Nebraska (NE) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Nebraska, licensed drivers ages 16-19 represent only 7% of all licensed drivers, but they currently represent the highest number of drivers involved in traffic accidents. The state of Nebraska reports that in 28% of all fatal teen crashes, the drivers were not wearing their seatbelts; 19% of all teen crashes occurred at night, and 16% involved alcohol. Sadly, in 2008, a whopping 33% of all teen car crashes involved cell phone distraction.

In response to the overwhelming teen crash statistics in the state, Nebraska has taken action by designing its own Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. The Nebraska GDL system includes two separate courses for licensing based on the teen’s location. Since creating the system, Nebraska has seen a significant drop in teen car crashes, but the state still wants to do more. Because most of Nebraska is rural, the GDL system covers both rural and “urban” drivers.

Continue reading to learn more about Nebraska’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Nebraska Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

In the state of Nebraska, you must be at least 15 years of age to obtain a learners license. Under the terms of the learner’s license, you must:

•    Hold the license for at least 6 months
•    Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, to include 10 hours of nighttime driving

If you are 14 years of age and you currently live 1.5 miles or more from school, you qualify for a LPE permit and a limited license called a “school permit.” The learner’s permit or LPE permit allows the teen to drive with a licensed parent or guardian for the purposes of applying for the school permit. The school permit allows the teen to drive to and from school or any other related destinations while supervised by a parent or guardian.

Once you have completed the learner’s license stage, you may advance to the intermediate or “restricted license phase.” In order to advance you must also be at least 16 years of age. You must hold the license until your 18th birthday. In order for the restrictions to be lifted, you will have to maintain a clean driving record for 12 months prior. If you do not accumulate more than 3 points on your driving record, the written knowledge and driving tests may be waived for the final phase.  Please see the next section for learner permit restrictions and intermediate license restrictions.

There are more than 97 licensing facilities located throughout the state of Nebraska. To apply for permits and licenses (if applicable), you must visit any one of the facilities and:

•    Pass a vision test
•    Pass a written knowledge test
•    Provide proof of residence (2 documents are required)
•    Provide proof of age and identity
•    Pay the applicable fee ($7.50-$26.50)

Nebraska Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Nebraska, learners permit holders and school permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed adult at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule. Under the terms of the intermediate restricted license, the license holder cannot drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult. During the first 6 months of the license period, the license holder cannot transport more than 1 passenger younger than 19 years of age, unless accompanied by a licensed adult.

In the state of Nebraska, teen driving laws are secondary laws. This means, the law will not be enforced unless the driver is pulled over for another offense. Penalties for violating teen driving laws include license suspension, fines, and extension of permit or restriction periods. You will also accumulate points on your license, which can lead to delays in obtaining a full unrestricted license.

Nebraska Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Nebraska, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of wireless communication device while driving. The law is specific – anyone under the age of 18 cannot use PDAs, cell phones, audio-video players, messaging devices, or laptop computers while driving. If you violate Nebraska’s wireless communication law, you will lose your permit privileges until you reach the age of 16 or your license will be revoked. In some cases, your car will be impounded. The only exceptions to Nebraska’s teen cell phone law are emergency situations.

Nebraska Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Nebraska, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict an Nebraska teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended or revoked. In addition, you may have to wait up to a year before you will be permitted to reapply for your license.
Nebraska Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is registered in the teens name or the parent’s name, in the state of Nebraska, you must carry minimum liability coverage of at least 25/50/25. This means you must carry $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for all bodily injuries, and at least $25,000 for property damage. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Nebraska auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.