Work zones, school zones and speeding fines

Key points

1. In a work zone, move away from workers and equipment, avoid slowing abruptly, and be ready to stop anytime.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “adjust your lane position away from workers and equipment, do not slow your speed abruptly, but be prepared to stop anytime.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

2. In a school zone, reduce speed, obey all signs and be prepared to stop anytime.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “School Zone: reduce speed, obey all signs and be prepared to stop anytime.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

3. Fines are doubled in school zones and when workers are present in work zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Fines are doubled in school zones and when workers are present in work zones.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

4. Speeding points depend on how many MPH over the limit you were and the type of road.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Points are assessed for speeding on the basis of miles per hour (MPH) over the posted speed limit and the type of road:”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

5. The fine for texting and driving is $200 to $500.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “The fine for texting and driving is $200 to $500.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. When are Nebraska traffic fines doubled in a school zone or work zone?

   1. Only after a crash occurs
   2. Only during overnight hours
   3. In school zones and when workers are present in work zones
   4. Whenever the road has two lanes
   Show answer

   In school zones and when workers are present in work zones. Nebraska doubles fines in school zones and when workers are present in work zones. The school-zone rule does not wait for children to be visible, and the work-zone rule depends on workers being present. A crash, overnight timing, or lane count does not create this fine increase. Remember two separate settings: school zones and active work zones with workers present. When either condition applies, obey the posted controls carefully and expect the financial penalty for a violation to be doubled.

2. 2. In a Nebraska work zone, what should a driver be prepared to do at any time?

   1. Drive faster than surrounding traffic
   2. Accelerate sharply whenever cones appear
   3. Ignore signs after entering the zone
   4. Stop when conditions or traffic control require it
   Show answer

   Stop when conditions or traffic control require it. Work zones can narrow the driving area and remove escape space, so the manual tells drivers to remain ready for a stop at any time. That does not mean braking immediately whenever cones appear. Stay alert, obey signs and other traffic control devices, keep movement predictable, and avoid abrupt speed changes that could cause a rear end crash. The acceleration choice adds risk near workers, while ignoring signs removes the instructions that organize the zone. Use a simple cue: expect changing conditions, leave room, and be prepared to stop when the roadway or a flagger requires it.

3. 3. What action does Nebraska's manual require in a school zone?

   1. Maintain highway speed until a crossing guard enters the road
   2. Reduce speed, obey signs, and be prepared to stop
   3. Stop only when another vehicle has already stopped
   4. Pass any vehicle traveling below the posted limit
   Show answer

   Reduce speed, obey signs, and be prepared to stop. The school-zone instruction is to reduce speed, obey every sign, and remain ready to stop at any time. Maintaining highway speed ignores the special environment, and waiting for another vehicle or a crossing guard adds a condition the rule does not require. Passing is especially poor judgment when children or pedestrians may be nearby. Treat a school-zone sign as an immediate preparation cue, even when the roadway looks clear. A posted instruction may add a specific limit, but the baseline response still involves slower travel, careful observation, and readiness to brake.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 4: Rules of the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.