SUSPENDED LICENSE INFORMATION FOR NEBRASKA


 

(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Nebraska driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

  • A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
  • A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact an STA Advisor absolutely FREE!!!

REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN NEBRASKA


There are a variety of reasons why your Nebraska driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Nebraska driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

  • Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Nebraska operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 12 points in 2 years, you will lose your license for 6 months. For a 2nd offense within 5 years, your driving privileges will be revoked for 3 years.
  • Refusing to Submit a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Test: Your NE driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year for refusing a BAC test.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Your Nebraska driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your driver’s license was suspended/revoked for refusing/failing a BAC test, you may be eligible for an ignition interlock restricted license. To apply, check your eligibility on the NE DMV website or call (402) 471-3985, and complete an Application for Nebraska Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP). If approved, you’ll need to visit your local NE DMV office with proof of your identity, date of birth, and address, along with payment for the $47.50 IIP fee.

The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

  • For a 1st offense, the minimum period is 7 days in jail, a 6-month revocation and a $400 fine. The maximum is 60 days in jail, a 6-month revocation and $500 fine, for probation it is a 60-day license revocation.
  • For a 2nd offense, it is a minimum of 30 days in jail, 1-year license revocation and a fine of $500. The maximum is 90 days in jail, 1-year license revocation and a fine of $500, for probation it is 10 days in jail or not less than 240 hours of community service.
  • For a 3rd offense, the minimum is 90 days in jail, 15-year license revocation and $600 fine. The maximum is 1 year in jail, 15-year license revocation and $600 fine. If on probation, you will serve 30 days in jail, have a 2 year to 15 year license revocation and pay a $600 fine.
  • For a 4th offense, the minimum is 180 days in jail, and a 15-year license revocation. The maximum is 5 years in jail, 15-year license revocation and a $10,000 fine. If probation, then it is 90 days in jail, 15-year license revocation and a $1,000 fine.
  • For a 5th offense, the minimum is a year in jail and a 15-year license revocation. The maximum is 20 years in jail, 15-year license revocation and a $25,000 fine. On probation it is 180 days in jail, 15-year license revocation and a $1,000 fine. You might also have to attend an alcohol treatment program at your own expense if so ordered by the court.
  • Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
  • Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Nebraska must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
  • Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Nebraska driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway. Other reasons include using your vehicle to get away from a police officer, and fleeing from the scene of an accident.
  • Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The Department of Motor Vehicles can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
  • Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include not responding to a Department of Motor Vehicles notice or not appearing in court, failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges, defaulting on alimony payments, and not paying child support.
  • Teen Drivers: If you are a teen driver and go against the stipulations of the Nebraska Graduated Licensing Program your license can be suspended. If you are under 21 and accumulate 6 or more points within 12 months, you license will be suspended.

For a complete list of license-losing infractions, consult Nebraska’s Driver Manual.

NOTE: In addition to NE DMV penalties, you may also face court requirements and fines if you were convicted of a crime. For information about your specific suspension/revocation, contact the Nebraska DMV: By phone: (402) 471-3985, Online using the NE DMV online contact form, or see reinstatement requirements on the Nebraska DMV website.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR NEBRASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

 

Having your Nebraska driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. The most important things to be aware of following a license suspension are:

  • If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. You can surrender your license in person at a Driver Licensing Office, or mail it to: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles

Driver and Vehicle Records Division

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 94789

Lincoln, NE 68509-4789

  • While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and the length of your suspension may be increased.
  • After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Nebraska DMV.
  • You can also apply for a restricted permit if you need to get to work or receive medical attention or if you wish to drive but your license was suspended or revoked as you were a habitual DUI offender. If you are unable to find alternative transport to travel to office, you can apply for the Nebraska Employment Driving Permit. If you have a medical condition and need to drive in order to receive treatment you can apply for the Nebraska Medical Hardship Permit.
  • If you have repeated DUI convictions, you might be eligible for an Ignition Interlock Restricted License.

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS


Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

NEBRASKA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS


If you receive a notice of suspension from the DMV, and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. An administrative law judge or the DMV Chief Administrator will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not. If your driver’s license was suspended for refusing or failing a BAC test after being stopped on suspicion of a DUI/DWI, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of receiving your suspension notice. To request an administrative hearing for BAC test refusals/failures, you’ll need:

  • A completed Petition for Administrative Hearing form.
  • A photocopy of your suspension notice.
  • Your driver’s license, if you haven’t already surrendered it.
  • Mail the above to the address specified on the form.

NOTE: You will not be eligible to request an Ignition Interlock Permit if you request an administrative hearing.

For information about requesting an administrative hearing for suspensions caused by other offenses, contact the Nebraska DMV by phone: (402) 471-3985 or online using the NE DMV online contact form.

In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes 2 points from the current driving record if it has less than 12 points, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended. It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

NOTE: Nebraska DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions. If you want to appeal a court-ordered suspension, you must contact the court.

 

OBTAIN A RESTRICTED NEBRASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE


Depending on the reason for your suspended license, you may be eligible for a restricted license, which allows you to drive to and from: Authorized locations, or with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.

NOTE: You may need to satisfy your reinstatement requirements before you can obtain a restricted driver’s license.

For more information, please contact the Nebraska DMV: By phone: (402) 471-3985 or Online using the NE DMV online contact form.

EMPLOYMENT DRIVING PERMIT


You can request an employment driving permit, allowing you to drive to and from work, if your driver’s license was suspended/revoked for accumulating too many driving record points or violating a support order. You’ll need:

Send the above to the Nebraska DMV address on the form. If your application is approved, you will be mailed an Employment Drive Permit Authorization letter. You will need to take the letter and payment for the permit fee to your local NE DMV office.

MEDICAL HARDSHIP PERMIT


If your driver’s license was suspended/revoked for excess driving record points and you need to drive to attend medical appointments, you can request a 90-day medical hardship driving permit. To apply, you will need:

Send the above to the NE DMV address on the form.

REINSTATE YOUR NEBRASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE


You will receive a notice from the DMV after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back. For instance, if your license was suspended due to points, you will need to attend a driver education course. If your license was suspended for not paying a traffic ticket you will have to pay the ticket and the reinstatement fee. Generally, you will need to:

  • Complete a defensive driving/ driver improvement-training course. (You will be held responsible for any fees associated with completion of the course and may also need to pay reinstatement fees and fines to both the Nebraska DMV and the traffic court.)
  • Satisfy any court requirements, if applicable.
  • File a proof of insurance. (Using an SR22 from your insurance company).
  • Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests, if necessary.
  • Pay a restoration fee (see below). The fee can be paid in person at a Driver Licensing Office. You can also mail a check or money order payable to: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles

Driver and Vehicle Records Division

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 94789

Lincoln, NE 68509-4789

  • You can also reinstate your license
  • Apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license.
  • NOTE: If your driver’s license was revoked, you’ll need to retake all of the driver license tests and apply for a new license.

Note that after your license is restored, you will be subject to a probation period during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Nebraska driver’s license.

FEES REINSTATE YOUR NEBRASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE


The fees to reinstate your suspended license will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense. Listed below, are some general Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reinstatement fees that may apply:

  • Insurance law violation, accident, and child support suspensions: $50.
  • Driving record point and court-ordered suspensions: $125.
  • BAC test failure/refusal suspensions: $125.
  • Online transaction fee: $3.

NOTE: If you were convicted of a crime, you may also have to pay additional court fines.

You can pay your suspended license reinstatement fees Online at the Nebraska DMV website, in person or by mail to:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles

Financial Responsibility Division

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 94877

Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4877

If you pay your suspended license reinstatement fees by mail, you’ll need to include: your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and address.

Acceptable Forms of Payment: The Nebraska DMV accepts the following forms of payments for suspended license reinstatements. In person/by mail: Cashier’s check or money order payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles.” Online: MasterCard, VISA, and Discover credit/debit cards.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN NEBRASKA

 

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Nebraska commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Nebraska or out of state. Additionally, Your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. You must notify your employer within 30 days of any conviction for a traffic offense, and by the end of the next business day after you receive a disqualification notice. Your CDL and commercial driving privileges are subject to state and federal regulations, including disqualifications lasting:

  • 1 year for a 1st violation of a major offense, such as:
  • DUI (BAC of 0.04% or higher) or drug-related offenses.
  • Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
  • Leaving the scene of a truck accident/hit and runs.
  • Speeding and reckless driving.
  • Violating Out-Of-Service
  • Driving without the proper CDL endorsements.
  • Committing a Felony with your CMV.
  • 3 years for a 1st violation of a major offense while transporting hazardous materials.
  • A lifetime for a 2nd violation of a major offense.
  • 60 to 120 days for multiple serious traffic violations within 3 years.
  • 60 to 120 days for violating railroad highway grade crossing

The duration of your commercial driver’s license disqualification and reinstatement requirements will vary depending on your violation. For information about your specific suspension/disqualification, contact the Nebraska DMV by phone: (402) 471-3985, online using the NE DMV online contact form, or check your driver license status and reinstatement requirements on the NE DMV website.

NOTE: You may need to surrender your CDL to the Nebraska DMV.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website provides a list of CDL disqualifications and durations.

NOTE: By law, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic offense conviction or by the end of the next business day after receiving a CDL disqualification notice.

CHECK YOUR NEBRASKA COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

 

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

Serious traffic violations can cause CDL disqualifications and points on your driving record.

If you accumulate 12 points or more on your driving record within 2 years, the Nebraska DMV will suspend your non-commercial driving privileges for 6 months for a 1st offense and 3 years for a 2nd offense within 5 years.

If your non-commercial driving privileges are suspended, often your CDL will be suspended as well. You can order your driving record to check the status of your driver’s license and view your driving record points.

NEBRASKA CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

 

Depending on the reason for your commercial driver’s license disqualification/ suspension, you may be able to contest it by requesting an administrative hearing. NOTE: Nebraska DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions. If you wish to appeal a court-ordered suspension/ disqualification, you must contact your court.

If your CDL was suspended for refusing or failing a BAC test after being stopped on suspicion of a DUI/DWI, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of receiving your disqualification notice.

To request an administrative hearing for BAC test refusals/failures, you will need:

  • A completed Petition for Administrative Hearing form.
  • A photocopy of your suspension/disqualification notice.
  • Your commercial driver’s license, if you haven’t already surrendered it.
  • Mail the above to the address on the form.

For information about requesting an administrative hearing for CDL suspensions/disqualifications caused by other offenses, contact the Nebraska DMV by phone at (402) 471-3985 or online using the NE DMV online contact form.

REINSTATE YOUR NEBRASKA CDL 

 

Your reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the circumstances of your CDL disqualification/suspension. To reinstate your CDL, you may need to:

  • Complete a driver’s education/improvement
  • Satisfy any court requirements, if applicable.
  • Retake and pass the commercial driving skills and knowledge tests.
  • Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your CDL in Nebraska” below.)

For information about your specific reinstatement requirements, contact the Nebraska DMV by phone: (402) 471-3985, online using the NE DMV online contact form, or check your driver license status and reinstatement requirements on the NE DMV website.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR NEBRASKA CDL 

 

Your CDL reinstatement fees will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense. Generally, it will cost you $125 to reinstate your suspended CDL. You may need to pay additional NE DMV fees. Contact the NE DMV for your specific reinstatement fees. If you were also convicted in court, you may need to pay additional court penalties. You can pay your reinstatement fees: Online at the Nebraska DMV website (Online transactions will incur an additional $3 fee.) OR in person or by mail to:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles 
Financial Responsibility Division

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 94877

Lincoln, NE 68509-4877

If you pay your reinstatement fees by mail, you’ll need to include: your name, date of birth, commercial driver’s license number, and address.

Acceptable Forms of Payment: The Nebraska DMV accepts the following forms of payments for CDL reinstatements.

  • In person/by mail: Cashier’s check or money order payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles.”
  • Online: MasterCard, VISA, Discover credit/debit card.