Nebraska · Handbook chapter 2 · 4 min read
Chapter 2: Points, suspensions and revocations
How Nebraska removes driving privileges: suspension, revocation, impoundment and confiscation, the point system and 12-point revocation, administrative license revocation, under-21 rules, minor in possession, and special permits.
Why this chapter matters
Your license is a privilege that Nebraska can take away. The written test asks about points, the 12-point limit and what happens after an alcohol test, so learn these numbers along with the rules of the road.
Four ways to lose your license
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Temporary removal of the license and driving privilege |
| Revocation | Removal of the license for a set period |
| Impoundment | A court takes and holds the license, then returns it at the end |
| Confiscation | A police officer takes the license after you fail or refuse an alcohol test. You get a 15-day temporary license, then the license is revoked unless a hearing dismisses the case |
Reasons for suspension or revocation include lying on an application, leaving a crash scene without giving your name and address, ignoring a citation or court judgment, fleeing police, refusing a chemical test, reckless driving, no proof of insurance, unpaid child support, letting someone else use your license or take your test, and breaking the terms of a learner's or school permit. A permit violation also makes you ineligible for any permit until 16.
The point system
Points are added when you are convicted. They count for two years from the violation date, and convictions stay on your record for five years.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle homicide; third drunk-driving offense | 12 |
| DUI; willful reckless driving; leaving the scene; failing to report a crash; failing to give aid | 6 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Careless driving; failing to yield to a pedestrian who is injured | 4 |
| Texting on a handheld device; negligent driving; passing a stopped school bus | 3 |
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian, no injury | 2 |
| Refusing an alcohol test; child restraint violation; permit passenger or phone violations; most other violations | 1 |
Speeding points depend on how far over the limit you were and where. Since November 14, 2020, 1 to 5 mph over brings no points; more than 35 mph over brings 4. Parking, seat belt and helmet violations carry no points.
- 12 points in two years: automatic six-month revocation. You must finish a four-hour course and file proof of insurance (SR-22) for three years.
- Two point revocations in five years: you lose your license for three years.
- An approved driver improvement course taken before you reach 12 points earns a 2-point credit, once every five years. CDL holders are not eligible.
Alcohol and young drivers
- Under 21 at .02 or more: the court impounds the license for 30 days, and the conviction stays on the record for 90 days. An underage refusal means 90 days impounded.
- Minor in possession: 30 days, then 90 days for a second offense and 12 months for a third.
- Driving during an impoundment brings a revocation: six months for an underage driver, one year for others.
Administrative license revocation (ALR)
Police can take your license on the spot if you fail an alcohol test or refuse a chemical test. You get a 15-day temporary license.
| Situation | ALR |
|---|---|
| First failed test | 180 days |
| Later failed tests | One year |
| Refusal | One year |
You may ask for a hearing. If you waive it, you may be able to drive during the revocation with an Ignition Interlock Permit: first offenders can apply once the 15-day temporary license expires; repeat offenders wait 45 days after it expires and people who refused wait 90 days. Tampering with an interlock is a misdemeanor, or a felony at .02 or more.
Other permits and offenses
- Employment Drive Permit: after a point or child support revocation, driving only between home and work.
- Medical Hardship Driving Permit: after a point revocation, driving only for medical treatment.
- Sobriety Program Permit: for people in the 24/7 sobriety program.
- Fleeing police is a misdemeanor, or a felony when fleeing arrest for a felony, and can cost your license.
- Leaving the scene of a crash can bring revocation for up to one year.
Frequently asked questions
How many points cause a revocation?
12 points within two years, which brings a six-month revocation.
How long do points count?
Two years from the violation date, though the conviction stays on your record for five years.
What happens if I fail a breath test for the first time?
Your license is taken, you get a 15-day temporary license, and you face a 180-day administrative revocation.
What is the penalty under 21 at .02 BAC?
The court impounds your license for 30 days.
Can a course reduce my points?
An approved driver improvement course taken before you reach 12 points earns a 2-point credit, once every five years.
Based on the Nebraska Driver's Manual (Nebraska DMV, January 2025), Section 1Q.