Nebraska’s Speeding Laws and Penalties

Read about Nebraska’s speeding laws and the consequences of getting a speeding ticket.

Nebraska has two types of speeding laws: "absolute limits" and a "basic speeding law." This article explains the differences between the two and the consequences of a speeding violation.

Absolute Speed Limits

There's nothing complicated about how Nebraska's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Nebraska's absolute speed limits include (unless otherwise posted):

  • 20 miles per hour in business districts
  • 25 miles per hour in residential districts
  • 25 miles per hour in urban area construction zones
  • 35 miles per hour in rural area construction zones
  • 50 miles per hour on any highway that is not dustless-surfaced and not part of the state highway system
  • 55 miles per hour on any dustless-surfaced highway not a part of the state highway system
  • 60 miles per hour on most parts of the state highway system other than an expressway or a freeway
  • 65 miles per hour on an expressway that is part of the state highway system
  • 65 miles per hour on a freeway that is part of the state highway system but not part of the interstate system, and
  • 70 miles per hour on most highways that are part of the interstate system.

Basic Speeding Law

Notwithstanding the absolute limits, Nebraska's basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed greater than is "reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing." The basic speed law also requires drivers to reduce their speed as appropriate when approaching crossings, curves, a hill crest, or when other road or weather conditions warrant the reduction.

In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket

Generally, a speeding violation is a traffic infraction. The possible fines are:

  • $10 for exceeding the speed limit by one to five miles per hour
  • $25 for exceeding the speed limit by over five but not more than ten miles per hour
  • $75 for exceeding the speed limit by over ten but not more than 15 miles per hour
  • $125 for exceeding the speed limit by over 15 but not more than 20 miles per hour
  • $200 for exceeding the speed limit by over 20 but not more than 35 miles per hour, and
  • $300 for exceeding the speed limit by over 35 miles per hour.

Fines are, however, doubled for speeding offenses in construction or school zones.

I some cases, it might also be possible to beat a speeding ticket in court.

Reckless Driving and Motor Vehicular Homicide

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation can lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. A first conviction carries up to three months in jail and/or a maximum $500 in fines.

And if a speeding violation results in the death of another person, it's possible to be convicted of "motor vehicular homicide." Convicted motorists may face a substantial jail or prison sentence and hefty fines.

Traffic Violation Points

A speeding ticket will typically add one to four demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.

Get Professional Help

Talk to a Traffic Ticket attorney.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you

Talk to a Lawyer

Need a lawyer? Start here.

How it Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you