All Roll Calls
Yes: 594 • No: 5
NebraskaLB972109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET
Adopt the Recreational Vehicle Industry Regulation Act and change provisions relating to parking spaces for handicapped or disabled persons, certain license revocations, the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act, the Motor Vehicle Operator’s License Act, the Motor Vehicle Registration Act, the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, the Nebraska Rules of the Road, and the State Boat Act
Sponsored By: John Fredrickson
Signed by Governor
Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
27 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 7 costs, 11 mixed.
RV makers must buy back inventory
Within 45 days after a qualifying termination and your election, the maker must rebuy certain items. New, untitled RVs from the last 18 months are paid at 100% of net invoice (minus repair costs for damage). Undamaged accessories and proprietary parts from the last 12 months are paid at 105% of the original net invoice price. Properly working tools, signs, and equipment bought in the last five years are paid at 100% of net cost plus freight, delivery, and sales tax reimbursement. They must pay in full before removal; you surrender vehicles upon payment.
Fair pay for RV warranty work
Warrantors must put your warranty duties in writing and pay you for consumer care. Labor pay cannot be below your lowest retail rate for similar nonwarranty work, and fair time allowances must be used. For parts you replace, you get wholesale cost plus a handling fee up to 30% capped at $300, and freight if return is requested. Submit claims within 45 days of finishing work; if not denied in writing within 45 days, they are approved and must be paid within 60 days. Warrantors may send parts for factory campaigns, and you may return unused parts for credit. Tell the warrantor as soon as you reasonably can if you cannot do material or repetitive care. A warrantor may not audit you more than once every three months, and both sides must indemnify each other for their own negligence or willful misconduct (with a 10‑day complaint notice).
Stronger fair‑dealing rules for RV dealers
Manufacturers must show good cause before ending a dealer agreement and carry the burden of proof. Renewals cannot add stocking or sales targets beyond local market growth. Makers have only short, listed reasons to object to a dealer ownership change and must give written reasons within seven business days. Warrantors must meet warranty duties, share part availability dates, and pay dealers when damage happens in manufacturing or transit if the warrantor chose the carrier. Makers cannot coerce dealers or force unfair terms, threats, or arbitration waivers.
Stronger RV dealer agreements and protections
Starting January 1, 2028, a manufacturer must have a signed dealer agreement to sell new RVs through a Nebraska dealer. Agreements must list your sales area, give at least two business days to inspect and refuse delivery, and cannot be changed without both sides’ written consent. To terminate you, the maker must give 120 days’ notice (30 days for serious issues), allow you 30 days to state you will cure, and 90 more days to fix the problem. If a new RV is damaged in transit and they do not authorize replacement/repair within 10 business days, ownership goes back to them. Dealers can request written distribution details, and makers must answer within 30 business days. A dealer may end an agreement with 30 days’ notice and may sell remaining stock when buyback is not required. You must give 30 days’ notice before signing a new same line‑make agreement and 10 business days’ notice before a change of ownership. Makers with current agreements must provide enough technical data for repairs.
No-insurance driving brings charges and suspensions
If you let a vehicle be driven or towed without liability insurance, you are guilty of a Class II misdemeanor. Your license, registration, and plates are suspended, and you must meet financial responsibility rules for three years after suspension. You have 10 days to show proof of coverage to the prosecutor to dismiss the citation. The DMV will reinstate if it receives evidence you had an active policy when cited.
30-day rule for Nebraska vehicle registration
If a vehicle or trailer is stored in Nebraska more than 30 days, it is presumed to need Nebraska registration. The DMV or Revenue Department can decide a resident is avoiding vehicle taxes or that the vehicle is sited in Nebraska. The agency must notify the resident. The resident then has 30 days to register and pay all taxes and fees, and the purchase may owe sales or use tax.
RV industry fines, mediation, and oversight
The state board runs and enforces the RV Act, including licenses and rules, and may use a hearing officer. The board can suspend or revoke a license and fine up to $5,000 per violation, with appeals allowed. Before suing over an RV Act violation, parties must demand mediation; they pick a mediator within 20 days, split mediator costs, and courts may later award attorney fees to the winner. A court may issue an injunction without bond to stop a violation after a hearing, and one violating act is enough. New RV makers, distributors, and sellers are exempt from sections 60‑1420 to 60‑1440 of the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act.
In Transit placard allows road use
An “In Transit” placard or sticker lets a vehicle or trailer that is not registered be driven legally on public highways. This covers moving the vehicle while you complete registration or transport.
Military driver’s licenses stay valid longer
If you serve on active duty outside Nebraska, your driver’s license stays valid while you serve. Your spouse or dependent’s license stays valid too. It also remains valid for 60 days after separation. This does not cover Guard or reserve members called only for training.
Cities can reserve disabled parking spots
Cities and villages can reserve parking spaces and access aisles for people with qualifying disabled plates or permits. This includes Nebraska or out-of-state plates and temporary permits. It helps people with disabilities get closer, safer parking.
More military plate designs and eligibility
The DMV adds designs for all armed forces, including Space Force, and for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal on January 1, 2026. It also adds two designs: “veteran” and “veteran” with a wheelchair symbol on January 1, 2026. To qualify, you must be registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. To get the wheelchair design, you must show a permanent disability certification. A trust can get Military Honor Plates starting January 1, 2026 if a designated beneficiary qualifies. Honoring Women Veterans plates start January 1, 2027, and fees go to the Women Veterans Cash Fund.
Longer no-drive orders after fatal crashes
For some motor vehicle homicide convictions, courts can ban driving and suspend a license for up to two years. For specified felonies, courts must ban driving and revoke the license for 15 years. These orders take effect at sentencing, final judgment, or when probation is revoked.
Abandoned vehicle deadlines and $500 title
The law sets clear clocks for when a vehicle is deemed abandoned. It can be as short as six hours on public property with no plates or valid In Transit sticker, 24 or 48 hours in other public cases, seven days on private property, or 30 days in police custody or for mobile homes after notice. If an abandoned vehicle has no current plates or In Transit sticker and is worth $500 or less wholesale, title vests immediately in the local authority at no cost to it.
Special interest plates: fees, limits, sunset
A special interest plate application or renewal costs $50 in addition to registration. These vehicles may be driven only for occasional use, displays, parades, and hobby activities. They cannot be used for business or regular work commutes. The DMV stops new applications on January 1, 2029, and no renewals are allowed after December 31, 2028.
Dealers face new service and record rules
Dealers must do required pre‑delivery inspections. Dealers must serve transient warranty customers of the same line‑make unless the customer caused the problem. Dealers must track actual time for warranty work without a set time allowance. Dealers cannot claim to be a maker’s or warrantor’s agent or misstate warranty terms.
Licensing rules for manufactured home and RV dealers
If you sell manufactured homes or new RVs to end buyers, the law treats you as a dealer. You must be licensed under the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act. Manufacturers are not dealers under this rule.
Transporter plate option for $10
If you are a registered transporter, you can get a transporter certificate and one plate for a $10 fee instead of registering each vehicle you move. You may obtain additional pairs as allowed by law.
Easier driver testing and online renewals
Driver safety course instructors may give Class O exams, and the knowledge test may be taken remotely with an approved proctor. If you fail three skills tests, you may get an LPD learner’s permit but must complete an approved school or hold the permit 90 days before retesting. You can renew a Class O or M license or state ID online up to two times using your stored photo and signature; you must appear in person at least once every 16 years. Some online renewals are only for people 21 and older and for licenses expiring before age 72, and your license cannot be suspended or revoked. Starting July 1, 2027, insurers must send SR‑22 proof electronically.
New plate and registration rules by 2029
You get a 30‑day grace period after a Nebraska registration expires before parking/registration enforcement applies. Starting January 1, 2029, vehicles get one license plate instead of two. The DMV may mail plates or registrations and charge only actual postage and handling; you may drive for 30 days with proof of registration while waiting. Recreational vehicle plates are added as a type, and special interest plates are issued only for applications received by December 31, 2028. New registrations must include standard IDs, addresses, and required documents (for trailers without titles, a bill of sale or manufacturer’s statement).
Updates to towing, length, and snowmobiles
Recreational vehicles may tow cabin trailers and utility trailers. A bus, fifth‑wheel trailer, travel trailer, or motor home may be up to 45 feet long (down from 46 feet). Children under 12 may operate a snowmobile only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another person over 18; rules also apply to ages 12 to 16.
New notice rules for bonded boat titles
To get a bonded certificate of title for a motorboat, you must notify each lienholder by certified mail with return receipt requested at the last-known address. The notice must say the lien will be discharged if they do not respond and give 30 days to reply. If a lienholder does not respond within 30 days, issuing the bonded title can extinguish that lien.
Fees and credits for military plates
You pay a $5 fee when you apply for or renew an alphanumeric Military Honor Plate. If you move those plates to another vehicle you own, you get a credit for the unused plate fee. The credit equals 8 1/3% (8.333%) of the original plate fee for each full month left. You must also pay a $3 transfer application fee; your net savings are the credit minus $3. The $5 fee goes to the Nebraska Veteran Cemetery System Operation Fund, and the $3 fee goes to the DMV Cash Fund.
Military plates: fees, formats, and limits
A personalized Military Honor Plate application or renewal costs $40. Before January 1, 2027, 75% of this fee goes to the Nebraska Veteran Cemetery System Operation Fund; on and after that date, it goes to the Military Department Aid Fund. If the DMV mails your plates and registration, it may charge only its actual postage and handling cost. Military Honor Plates have a five‑character limit, and alphanumeric versions cannot show a county. If fewer than 100 vehicles per year get these plates over any two‑year period, the DMV stops issuing them in the next plate cycle after 2023. The DMV must also choose designs that do not cost more to make than standard plates.
New specialty plates and 2026-2027 fees
Arbor Day plates are available starting January 1, 2026; fees go to the Home of Arbor Day Plate Cash Fund. Back the Blue plates start January 1, 2027; fees go to the Back the Blue Cash Fund. Blackout plates start January 1, 2027 and cost $100 per application or renewal; 30% goes to the Developmental Disabilities Provider fund and 70% to the DMV Cash Fund. Choice Color plates start January 1, 2027 and cost $70 (alphanumeric) or $100 (personalized); fees go to the DMV Cash Fund. Cornhusker Spirit plates cost $70, with 60% to the DMV Cash Fund and 40% to the Highway Trust Fund. Other specialty plates send fees to the named programs in law, such as cancer care, conservation, and scholarships.
Rules for farm ATV and UTV use
You may drive an ATV or UTV outside city or village limits when it is incidental to farming. Inside a city or village, it is allowed only if a local ordinance approves it. In an unincorporated village, the county must pass a resolution. Crossing big multi‑lane, controlled‑access highways is still mostly banned.
Dealer board size and rule timing changes
The Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board now has the DMV Director as chair and nine governor‑appointed members, down from eleven. Amendments to the dealer law apply to franchises made or changed after the amendment date and also at license issue or renewal, unless the act says otherwise.
RV makers get limited ownership exceptions
Manufacturers of manufactured housing, RVs, and trailers are exempt from the ban on operating or controlling a franchise. Certain engine makers also get an exception if they meet all tests, like having no more than two Nebraska dealer locations and having a Nebraska service facility by January 1, 2016. Makers may own a franchise they buy from a dealer for up to 12 months while it is for sale, with possible board‑approved extensions and protest rights for nearby same line‑make dealers. Some franchise and warranty rules do not apply to RV makers and RVs. The law also updates the motor home definition to require permanent life‑support systems and at least four listed features.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Fredrickson
legislature
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 31 • No: 1 • Other: 17
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 1 • Other: 13
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 4/10/2026
Final Reading
Yes: 48 • No: 1
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 31 • No: 1 • Other: 17
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 1 • Other: 13
Actions Timeline
Presented to Governor on April 10, 2026
4/17/2026legislatureApproved by Governor on April 14, 2026
4/17/2026legislatureDispensing of reading at large approved
4/10/2026legislaturePassed on Final Reading 48-1*-0
4/10/2026legislaturePresident/Speaker signed
4/10/2026legislaturePlaced on Final Reading with ST80
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST80 filed
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST80 recorded
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ER132 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureKauth FA628 withdrawn
3/31/2026legislatureBallard AM2720 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureMoser AM2844 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureClouse AM2999 filed
3/31/2026legislatureClouse AM2999 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment
3/31/2026legislatureMoser AM2844 filed
3/25/2026legislatureBallard AM2720 filed
3/18/2026legislaturePlaced on Select File with ER132
3/11/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ER132 filed
3/11/2026legislatureHansen AM2258 adopted
3/5/2026legislatureSanders AM2288 adopted
3/5/2026legislatureMoser FA1026 filed
3/5/2026legislatureMoser FA1026 adopted
3/5/2026legislatureTransportation and Telecommunications AM2260 adopted
3/5/2026legislatureHansen FA994 withdrawn
3/5/2026legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
4/17/2026
Enrolled / Slip Law
Final / Enacted