If you’re driving in Nebraska, whether you’re behind the wheel of a car, motorcycle, or moped, it’s crucial to follow traffic laws to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
While most drivers are familiar with the general rules of the road, there are some regulations that can easily be forgotten or overlooked, such as the rules regarding a right turn on red. This traffic rule is often misunderstood, but it’s important to get it right to avoid penalties.
In this article, we’ll break down the rules for making a right turn on red in Nebraska, including the updates to traffic laws in 2025 and tips to help you stay compliant.
What is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
In Nebraska, just like in most other states, the right turn on red rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light under certain conditions. However, there are a few key things to remember to ensure that you follow the law correctly:
- Stop First: Before making a right turn on red, you must come to a complete stop at the red light.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Other Traffic: You must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and any other traffic that has the right of way, including vehicles moving through the intersection.
- No Prohibitive Signs: You can only make a right turn on red if there are no signs posted at the intersection indicating that it’s prohibited. Some intersections have signs that explicitly prohibit right turns on red, and these must be respected.
Recent 2025 Updates to Nebraska Traffic Rules
As of 2025, there have been a few updates to Nebraska’s traffic rules regarding right turns on red:
- Increased Penalties for Violations: With the rise in traffic violations and the need for improved safety, Nebraska has increased penalties for those who fail to stop before making a right turn on red or who turn without yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles. These violations now carry higher fines and can result in additional points on your driving record.
- Stricter Enforcement of Prohibited Intersections: More intersections in Nebraska have been marked with signs prohibiting right turns on red to reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety. It’s crucial to look out for these signs, especially in busy urban areas.
How the Right Turn on Red Rule Helps
The right turn on red rule is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly while also reducing congestion at intersections. It allows drivers to proceed with their turn when safe, without having to wait for the light to change, especially during low traffic periods.
This can save time and help keep traffic moving, but it comes with the responsibility to ensure that the turn is made safely.
Common Violations of the Right Turn on Red Rule
There are a few common mistakes that drivers make when it comes to making a right turn on red:
- Failing to Stop Completely: Sometimes, drivers will slow down but not come to a complete stop before turning on red. In Nebraska, failing to stop is considered a violation and can result in a fine and points on your driving record.
- Not Yielding to Pedestrians: When making a right turn on red, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street. Not doing so can result in serious consequences, including a ticket and potential accidents.
- Turning Where It’s Prohibited: Ignoring signs that prohibit right turns on red is a serious offense in Nebraska. These signs are placed at intersections for safety reasons, so it’s important to respect them.
Penalties for Violating the Right Turn on Red Rule
If you fail to follow the right turn on red rule in Nebraska, you could face penalties such as:
- Fines: Violating the right turn on red rule can result in a fine. The exact amount varies, but it could range from $50 to $200, depending on the severity of the violation.
- License Points: Like most traffic violations, failing to properly make a right turn on red can add points to your driving record. Accumulating 12 points within two years could result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Nebraska.
- Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders: If you continue to violate traffic rules related to right turns on red, the penalties can become more severe, including higher fines and the possibility of more points being added to your record.
Tips to Avoid Violating the Right Turn on Red Rule
To avoid getting a ticket or facing penalties for a right turn on red violation in Nebraska, follow these tips:
- Always Stop Completely: Even if the intersection seems clear, make a full stop before making your right turn on red. Don’t roll through the light.
- Look for Prohibited Signs: Be aware of intersections with signs that prohibit right turns on red. These signs are there for a reason, often to improve safety at high-traffic areas.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Other Vehicles: Always check for pedestrians and other vehicles before making your right turn on red. It’s crucial to give them the right of way as required by law.
- Stay Informed of Traffic Updates: Keep up-to-date with any changes to traffic laws in Nebraska, including the right turn on red rule. Being informed can help you avoid unnecessary violations.
The right turn on red rule in Nebraska allows drivers to keep traffic moving efficiently, but it comes with important responsibilities. Always come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and other traffic, and be aware of prohibited intersections to avoid penalties.
As traffic rules evolve, staying informed and following the law will help you stay safe and avoid costly mistakes on the road.
