines up to $500, possible jail time up to 60 days, 6-month license revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock device installation for 6 months to 1 year.
Ignition interlock device requirements
Nebraska law requires ignition interlock installation for all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders. The device prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. Costs and maintenance are the responsibility of the offender.
Refusal to submit to chemical testing
Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test results in automatic license revocation for 1 year for a first refusal. Nebraska operates under implied consent law—by driving in Nebraska, you consent to chemical testing when lawfully requested by law enforcement.
Aggravated DUI: high BAC & injury crashes
BAC of 0.15% or higher, DUI with a minor in the vehicle, or DUI causing serious injury results in enhanced penalties including longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license revocation, and felony charges in cases of serious bodily injury or death.
Official resources & Nebraska DMV contacts
- Nebraska Revised Statutes (official)
- Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
- Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)
- Nebraska State Patrol
- Nebraska Driver's Manual (DMV)
This article summarizes common Nebraska traffic rules with statute citations. Always consult posted signs, official statutes, and legal counsel for specific situations. This content is educational and not legal advice.