No, Nebraska law prohibits any activity that distracts from driving, including applying makeup, under §60-6,186 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) enforces this as a primary offense, with fines up to $200 for first-time violations. Local ordinances in Omaha and Lincoln may impose additional penalties, reflecting heightened enforcement trends in urban areas.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Nebraska
- Distracted Driving Statute (§60-6,186): Prohibits any conduct that impairs full control of a vehicle, including grooming. NDOT classifies makeup application as a manual-visual distraction.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Omaha and Lincoln may impose supplementary fines (e.g., $100–$300) under municipal traffic codes, particularly in school zones or high-traffic corridors.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: NDOT’s upcoming distracted driving awareness campaign targets secondary offenses (e.g., makeup use) with stricter point assessments on driving records, aligning with federal NHTSA guidelines.
Violations are adjudicated in county courts, where judges may mandate defensive driving courses for repeat offenders. Law enforcement prioritizes enforcement during peak commute hours, particularly in Douglas and Lancaster Counties.