Nebraska Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban applies to you in Nebraska even though the state law is weak. Nebraska bans texting for all drivers but enforces it only as a secondary offense, so the car beside you is cited for texting only alongside another violation (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01). That softness never reaches you; 392.82 makes your hand-held call a citable federal violation at any inspection. State fines run $200, then $300, then $500, plus 3 points.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Nebraska’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban applies to you in Nebraska even though the state law is weak. Nebraska bans texting for all drivers but enforces it only as a secondary offense, so the car beside you is cited for texting only alongside another violation (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01). That softness never reaches you; 392.82 makes your hand-held call a citable federal violation at any inspection. State fines run $200, then $300, then $500, plus 3 points.
- Hand-held: Texting ban only
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers, but secondary enforcement only (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01). An officer needs another stop reason to ticket the general public, but your federal hand-held violation is citable on its own at inspection.
- Fine: $200 first offense, $300 second, $500 third and after, plus 3 license points (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01, 60-4,182).
- Points: 3 points per violation on a Nebraska license (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-4,182); 12 points in 2 years suspends it. Federally it is a CSA serious violation: two in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three for 120 (49 CFR 383.51).
Nebraska Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Nebraska?
What is the phone fine in Nebraska?
Is texting while driving illegal in Nebraska?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/ne/chapter-60-motor-vehicles/ne-rev-st-sect-60-6-179-01/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Nebraska
Check Nebraska before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →