Your license class decides what you may drive. Nebraska's Class O covers everyday vehicles, including mopeds, autocycles and ATVs, but not motorcycles or commercial vehicles.
Know the rule
A Class O license lets you operate any motor vehicle, including a moped, autocycle, ATV and UTV, but not a motorcycle or commercial motor vehicle. Minimum age: 17. A Class O drive test can't be given in an autocycle.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Class O testing, age 18 and older:
- First license, never held a POP: vision, written and drive tests
- Written test waived if you hold an LPD that is valid or expired no more than one year
- New resident surrendering a valid out-of-state license: vision test; drive test at staff discretion
- Can't surrender the out-of-state license, or it's expired: the written test is also required
- Renewing: vision test; written waived if license valid or expired no more than one year
Moped
A bicycle with working pedals, an automatic transmission, and a motor of no more than 50 cc producing no more than two brake horsepower, with a maximum design speed of no more than 30 mph.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Autocycle
A three-wheeled vehicle you don't straddle, with antilock brakes, steering wheel and pedals, a three-point belt for each occupant, and airbags plus roll cage or rollover protection.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ATV vs. UTV
| Feature | ATV | UTV |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 50 inches or less | 74 inches or less |
| Dry weight | 1,200 pounds or less | 2,000 pounds or less |
| Tires | 3 or more non-highway tires | 4 or more non-highway tires |
| Other | Operator only, or operator + 1 passenger | 180 inches or less long, with bumper |
An ATV/UTV may use public roads only:
- Outside city or village limits, when incidental to its agricultural use
- Inside a city or village, if authorized by city or village ordinance
- In an unincorporated village, if authorized by county board resolution
Rules when operating on a public road:
- Hold a valid Class O operator's license or farm permit
- Only between sunrise and sunset, at speeds lower than 30 mph
- Never on a controlled-access highway with more than two marked lanes
- Headlight and taillight on, and a bicycle safety flag
- Carry liability insurance
Crossing a highway on an ATV/UTV:
- Cross at about a 90-degree angle where nothing blocks a quick, safe crossing
- Stop completely before crossing the shoulder or roadway
- Yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic
- On a divided highway, cross only at an intersection
- Keep the headlight and taillight on
Know the rule
Crossing a controlled-access highway with more than two lanes is allowed only for an agricultural purpose, or at a signal-controlled intersection (stop signs outside city limits) authorized by local ordinance or county resolution.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
A Class M license covers motorcycles and three-wheeled motor vehicles. Minimum age 17; under 18 you must have held a POP for 12 months without three or more points in the previous 12 months.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
A "Z" restriction is placed on a Class M license if you use a motor scooter, 3-wheeled scooter or 3-wheeled motorcycle for the drive test.
Handbook p. 16 ↗A CDL is required above this GVWR or GCWR, or to carry 16+ people (including the driver) or placarded hazardous materials
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
A CDL holder may not enter a traffic diversion program to avoid conviction for a traffic citation, except a parking violation.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Put it into practice
You hold a Class O license and want to take your UTV down a county road to a field for farm work. Outside city limits for an agricultural purpose is allowed: go between sunrise and sunset, under 30 mph, with lights on, a bicycle safety flag and liability insurance.