Nebraska Office of Highway
Safety (NOHS)
A Section of NDOR Traffic Engineering Division
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MOTORCYCLE FACTS
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates helmets to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders.
Unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than helmeted riders in a crash.
In Nebraska, a study on hospital costs for injured motorcyclists showed a decline in total acute medical charges of 38% after the helmet law was implemented.
Studies show unhelmeted riders involved in crashes are less likely to have insurance and more likely to have higher hospital costs than helmeted riders in similar crashes (NHTSA).
All states who have weakened or repealed helmet laws have experienced an increase in fatality rates.
According to the August 2012 survey of 900 Nebraskans conducted by Research Associates: “83% indicated the Nebraska law requiring motorcycle helmets should be continued; 14% indicated it should be repealed; 3% had no opinion.”
Only 2% of licensed Nebraska motorcyclists are under the age of 21.
New: Motorcycle Helmets Associated with Lower Risk of Cervical Spine Injury: Debunking the Myth - 2010 by the American College of Surgeons
MOTORCYCLE LICENSE AND LAW INFORMATION
In order to operate a motorcycle on the highways in Nebraska, all operators must have a Class M (motorcycle) license or Class M endorsement on a regular operator’s license. Just having a regular Class O (operators) license does not allow an individual to operate a motorcycle; Nebraska state law requires a Class M license or Class M endorsement.
No person shall operate a moped unless the person has a valid Class O operator’s license or a valid school/learner’s permit.
Protective helmets that meet the United States Department of Transportation’s (D.O.T) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 are required for all operators and passengers of a motorcycle or moped. The protective helmet must be secured properly with a chinstrap on the head of the operator or passenger while the motorcycle or moped is in motion. The helmet shall consist of lining, padding, and chinstrap and shall meet or exceed the U.S. D.O.T. 218 Standard.
MOTORCYCLE / MOPED LICENSE STATUTES
For more detail click on a corresponding section of law:
60-4,127 Class M License (Motorcycle)60-6,310 Moped License
MOTORCYCLE / MOPED HELMET STATUTES
60-6,278 Legislative findings.60-6,279 Protective helmets; required; when.
60-6,280 Approved protective helmets.
60-6,281 Protective helmets; conformance with federal standards; effect.
60-6,282 Violation; penalty.
SPECIAL RULES FOR MOTORCYCLES
60-6,306 Nebraska Rules of the Road; applicability to person operating a motorcycle.
60-6,308 Operating a motorcycle on roadways
laned for traffic; prohibited acts.
SPECIAL RULES FOR MOPEDS
60-6,309 Moped applicable statutes.
60-6,311 Moped operator; Nebraska Rules of the
Road; applicable.
60-6,312 Moped; restrictions on operation.
60-6,313 Operating mopeds on roadways laned
for traffic; prohibited acts.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has adopted as its basic motorcycle education course the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginning rider course entitled “MSF: Basic Rider Course” (BRC). This course provides a minimum of 14 hours of motorcycle instruction with at least four (4) hours of classroom instruction and at least 10 hours of actual range time riding motorcycles. The course integrates the classroom instruction and the range driving such that following classroom instruction, the concepts are applied to and practiced on the range. The basic course includes the following topics:
- Location of the controls and pre-ride procedures.
- Balance and control of the motorcycle.
- Riding skills and evasive maneuvers.
- Safety equipment and procedures.
- Effects of alcohol and drugs while operating a motorcycle.
Successful completion of any of the courses listed below will allow the graduate to have the DMV examiner waive both the written and drive test when application is made to obtain a license to operate a motorcycle. Course graduates may also be eligible for lower insurance rates. Enrollment is limited and courses often fill quickly, so register early. To obtain more information or to register, contact one of the state approved beginning rider course providers from the Nebraska Motorcycle Safety Education Sponsor list. Click here.
MOTORCYCLE CRASH DATA
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts:
Additional Motorcycle Information can be found at the following websites:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Motorcycle Safety - Drunk Riding Prevention Crackdown (NHTSA)
- Motorcycle Safety Awareness Resources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation,1-800-446-9227