A new law expands move-over protections, hikes speeding fines, and reclassifies extreme speeding as reckless driving
- Nebraska’s move-over law now includes all stopped cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Speeding fines just rose for the first time in decades, now up to $400 maximum.
- Driving twice the posted speed now qualifies as reckless under Nebraska law.
Starting September 3, Nebraska drivers are subject to stricter rules and higher fines. What began as a move-over law limited to emergency vehicles now includes all stopped vehicles and road users. In addition, those who speed are going to face fines that are up to 400 percent more expensive than in the past.
Let’s begin by focusing on the new move-over law. All 50 states have some version of this statute. In the past, Nebraska drivers only had to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles like ambulances or police cars. Now, they have to slow down and move over for every road user stopped on the side of the road. That includes agricultural equipment and even cyclists.
Read: Getting A License In Ohio Is About To Get A Whole Lot Harder
“Make no mistake, when you don’t move over for someone that’s having car trouble or someone that’s been in an accident on the side of the road, that’s dangerous,” said Lt. Jeremy Thorson of the Nebraska State Patrol to KETV. The change comes after a string of close calls and tragedies, including the death of Trooper Kyle McAcy earlier this year.
A Stronger Response to Speeding
Alongside the expanded move-over rule, lawmakers cracked down on Nebraska’s growing speeding concern. So far in 2025, troopers have cited 840 drivers for exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). Under the new statute, anyone driving at more than twice the posted speed limit can end up with a reckless driving charge rather than just a basic speeding infraction.
“It’s been frustrating for a long time to only be able to charge someone driving double the limit with a ticket,” Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said. “That is not commensurate to the offense itself.”
How fines are changing
For the first time in decades, Nebraska increased the cost of speeding violations. The new breakdown is as follows:
- 1–5 mph over: $50 (previously $10)
- 6–10 mph over: $75 (previously $25)
- 11–15 mph over: $125 (previously $75)
- 16–20 mph over: $200 (previously $125)
- 21–35 mph over: $300 (previously $200)
- 36+ mph over: $400 (previously $300)
The law also boosts penalties for motor vehicle homicide, which is now a Class IV felony, and gives the Nebraska DOT the authority to temporarily reduce speed limits in certain circumstances. New signage and policies are already in development.
“We are working to make Nebraska’s highways as safe as we can,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “Highway safety ultimately depends on each of us making the right choices every time we get behind the wheel.” Heads up, if you travel in Nebraska, the police are no doubt watching for those who violate these new rules.