Driving Without a Valid License or on a Suspended License in Nebraska

Nebraska prohibits driving without a valid license and driving while on a suspended or revoked license. Violating these laws can result in serious consequences, including jail time, fines, additional license suspensions, and vehicle impoundment.

Driving Without a License Law

Generally, every resident who operates a motor vehicle on a Nebraska public road or alley must carry a valid operator's license while driving. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-484 (2025).)

Penalties for Unlicensed Driving

Unlicensed driving is a class III misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of three months in jail. Offenders will also have one point added to their driving record. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-106, 60-4,111, 60-4,182 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving Without a License in Your Possession

A driver who was issued a license but refuses or is unable to display such license to a requesting officer will be guilty of a class III misdemeanor. A conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to three months in jail, but it won't result in points against the driver's record. Holders of a farm permit don't need to have the permit in their possession but must be able to present a permit within 24 hours. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-106, 60-489, 60-4,111, 60-4,182 (2025).)

Exceptions to the Driver's License Requirement

Non-resident drivers with valid driver's licenses from their home state or country can drive in Nebraska without an in-state license, subject to Nebraska age restrictions. New residents must obtain a Nebraska license within 30 days of moving, but extensions exist for military members, students at postsecondary schools (such as universities), and temporary agricultural employees. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-488, 60-4,121 (2025).)

Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License

A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license is subject to varying penalties depending on the reason for the suspension, the type of suspension, and the number of prior offenses.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Generally, driving while suspended is a class III misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of three months in jail. The court also may revoke the driver's license for up to one year and may impose a period of probation. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-106, 60-4,108 (2025).)

Drivers whose license revocation period has ended but whose license hasn't been reinstated can also be charged with a driving on a suspended license offense. However, offenders who have obtained a reinstated license before sentencing will be fined no more than $100. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,108 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving on a Revoked License

Drivers whose license has been revoked or impounded will face increased penalties that include:

• First offense. Class II misdemeanor, up to six months jail, up to $1,000 fine, one-year license revocation.
• Second or third offense. Class II misdemeanor, up to six months jail, up to $1,000 fine, two-year license revocation.
• Fourth or subsequent offense. Class I misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, up to $2,000 fine, two-year license revocation.

The court also may place an offender on probation. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-106, 60-4,108 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving on a DUI-Suspended License

Driving on a license that was suspended for a DUI or refusal generally is a misdemeanor, but it can be a class IV felony in some circumstances. A class IV felony driving on a suspended license carries up to 2 years in prison, up to 12 months of supervised probation, up to $10,000 in fines, and a 15-year license revocation. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-105, 60-6,197.06 (2025).)

Operating a vehicle during a DUI-related suspension is also considered a "public nuisance." For this violation, the court can order the vehicle to be impounded for up to 30 days. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,110 (2025).)

Felony Driving on a Suspended License

Driving during suspensions or revocations related to certain offenses like vehicular manslaughter or a DUI causing a serious bodily injury is a class IV felony. A class IV felony can result in up to 2 years in prison, up to 12 months of supervised probation, up to $10,000 in fines, and a 15-year license revocation. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-105, 28-306, 60-6,197.06, 60-6,198 (2025).)

Getting Help From a Defense Attorney

Anytime you're facing criminal charges, you should get legal assistance. An experienced defense attorney can review your case, explain the law, and make sure your rights are protected.