How to Fight a Reckless Driving Ticket in Nebraska
If you got a reckless driving ticket in Nebraska, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Under NRS 60-6,213: up to 3 months in jail AND/OR a maximum fine of $500; 5 demerit points on the driving record.
How to fight a reckless driving ticket in Nebraska, step by step
Decide how to plead
Do NOT pay the fine or plead guilty without consulting a licensed Nebraska criminal defense attorney. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor.
Check Nebraska's dismissal & mitigation options
No. The Nebraska Traffic Ticket Dismissal program (4-hour course via NSC Nebraska) is not available for reckless driving — it is a criminal misdemeanor, not a traffic infraction, and the dismissal program covers infractions only.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your reckless driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Under NRS 60-6,213: up to 3 months in jail AND/OR a maximum fine of $500; 5 demerit points on the driving record.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Nebraska court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Nebraska Reckless Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for reckless driving in Nebraska?
NRS 60-6,213 — Reckless driving. Any person who drives a motor vehicle 'in such a manner as to indicate a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property' is guilty of reckless driving. Nebraska has expanded the definition to also include driving at more than twice the posted speed limit, regardless of the circumstances. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor — a criminal offense.
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Nebraska?
Yes. Reckless driving under NRS 60-6,213 is a criminal misdemeanor — not a traffic infraction. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, adds 5 demerit points (the highest point value for a single non-DUI traffic offense), and significantly increases insurance rates. The 5-point addition brings a driver significantly closer to the 12-point suspension threshold from a single incident.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Nebraska?
Under NRS 60-6,213: up to 3 months in jail AND/OR a maximum fine of $500; 5 demerit points on the driving record. Second or subsequent conviction: up to 6 months in jail AND/OR a maximum fine of $500. Note: driving at more than twice the posted speed limit is treated as reckless driving — the underlying speeding fine may also apply. Source: NRS 60-6,213.
Is the traffic ticket dismissal program available for reckless driving?
No. The Nebraska Traffic Ticket Dismissal program (4-hour course via NSC Nebraska) is not available for reckless driving — it is a criminal misdemeanor, not a traffic infraction, and the dismissal program covers infractions only. An attorney is strongly recommended for any reckless driving charge.
What should I do if cited for reckless driving in Nebraska?
Do NOT pay the fine or plead guilty without consulting a licensed Nebraska criminal defense attorney. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor. An attorney can: challenge whether the conduct meets the 'willful disregard' standard; negotiate a reduction to a lesser traffic infraction; or seek a plea arrangement that avoids a permanent criminal conviction. Without an attorney, you risk a permanent criminal record, 5 demerit points, possible jail, and dramatically higher insurance rates.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.