Yes, Nebraska Revised Statute §60-6,133 permits interior lighting while driving, provided it does not impair visibility or distract other motorists. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) enforces this under general safety statutes, with no explicit ban on interior lights. However, drivers must ensure lighting does not obstruct views or violate §60-6,140’s prohibition on obstructed vision.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Nebraska
- Visibility Standards: Interior lights must not reduce the driver’s ability to see the road or other vehicles, per NDOT’s Driver’s Manual (2024 ed.). Excessive brightness or misdirected light may be cited under §60-6,133’s “distraction” clause.
- Obstruction Prohibitions: Lights that reflect off windows or mirrors, creating glare for other drivers, violate §60-6,140. Local law enforcement (e.g., Omaha PD, Lincoln Traffic Division) may issue citations if lighting is deemed hazardous.
- Commercial Vehicle Exceptions: Nebraska’s 2026 regulatory review (NDOT Rule 4-2025) proposes stricter limits for commercial fleets, requiring dimmed or shielded interior lighting during night operations. Public comment closed in Q1 2025; final rules pending.
Local ordinances (e.g., Omaha Municipal Code §37-124) mirror state statutes but may impose additional fines for “unreasonable” lighting. Drivers cited under these provisions face Class III misdemeanor penalties, with potential license points for repeat offenses. NDOT’s 2024 enforcement data shows 187 citations for obstructed vision in 2023, though interior light-specific cases remain rare.