The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.
There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in Falls City may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.
The Nebraska Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.
The following provisions are an overview of Nebraska laws that affect trucks
operating only in Nebraska:
Driver Qualification
Nebraska has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with a few modifications. Part 391 doesn’t apply to drivers of farm trucks operated solely in intrastate commerce.
To drive intrastate, a person must be 18 years old to obtain a Class A license and must be 17 years old to obtain an operator’s license to obtain a Class B or C license. To drive interstate, a person must be 21 years old.
Hours of Service
Nebraska has adopted Part 395 of the Federal Regulations with a few exceptions for intrastate drivers. In Nebraska, a driver will be allowed to drive 12 hours (instead of 10) after having 8 consecutive hours off. A driver may not drive after 16 hours (instead of 15) on duty, after having 8 consecutive off. Drivers will not be permitted to drive after being on duty 70 hours in seven consecutive days or 80 hours in eight consecutive days.
Loads
Nebraska has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Regulations, including regulations dealing with projecting and shifting or falling loads in its entirety.
Crash reports are available from:
Accident Records Bureau
Highway Safety Section
Department of Roads
Box 94699
Lincoln, NE 68509-4669
(402) 479-4645