Nebraska Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Nebraska takes a relatively lenient approach to windshield mounting restrictions compared to most states. The state prohibits objects that significantly obstruct a driver's view through the windshield, but enforcement is limited to secondary action only. That means a law enforcement officer cannot pull you over solely for a windshield obstruction. You must first be stopped or cited for another traffic violation before an obstruction charge can be added.
This guide covers the specific statutes, penalties, exemptions, and practical rules you need to know about mounting devices on your windshield in Nebraska.
Nebraska Windshield Obstruction Law (60-6,256)
Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,256 is the primary law governing windshield-mounted objects. It states that it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle with any object placed or hung in or upon the motor vehicle, except required or permitted equipment, in such a manner as to significantly and materially obstruct or interfere with the view of the operator through the windshield or to prevent the operator from having a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind the motor vehicle.
The key phrase here is "significantly and materially." Nebraska does not ban all objects on the windshield. The object must cause a meaningful obstruction to the driver's line of sight. A small GPS unit or phone mount positioned near the edge of the windshield is less likely to trigger a violation than a large device placed directly in the driver's central field of vision.
What "Significantly and Materially" Means
Nebraska's standard is higher than many states that simply prohibit any nontransparent material on the windshield. Under 60-6,256, the object must cause a real, substantial impairment to the driver's view. This gives drivers and officers some discretion, but it also means the standard is somewhat subjective. What one officer considers a significant obstruction, another might not.
In practice, smaller devices mounted low on the windshield or near the edges are far less likely to be considered a violation than large items placed at eye level or in the center of the windshield.
Nontransparent Material Restrictions (60-6,255)
Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,255 adds a separate but related restriction. It makes it unlawful for any person to drive any vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wing vents, or side or rear windows, other than certificates or papers required to be displayed by law.
This statute is broader in one sense: it targets nontransparent materials generally, not just those that obstruct the view. However, it specifically exempts items required by law to be displayed, such as registration stickers and inspection certificates.
Windshield Equipment Requirements
Under the same statute, every motor vehicle registered in Nebraska (except motorcycles) must be equipped with a front windshield. Every windshield must also have a functioning wiper device capable of clearing rain, snow, or other moisture. The wiper must be controllable by the driver.
Secondary Enforcement Only
One of the most important aspects of Nebraska's windshield obstruction law is its enforcement mechanism. Section 60-6,256 explicitly states that enforcement by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver has been cited or charged with a traffic violation or some other offense.
This means:
- An officer cannot stop you solely because of a windshield-mounted device
- An officer can add a windshield obstruction charge if you are pulled over for another reason, such as speeding, running a stop sign, or a broken taillight
- The secondary enforcement rule applies to both state and local law enforcement agencies
This secondary enforcement structure significantly reduces the practical risk of receiving a windshield obstruction citation in Nebraska. However, it does not make the practice legal. If you are stopped for any other reason, the officer can and may cite you for a windshield obstruction.
GPS, Phone, and Dashcam Mounts
Nebraska does not have a specific statute addressing GPS devices, phone mounts, or dashcams by name. These devices fall under the general windshield obstruction rules in 60-6,256 and 60-6,255.
GPS and Phone Mounts
Mounting a GPS unit or smartphone on your windshield is not automatically illegal in Nebraska. The question is whether the device significantly and materially obstructs your view. To minimize legal risk:
- Mount the device as low as possible on the windshield, near the bottom edge
- Position it to the right or left of the driver's direct line of sight
- Use the smallest mount and device practical for your needs
- Consider a dashboard or vent mount as an alternative that avoids the windshield entirely
Because enforcement is secondary only, the practical risk of a citation for a reasonably placed phone or GPS mount is low. That said, a dashboard mount eliminates the risk entirely.
Dashcams
Dashcams are treated the same as any other windshield-mounted device under Nebraska law. There is no specific exemption or prohibition for dashcams. The safest placement is behind the rearview mirror, where the camera does not block any portion of the driver's forward view. A dashcam mounted in this position is unlikely to meet the "significantly and materially" obstruction standard.
Windshield Tint Rules
Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,257 governs window tinting and sunscreening. The rules for windshields and other windows are:
| Window | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line only |
| Front side windows | Must allow at least 35% visible light transmission (VLT) |
| Rear side windows | Must allow at least 20% VLT (sedans); any darkness for SUVs/vans |
| Rear window | Must allow at least 20% VLT (sedans); any darkness for SUVs/vans |
Red, amber, and yellow tint colors are prohibited on all windows, including the windshield. Nebraska does not offer medical exemptions for darker tint.
Texting and Cell Phone Laws
Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,179.01 prohibits using a handheld wireless communication device to read, manually type, or send a written communication while operating a motor vehicle in motion. Like the windshield obstruction law, this is enforced as a secondary offense only.
Key details of the texting law:
- Applies to reading, typing, and sending text messages, emails, and other written communications
- Does not apply to voice calls (talking on the phone while driving is legal in Nebraska)
- Exempt persons include law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, and EMTs performing official duties
- Also exempt: drivers using a device in an emergency situation
- A "handsfree wireless communication device" is excluded from the definition of prohibited devices
- Violations carry a fine of $200 to $500 and 3 points on your driving record
No Comprehensive Hands-Free Law
As of 2026, Nebraska does not have a comprehensive hands-free driving law. Multiple bills have been introduced in the Nebraska Legislature to create one, including LB594 in the 2025 session, which would have prohibited holding or using any handheld device while driving and made it a primary offense. That bill stalled in committee and was not enacted.
Nebraska remains one of a small number of states without a full hands-free law or primary enforcement of distracted driving violations. The Nebraska Department of Transportation continues to advocate for stronger distracted driving measures through public awareness campaigns.
Exemptions
| Exemption | Authority |
|---|---|
| Required or permitted vehicle equipment | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,256 |
| Government-authorized stickers and identification (federal, state, or local) | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,256 |
| Certificates or papers required by law to be displayed | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,255 |
| Removable sun visors and shade devices used during daylight | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,255 |
| Law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs performing official duties (texting law) | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01 |
| Emergency situations (texting law) | Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01 |
Notably, Nebraska's exemption for government-authorized stickers covers items like registration decals, parking permits issued by political subdivisions, and toll transponders required by government agencies.
Penalties
| Violation | Classification | Fine | License Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield obstruction (60-6,256) | Traffic infraction | $50 (first offense) | 1 point |
| Nontransparent material on windshield (60-6,255) | Traffic infraction | Up to $100 | 1 point |
| Texting while driving (60-6,179.01) | Traffic infraction | $200 to $500 | 3 points |
For windshield obstruction under 60-6,256, fines escalate with repeat offenses: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $150 for subsequent offenses. All of these violations are classified as traffic infractions rather than misdemeanors, meaning they do not carry the possibility of jail time.
Accumulating 12 or more points within any two-year period triggers a license revocation hearing by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles under Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-4,182.
Practical Tips for Nebraska Drivers
Because Nebraska uses secondary enforcement for windshield obstruction, the risk of a standalone citation is zero. However, following these practices helps you stay compliant and safe:
- Use a dashboard or vent mount for your phone or GPS whenever possible. This avoids the windshield entirely and eliminates any legal gray area.
- If you must use a windshield mount, place it as low and far to the side as practical. Avoid mounting anything in your direct line of sight.
- Keep your windshield clear of stickers, decorations, and hanging objects that could accumulate into a meaningful obstruction.
- Make sure your windshield wipers work. A non-functioning wiper is a separate violation under 60-6,255.
- Do not text while driving. Even though enforcement is secondary, the $200 to $500 fine and 3-point penalty are significant if you are cited during another traffic stop.
Recent Legislative Developments
Nebraska's windshield obstruction statute (60-6,256) was amended in 2011 by LB667, which made two significant changes: it added the "significantly and materially" qualifier to the obstruction standard (previously, any obstruction was prohibited), and it changed enforcement from primary to secondary. The violation was also reclassified from a Class V misdemeanor to a traffic infraction at that time.
Since 2011, no further amendments to the windshield obstruction law have been enacted. However, the Nebraska Legislature has considered multiple bills to strengthen distracted driving laws generally, including proposals to make texting while driving a primary offense and to implement a comprehensive hands-free law. None of these proposals had passed as of the 2025 legislative session.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation reports that distracted driving remains a leading cause of traffic crashes in the state and continues to support legislative efforts to strengthen enforcement.
More Nebraska Laws
Sources and References
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,256 - Objects Placed or Hung to Obstruct or Interfere with View of Operator(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,255 - Windshield and Windows; Nontransparent Material Prohibited(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,257 - Windshield and Window Tinting and Sunscreening(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01 - Use of Handheld Wireless Communication Device; Prohibited Acts(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-4,182 - Point System; Offenses Enumerated(nebraskalegislature.gov).gov
- Nebraska DOT - Distracted Driving Safety(dot.nebraska.gov).gov
- Nebraska Judicial Branch - Waiver/Fine Schedule(nebraskajudicial.gov).gov