Under what condition can a driver legally use a handheld mobile device in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the law permits the legal use of a handheld mobile device primarily in emergency situations. This means if a driver encounters an urgent circumstance, such as needing to call for assistance due to an accident, a medical emergency, or another critical event, they are allowed to use their device. The emphasis is on the necessity of the situation—when safety is at risk, using a mobile device to communicate can be justified despite the general restrictions on handheld use.

While other scenarios, such as using a device for navigation, might seem sensible, they do not meet the legal criteria for emergency use. Additionally, being stopped at a traffic light does not exempt a driver from the law, and the argument that a device shouldn't distract doesn't align with the statutes, as the fundamental purpose of the law is to minimize distractions while driving. Thus, the legal usage of handheld devices is strictly reserved for emergencies to ensure overall road safety.