Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Nebraska, United States

While riding a motorcycle may look cool from the perspective of a pedestrian, the reality is that operating a two-wheel vehicle is a lot harder than it seems. Learning how to balance and control a motorcycle is just a small part of accepting the responsibility that comes with being a motorcyclist. Because motorcycles are deemed a separate class of vehicles, there are additional rules of the road and restrictions that need to be followed on top of the standard traffic laws all vehicles comply with.

This article will help inform novice riders, out-of-state tourists, and experienced motorcyclists looking to refresh their knowledge of the motorcycle laws and licensing process in Nebraska, United States. 

You cannot be on the streets with a motorcycle if you do not own Nebraska motorcycle insurance beforehand. Even the most cautious of motorcyclists can suddenly find themselves riding full speed into another vehicle. The resulting aftermath can lead to hefty bills due to medical expenses and repairs for the damages. Owning Nebraska motorcycle insurance shows that you are financially liable following an accident.

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

• $25,000 for property damages sustained per accident

As the costs listed above provide compensation to another party, you may want to consider acquiring other optional insurance coverage that helps with your health and property:

• Collision coverage

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Bodily injury coverage

• Medical expenses

Nebraska policy regarding motorcycle helmets is that they ideally have to have been constructed by the Snell Memorial Foundation and fulfill all of the U.S. Department of Transportation's guidelines such as the three-quarter and full-face helmets. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, every rider in Nebraska has to wear a motorcycle helmet.

Recent statistics have shown why riders should be careful during selection and should always keep their motorcycle helmets handy:

• From 2014 to 2018, Nebraska had the lowest age-adjusted death rate amongst states in the Middle United States

• In 2018, about 99.8% of motorcyclists wore helmets though 11.2% of them wore illegal headgear

• In 2019, there were 25 fatalities and 379 injured due to motorcycle accidents

• According to the National High Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle helmets prevent 37% of motorcyclist fatalities and 41% of passenger fatalities

Listed in this table are the requirements and features the motorcycle helmets must have to reduce risk to your head and neck:

• From 2014 to 2018, Nebraska had the lowest age-adjusted death rate amongst states in the Middle-United States
• In 2018, about 99.8% of motorcyclists wore helmets though 11.2% of them wore illegal headgear
• In 2019, there were 25 fatalities and 379 injured due to motorcycle accidents
• According to the National High Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle helmets prevent 37% of motorcyclist fatalities and 41% of passenger fatalities

The two types of motorcycle helmets that offer both protection and visibility are the three-quarter and full-face helmets. Listed in this table are the requirements and features they must have to reduce risk to your head and neck:

For your Nebraska motorcycle learner’s permit, you are allowed to apply if you are at least 15 or older. You can apply 60 days before your actual 15th birthday, but the permit will not be issued officially until your birthday has passed. You must pay $12.50, which includes the base price and the security surcharge.

For your Nebraska motorcycle provisional operator’s permit, you are eligible to apply if you are at least 16 or older. You can apply 60 days before your actual 16th birthday, but the permit will not be issued officially until your birthday has passed. You must pay $19.50, which includes the base price and the security surcharge.

For your Nebraska motorcycle license, you are ready to apply if you are at least 17 or older. You must pay $28.50 for a 5-year motorcycle license, which includes the base price and the security surcharge. The fee will be reduced if you are commissioned a motorcycle license that is valid for a shorter number of years.

Listed in this table are the details, requirements, and restrictions you need to know if you need to obtain credentials or are ready to operate your vehicle while holding onto either a Nebraska motorcycle learner’s permit or a Nebraska motorcycle license:

*For the motorcycle learner’s permit, the written test can be waived if it was issued and is still valid or has expired no more than a year ago.

*For the motorcycle provisional operator’s permit, if you have completed a DMV-approved driver safety course, both parts of the motorcycle license test can be waived.

*For the motorcycle provisional operator’s permit, only the written test will be waived if you have gotten a motorcycle learner’s permit that is valid or has not expired no more than a year ago.

*For the motorcycle license, only the written test will be waived if you have not previously owned a motorcycle provisional operator’s permit but have gotten a motorcycle learner’s permit that is valid or has not expired no more than a year ago.

• Complete 25 multiple-choice questions 

• Questions will be based on content from Nebraska Motorcycle Operator Manual

• Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

• Will be conducted in an actual traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
• Examiner will conduct a pre-ride inspection to ensure your motorcycle meets safety standards.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of motorcycle operation.
• You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving.
• The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers.

If you fail the Nebraska motorcycle license test three times in a row, you will not be allowed to retake it until you either complete a DMV approved driver training course or hold a Nebraska motorcycle learner’s permit for at least 90 days.

In Nebraska, passengers do not have to be above a minimum age. Anyone can ride with you so long as it is plausible and safe to do so. Be cautious when deciding who can or cannot ride with you on your motorcycle as you are responsible for your passenger’s safety.

For your motorcycle to be suited for carrying a passenger, it must have the following equipment installed: a passenger seat, footholds, and handholds. Each of these components is necessary to keep a passenger rooted in a single comfortable spot.

Make sure that the passenger seat is located in one of the following positions and that the passenger complies with the following rules:

• The passenger is seated in a driver’s saddle big enough to fit two people 

• Or the passenger is seated in a separate saddle near the rear 

• Or the passenger is seated in a sidecar 

• There are footholds and handholds the passenger can reach 

• The passenger is facing forward with a leg hanging on each side

• The passenger cannot hold packages that could obstruct the driver

• The passenger can understand and follow your directions

• The passenger holds tights and mimics your movements at all times

You cannot try to lane split in Nebraska due to it being considered unsafe and illegal. If you are caught trying to lane split, you will be subject to traffic infractions and fines. You will also be denied compensation if you were involved in an accident due to attempting lane splitting. Thus, you cannot engage in any of the following behavior:

• You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• You cannot ride in between adjacent rows of vehicles that are stopped

• You cannot overtake another vehicle sharing the same lane

While it is recommended motorcyclists stay centered within the current lane they are traveling in, they are afforded greater maneuverability compared to cars and trucks. Motorcyclists are allowed to engage in the following so long as the conditions are met:

• You are entitled to full use of the space within your current lane 

• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:

  • Both parties stay apart at least two abreast

Unlike a car or truck which can still function for a short time even if a primary component malfunctions, a motorcycle’s capabilities become severely limited if even a single part starts to fail. It is a safe practice to conduct periodic inspections of your vehicle as fixing any potential issues lowers the risk of getting into an accident due to faulty equipment.

To ensure that you meet Nebraska’s safety standards and that your motorcycle is given proper maintenance, you should make sure your vehicle has the following equipment kept in working order:

• Horn
• Wheels
• Fenders
• Tires
• Handlebars
• Brake system
• Controls
• Headlight
• Taillight
• Brake light
• Reflector
• Exhaust system
• Muffler
• Turn signals
• Rearview mirrors

• Nebraska Motorcycle Operator Manual
• Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles - Learner’s Permit (LPD)
• Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles - Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP)
• Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle License (Class M)
• Nebraska Department of Transportation - Motorcycle/Moped Driving Safety
• Nebraska Legislature - Revised Statutes Chapter 60
• Motorcycle Helmet Safety in Nebraska