Have A Question? Search This Site:
In Nebraska, a DUI conviction has long-term consequences that go beyond the courtroom. One of the most significant—and often misunderstood—impacts is how long a DUI remains on your driving record. Unlike criminal records, which are maintained by the court system, driving records are handled by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and they serve a different purpose in tracking driver behavior and enforcing traffic laws.
This post is focused on clarifying how long a DUI stays on your driving record specifically, and how that impacts insurance, future DUI penalties, and license status. Many Nebraska drivers don’t realize that a DUI continues to influence their driving profile for well over a decade—even if they’ve completed all court-ordered requirements.
We’ll cover how long the offense stays on file with the DMV, what a “lookback period” means for repeat offenses, and how insurance companies use this data to set premiums. We’ll also address the difference between a driving record and a criminal record, since both are affected by DUI charges—but in very different ways.
Let’s walk through what Nebraska drivers need to know about DUI records and how long they can continue to affect your life behind the wheel.
Nebraska Keeps a DUI on Your Driving Record for 15 Years
In Nebraska, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 15 years. This means that for a full decade and a half after the offense, the Nebraska DMV will continue to carry that violation as part of your driver history.
This 15-year period is not just a recordkeeping formality—it has real consequences. The state uses this information to determine whether any future DUI offense will be classified as a repeat violation. For example, if someone is convicted of a second DUI within that 15-year window, the court will treat it as a second offense, resulting in harsher penalties.
The long retention period reflects the serious nature of DUI offenses under Nebraska law. While some traffic violations drop off after a few years, DUI remains one of the most enduring entries on a driving record. It affects how your case is handled if you’re ever arrested again, and it also influences administrative decisions made by the DMV.
What Information Is Included in Your Nebraska Driving Record?
Nebraska driving records contain more than just points or license suspensions—they also include DUI convictions, license revocations, reinstatement dates, and other serious offenses. The driving record is used by the DMV, insurance companies, and sometimes even employers to evaluate your history behind the wheel.
When a DUI is added to your driving record, the following details may be included:
- Date of the offense
- Type of violation (e.g., DUI or refusal to submit to testing)
- Court outcome
- License suspension or revocation dates
- Reinstatement information
This information remains available for 15 years from the date of the conviction. It’s part of what the DMV uses to determine eligibility for hardship licenses, ignition interlock requirements, or penalties for future violations.
Keep in mind, this record is separate from your criminal record, which is maintained by law enforcement and court systems. Even if you’re able to petition for relief from the criminal side, the driving record entry will remain in place for the full duration.
Nebraska’s DUI Lookback Period Is Tied to the Driving Record
The 15-year duration on your driving record directly corresponds to Nebraska’s lookback period. This is the length of time that the state reviews your past driving offenses when deciding how to charge a new DUI case.
If you are arrested for a DUI and have a previous conviction within the last 15 years, Nebraska courts will classify the new charge as a repeat offense. This can lead to:
- Increased fines
- Longer jail time
- Lengthier license suspensions
- Ignition interlock requirements
Even if your first offense was many years ago, it still counts if it falls within that 15-year window. That’s why the driving record timeline is so important—it determines not only how long the violation is visible but also how the state handles any future charges.
How DUI Driving Records Affect Auto Insurance in Nebraska
A DUI on your Nebraska driving record almost always affects your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies regularly review DMV records to assess risk, and a DUI is considered a major red flag.
Once a DUI shows up on your record, you may experience:
- Substantially higher premiums
- Mandatory high-risk or SR-22 insurance
- Limited options for coverage
In many cases, these higher rates can last for several years. Some insurers may only factor in a DUI for 3–5 years, while others may use the full 15-year visibility period if they choose to review your full record.
SR-22 insurance is often required after a DUI-related license suspension. This is not a special type of insurance, but rather a form filed with the DMV to prove that you meet Nebraska’s minimum insurance requirements. It’s usually required for at least three years, but can vary depending on the details of the offense and reinstatement terms.
Is It Possible to Remove a DUI From Your Driving Record in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, DUIs cannot be removed from your driving record before the 15-year period expires. There is no administrative process to erase or expunge a DUI from your DMV history. The record is automatically maintained by the DMV and will stay there until the full time has passed.
This means that, even if a court sets aside the conviction or acknowledges that you’ve completed your sentence, the DMV will continue to retain the DUI entry until the 15-year mark is reached. There is no early removal, no sealing process, and no petition available to change this timeline.
After the 15-year period, the DUI will no longer appear on your standard driving record, though the state may still retain archived data for internal use. However, for practical purposes—such as insurance underwriting or license eligibility—the record will no longer show the DUI once that time is up.
Driving Record vs. Criminal Record: Nebraska’s Two-Track System
It’s essential to understand the difference between a driving record and a criminal record, especially in the context of DUI offenses in Nebraska. Many people assume these are the same, but they serve very different functions.
- Driving Record: Managed by the Nebraska DMV, this includes traffic-related violations and administrative actions. A DUI remains here for 15 years, regardless of any court decisions.
- Criminal Record: Maintained by the court system and law enforcement, this includes all criminal charges and convictions. A DUI can stay on your criminal record permanently unless sealed or set aside—both of which are rare.
This separation means that even if you’re dealing with consequences in the court system, the DMV operates independently. Completing your sentence or probation doesn’t affect the length of time the DUI remains on your driving record.
FAQ: Nebraska DUI and Driving Records
How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Nebraska?
15 years. The DUI remains part of your DMV history for that entire period.
Does a DUI impact insurance rates in Nebraska?
Yes. Most insurers raise premiums for at least 3–5 years after a DUI, and some consider the offense for the full 15 years.
Is SR-22 insurance required after a DUI in Nebraska?
Often, yes. SR-22 is typically required after a license suspension due to DUI, for at least three years.
Can a DUI be removed from your Nebraska driving record?
No. Nebraska does not allow early removal of DUI entries. They expire automatically after 15 years.
Does the court have any control over the DMV driving record?
No. The court and DMV are separate entities. Court rulings do not alter DMV record timelines.
What happens if I get another DUI within 15 years?
It will be treated as a repeat offense, with higher penalties and longer license consequences.
Are juvenile DUI records included in the driving record?
Yes, if the offense involved operating a vehicle and resulted in DMV action, it may appear on the driving record—even if the criminal portion is sealed.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, a DUI stays on your driving record for 15 years, influencing insurance premiums, eligibility for restricted licenses, and the classification of future offenses. Unlike your criminal record, which can sometimes be set aside under certain conditions, the driving record is maintained automatically by the DMV and cannot be cleared early. Understanding this timeline helps Nebraska drivers make informed decisions and manage long-term outcomes.
For a full breakdown of DUI record timelines and consequences, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page.
You can also learn more about how long a DUI stays on your record by reading the full How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record guide.