Using a mobile phone while driving in Nebraska (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nebraska bans reading, typing or sending written communications on a handheld wireless device while driving; calls are not restricted. A first offence costs USD 200 and 3 points. Police may enforce the ban only as a secondary action. Provisional permit holders may not use any interactive wireless device while driving.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $200.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 3 points [2] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Reading, typing or sending a written communication (text, instant message, email or websites) on a handheld wireless device is banned while the vehicle is moving. Hands-free devices and devices built into the vehicle are excluded. [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | No. The texting ban is enforced only as a secondary action, when the driver has been cited or charged with another traffic violation or offence. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holders of a provisional operator's permit (issued at 16 and 17) may not use any interactive wireless communication device while driving. This restriction is enforced only as a secondary action. [3] |
Notes
- The ban covers reading, manually typing or sending a written communication while the vehicle is in motion. Enforcement is secondary: only when the driver has been cited or charged with another offence (subsection (4)). Commercial vehicle drivers are covered by section 60-6,179.02, which was not read.
- The definition of a handheld wireless communication device excludes a handsfree wireless communication device. Voice calls are not otherwise addressed.
- The fine is USD 300 for a second offence and USD 500 for a third or subsequent offence.
- Section 60-4,182 lists using a handheld wireless communication device in violation of section 60-6,179.01 at 3 points.
Sources
- Nebraska Legislature: 60-6,179.01. Use of handheld wireless communication device; prohibited acts; enforcement; violation; penalty (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 November 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Nebraska Legislature: 60-4,182. Point system; offenses enumerated (Internet Archive snapshot of 12 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Nebraska Legislature: 60-4,120.01. Provisional operator's permit; application; issuance; operation restrictions (Internet Archive snapshot of 16 November 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Nebraska and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| Colorado | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 | 2 points |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | Texting only | Allowed | USD 60 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | No (texting only) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Nebraska
- CannabisPossession for personal use: 1 oz or less: infraction, $300 fine (first time)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph residential, 20 business · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50-65 mph depending on road type
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional operator's permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class I, II, III (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed sellers)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.