New Requirements to Get Driver’s Licenses in Nebraska

Sarah Cool — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:55:47 GMT

Local news agencies are reporting that drivers should be aware of changes in how to get new or replacement licenses. Starting in July, drivers will no longer be able to exchange an expired driver’s license for a new one. Neither will those replacing lost driver’s licenses be able to walk out with a new license the same day that they visit motor vehicles. In an attempt to up security and prevent fraud, drivers will receive a 30-day interim document that will allow them to drive and identify themselves while they wait for a new copy of their license to arrive in the mail. But the director of the Motor Vehicles Department is also alerting drivers to the fact that in order to get a license mailed, additional documents will have to be shown at the MVD as well.

If you need to get a new license, you’ll want to bring your old license with you to the MVD, unless it has been lost or stolen. Additionally, you’ll need utility bills, bank statements, or other statements with your name and current address on them. This requirement is aimed at decreasing cases of fraud, stolen identities, and sexual offenders avoiding registration – there are over 12,000 of these cases a year. Of course, while preventing these kinds of crimes may reduce the amount of money that police agencies expend on following up. However, mailing licenses out will also increase costs at the MVD. To offset this, a $2.50 security charge will be added to the current cost of getting a license.

While there is likely to be an adjustment period as Nebraskans get used to the interim documents, it is suggested that people visit the MVD website before heading out to get a new license, and also plan on arriving earlier at the airport for flights when using the interim documents. Additionally, if you happen to be involved in an accident, and you are exchanging information with another driver, ask to see interim documents if a driver’s license is not available.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

Careful Not to Cross the Line (or Lane)! Knowing Lane Rules for Motorcyclists Increases Safety

Sarah Cool — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:03:03 GMT

To become licensed to drive a motorcycle in Nebraska, both written and driving tests are required. Riders must fulfill all the requirements, including motorcycle skills tests at local testing centers and demonstrating knowledge of the Nebraska motorcycle operating manual. But it is also the responsibility of all riders to recall the rules of the road and follow them carefully. If you’re a new motorcycle rider, or perhaps an experienced rider who needs a refresher on riding rules, you may not remember some of the laws regarding lane usage by motorcycles. Those of us that have driven primarily cars and trucks, or other similar vehicles, have seen it a number of times – motorcycle riders zipping through a traffic jam, weaving with ease and confidence through lanes and lanes of backed up cars. Driving this way is called “lane splitting,” and it is prohibited by Nebraska’s traffic law. Nebraska section 60-6308 specifically prohibits operation of a motorcycle “between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” This means that weaving between the lanes can get the rider a ticket – or worse, cause a rider who is injured when between lanes of traffic to be at fault if an accident is caused by a car moving in or out of a lane. This can occur because Nebraska recognizes contributory negligence, meaning that if a rider is partially at fault for an accident when he or she is moving between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines of row of vehicles, then his or her damages from an accident can be reduced to reflect that the rider was partially responsible. Lane splitting can be especially dangerous for riders when drivers of cars and other vehicles aren’t paying careful attention to the road and aren’t expecting motorcycles to be present between the lanes.

In order to protect yourself on the road and in case of an accident, it is important as a motorcyclist to use the lanes properly. Although it can be especially tempting in a traffic jam, do not engage in “lane splitting.” and know the requirements of Nebraska’s law for motorcyclists. It may also be helpful to note that only two riders should be side-by-side in a lane at a time. For more on the safety and legal requirements for Nebraska’s motorcyclists, a brief and helpful overview can be found here, courtesy of American Motorcyclist.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

Omaha Personal Injury Lawyer - License

New Requirements to Get Driver’s Licenses in Nebraska

Careful Not to Cross the Line (or Lane)! Knowing Lane Rules for Motorcyclists Increases Safety