Ever glanced at your phone at a red light? You’re not alone. Most Nebraska drivers do it without thinking twice.
But here’s the thing. Nebraska’s phone laws are stricter than a lot of people realize. Stay with me here, because this one matters.
What Are Nebraska’s Phone Laws, Really?
Nebraska’s phone laws control how and when you can use a wireless device while driving. That includes your cell phone, tablet, or even a laptop.
These laws exist for one simple reason. Distracted driving kills people. Honestly, that’s the whole story.
From 2014 to 2023, distraction caused 114 deaths on Nebraska roads. Nearly 13,000 people got hurt too. So yeah, this law isn’t just red tape.
Basic Texting and Driving Rules
The Texting Ban
Nebraska bans texting while driving for every single driver. No exceptions based on age or experience.
The law covers more than just texting, though. You also can’t type emails, browse websites, or send any written message while your car is moving.
Wondering if stopping at a red light counts as “driving”? It does. The law applies even when you’re temporarily stopped at a light or in traffic.
This part surprises a lot of people. You have to be fully parked off the road to legally text. Sitting at a stoplight doesn’t count as parked.
What Actually Counts as a Violation
So what exactly gets you in trouble? Reading a text message counts. Typing one counts too. Sending emails, checking social media, or browsing the web while driving all count.
Talking on the phone isn’t included in this specific ban, though. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,179.01 targets written communication, not phone calls. Pretty specific, right?
There are a few exceptions. Police officers and emergency workers doing their jobs are covered. So are drivers using a device during an actual emergency.
Penalties and Consequences
Here’s where things get serious. Breaking Nebraska’s texting law isn’t just an “oops, sorry” situation.
A first offense costs you $200. A second offense jumps to $300. Get caught a third time, and you’re looking at $500.
Every violation also adds three points to your driving record. Rack up too many points, and you could lose your license entirely.
Think of it like a parking ticket that keeps getting more expensive every time. Except this one also puts your driving privileges at risk.
Quick tip: Texting violations are what’s called a “secondary offense” in Nebraska. That means an officer can’t pull you over for texting alone. They need another reason first, like speeding or running a stop sign. Once they’ve stopped you, though, they can add a texting citation too.
Rules for Teen Drivers
No Phones at All, Period
Not sure if this applies to your teenager? It probably does. Nebraska has much stricter rules for young drivers.
Anyone under 18 with a learner’s permit or provisional license cannot use a cell phone while driving. This includes hands-free devices too.
That’s a big difference from adult drivers. Adults can talk hands-free. Teens can’t touch their phone for any reason while driving, full stop.
This rule covers every type of teen permit. That means the school permit, the learner’s permit, and the provisional operator’s permit all carry this restriction.
A friend of mine has a teenage daughter. She assumed hands-free calling was fine for her kid. Turns out, it’s not. Many parents get this wrong.
Why the Stricter Rule Exists
Teen drivers already face higher crash risks. Adding phone distraction on top of that is a dangerous combination.
Nebraska lawmakers decided the risk was too high to allow any phone use for new drivers. Honestly, this rule makes sense to me.
Violating provisional license restrictions is treated as an infraction. It can lead to your provisional permit getting suspended.
Commercial Drivers and School Buses
Truck drivers and school bus operators face their own rules too. This one’s important, so pause and read carefully.
Anyone driving a commercial vehicle, a school bus, or a vehicle carrying nine to fifteen passengers cannot text or use a cell phone while driving. This rule is stricter than the rule for regular passenger vehicles.
Think about it this way. A school bus driver is responsible for a bus full of kids. It makes sense that the bar is set higher here.
Hold On, There’s a Bigger Change Coming
Okay, pause. This next part could affect every driver in Nebraska.
Right now, Nebraska’s texting law is a secondary offense. But that might not stay true much longer.
State Senator Jason Prokop introduced a bill called LB594. It would ban drivers from physically holding a handheld wireless device while driving. This goes further than the current texting-only ban.
The rule wouldn’t apply if a driver uses a device without touching it, or uses just a single touch to start a function.
Here’s the part that really matters. The bill would also make this a primary offense. That means officers could pull you over simply for holding your phone. No other traffic violation needed first.
Supporters say distraction-related crashes have jumped significantly in recent years, even with the current ban in place. Not everyone agrees, though. The ACLU of Nebraska has raised concerns about expanding primary enforcement.
As of early 2026, this bill hadn’t become law yet. It’s still worth watching. Laws like this tend to pass eventually once other states adopt them first.
Special Circumstances Worth Knowing
School Cell Phone Policies
This one isn’t about driving, but it’s still a phone law worth knowing. Nebraska passed LB140 in 2025.
This law requires schools to create policies limiting cell phone use during the school day. It applies statewide starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
The goal is creating a level playing field across every school district, while still allowing exceptions for medical needs or emergencies. Makes sense, right? Every school used to handle this differently.
Social Media Rules for Minors
Here’s another one that isn’t about driving but still matters for phones. Nebraska’s Parental Rights in Social Media Act requires anyone under 18 to get parental consent before creating a social media account.
It also requires social media platforms to verify users’ ages. This law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Not sure how this affects your family? If you have a teenager who wants a new social media account, expect a consent step soon.
How to Stay Compliant
Want to avoid all this trouble? Here’s what actually works.
Put your phone somewhere you can’t reach it while driving. The glove box works. So does the back seat.
If you need to send a text, pull over completely first. Find a parking lot or a legal spot off the road, not just a red light.
If you’re a parent of a teen driver, talk to them directly about the no-phone rule. Many teens assume hands-free is fine for them. It’s not.
Use hands-free tools for calls if you’re an adult driver. Bluetooth systems and voice assistants let you stay legal and still stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk on my phone while driving in Nebraska?
Yes, if you’re 18 or older. Talking on a hands-free or handheld phone isn’t currently banned for adult drivers, only texting and typing are.
What happens if I get caught texting and driving?
You’ll face a fine starting at $200 for a first offense. You’ll also get three points added to your license.
Can police pull me over just for texting?
Not usually. Texting is a secondary offense, so officers need another reason to stop you first, like speeding.
Are teens allowed to use hands-free phones while driving?
No. Drivers under 18 with a permit or provisional license can’t use any cell phone function, hands-free or not.
Is Nebraska getting a full hands-free driving law soon?
Maybe. LB594 has been proposed to ban holding any device while driving and make it a primary offense, but it hasn’t passed as of early 2026.
Final Thoughts
Nebraska’s phone laws might seem confusing at first. But really, it comes down to one simple idea: keep your eyes and hands on the road.
Texting while driving costs you money and points, no matter your age. Teen drivers face an even stricter no-phone rule. And bigger changes could be coming soon with LB594.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, look it up or ask a lawyer.
References
- Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,179.01 – Official Statute Text
- Nebraska’s Cell Phone-Use & Texting-While-Driving Laws – DrivingLaws.org
- Primary Enforcement of Texting While Driving Considered – Unicameral Update
- Two Bills Signed Into Law – Nebraska Attorney General’s Office
- Session Review: Education – Unicameral Update
