Seat belts and child seats in Nebraska (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Drivers and front-seat passengers must be buckled up, and children up to age 18 must be secured in any seating position. Children under 8 must be in a federally approved child safety seat and ride in a seat other than a front seat where one is available. This is the state driver's manual summary of the law, not the statute text.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | No [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children up to age 8 must ride correctly secured in a federally approved child safety seat. Children aged 8 up to 18 must ride secured in a seat belt or child safety seat. The manual adds that children ride rear-facing up to age 2 or until they reach the upper height or weight limit of the seat. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Children up to age 8 must occupy a seat other than a front seat if such a seat is equipped with a passenger restraint system and is not already occupied by a child under 8. The manual also recommends that children age 12 and younger ride in the rear seat. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars | Secondary: drivers and front-seat passengers are cited only if stopped for another violation. Child restraint for children under 8 is primary; the belt rule for ages 8 to 17 is secondary. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | $25 fine plus court costs. For child-restraint violations: $25 plus court costs and 1 point on the driver's record. [1] |
Notes
- The manual describes the adult seat belt duty as a secondary law (cited only if the driver is stopped for another violation) and the child restraint rule for children under 8 as a primary law.
- The manual states the adult belt duty for drivers and front seat passengers only; children up to age 18 must be secured in a seat belt or child safety seat in all seating positions.
Sources
- Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles: Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025 edition), section 2B Air Bags, Child Restraints and Seat Belts (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Nebraska and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | Yes | Under 18 only | Under 8 in a child seat; 8 to 17 in a belt or seat | Under 8: not the front seat if another seat is free | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Colorado | Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) | Under 18 only | Car seat/booster to age 9; belt or seat to 18 | Back seat if one is available | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Yes | Under 18 only | Child seat under 6; seat or belt to 18 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | Yes, age 14+ | Yes, age 14+ (adults: secondary enforcement) | Restraint to age 8 (80 lb / 4 ft 9 in); belt to 14 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Yes, driver and front-seat passengers | No for adults; children under 16 must be secured | Seat under 4 or 40 lb; booster to age 8, 80 lb, 4 ft 9 in | No general front-seat rule; overflow children sit behind | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | Yes | Only passengers aged 5 to 17 | Under 5 (seat belt at 40 lb or more) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Under 9 (belt allowed if it fits properly) | Back seat, unless one row or rear belts full | Not allowed |
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
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting/reading banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- 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.