Nebraska’s Updated Move-Over Law Takes Effect Sept. 3

Aug. 29, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers that the state’s updated move-over law takes effect Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Previously, the move-over law applied only to emergency and roadside assistance vehicles. Beginning Sept. 3, drivers must slow down and move over when approaching all stopped vehicles and vulnerable road users on the side of the highway. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, people in crosswalks, and agricultural vehicles or equipment.

Earlier this year, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 530, an omnibus public safety bill, which Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law. The measure was introduced by Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth.

Other safety changes in LB 530 include:

Increased speeding violation fines in all categories for the first time since 1996. Under the new law, fines will increase as follows:
1-5 mph over: $50 (up from $10)
6-10 mph over: $75 (up from $25)
11-15 mph over: $125 (up from $75)
16-20 mph over: $200 (up from $125)
21-35 mph over: $300 (up from $200)
36 mph or more over: $400 (up from $300)
 
Expanded definition of reckless driving to include speeding violations more than twice the posted limit.

Enhanced criminal penalty for motor vehicle homicide, elevating it to a Class IV felony if a driver’s actions cause another person’s death.

Authorization for NDOT to temporarily reduce speed limits during adverse weather, environmental conditions, emergencies, and traffic congestion.

 “We are working to make Nebraska’s highways as safe as we can,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said. “The provisions in LB 530 help us reach that goal. Of course, highway safety ultimately depends on each of us making the right choices every time we get behind the wheel.”

NDOT traffic engineers are developing and installing signage for the updated move-over law. The agency is also creating a policy for variable speed limit reductions and will keep records of when and how speed limits are temporarily changed once LB 530 takes effect.