Oregon Driving Laws & Traffic Rules (2025 Guide)

Oregon Double Yellow Line Laws & No-Passing Zones

ORS 811.295: Crossing Double Yellow Lines Prohibited

In Oregon, double solid yellow centerlines separate opposite directions of traffic and establish no-passing zones. Crossing double yellow lines to pass another vehicle is prohibited under ORS 811.295. You must stay to the right of these lines except when making a lawful left turn at an intersection, driveway, or alley, or when avoiding an obstruction that requires traveling to the left of the centerline.

When You May Cross Double Yellow Lines in Oregon

Oregon law permits crossing double yellow lines in these specific circumstances:

• Left turns: Turning left into or from a driveway, alley, private road, or at an intersection
• Obstruction avoidance: When a hazard or obstruction makes it necessary to drive left of center, provided the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic
• Official direction: When directed by a police officer, flagger, or traffic control device
• Road work zones: When signs or cones direct you to travel left of the normal centerline

Penalties for Illegal Passing in No-Passing Zones

Violating Oregon's double yellow line law can result in:

• Fine: $265 to $440 (varies by jurisdiction)
• Points: Up to 3 points on your driving record
• Insurance rate increases
• Possible reckless driving charges if the violation endangers others

Related Oregon Passing Laws: ORS 811.410 & ORS 811.415

ORS 811.410 governs unsafe passing on the left, requiring drivers to ensure the left lane is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic before passing. ORS 811.415 addresses passing on the right, which is generally prohibited except when the overtaken vehicle is making a left turn, or on one-way streets and highways with multiple marked lanes.

Oregon's No Self-Service Gas Law: ORS 480.330

Why Can't You Pump Your Own Gas in Oregon?

Oregon is one of only two states (along with New Jersey) that prohibits self-service gasoline pumping at most stations. Under ORS 480.330 to 480.385, licensed attendants must dispense fuel at retail gasoline stations. This law dates back to 1951 and was enacted for safety, fire prevention, and job creation reasons.

Exceptions to Oregon's Gas Pumping Law

Limited self-service is allowed in:

• Rural counties: In counties with populations under 40,000, self-service is permitted from 6 PM to 6 AM
• Diesel and motorcycles: Self-service diesel fuel and motorcycle fueling are allowed at designated pumps
• Aviation fuel: Self-service is permitted at airports
• Marine fuel: Boat owners may pump their own marine fuel

What Happens If You Pump Your Own Gas in Oregon?

Violating the attendant requirement can result in fines for both the customer and the gas station. Stations face potential penalties of $500 per violation. Customers may receive warnings or citations. Most Oregonians respect the law, and attendants are readily available to assist.

Oregon Bicycle Laws: Sharing the Road Safely

ORS 811.065: Minimum 3-Foot Passing Distance for Bicycles

Oregon law requires drivers to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a person operating a bicycle. This applies regardless of whether the cyclist is in a designated bike lane or sharing the travel lane. When 3 feet of clearance isn't possible due to road width or traffic conditions, drivers must slow to a safe speed and pass only when it won't endanger the cyclist.

Bicycle Rights and Responsibilities on Oregon Roads

Oregon grants cyclists full rights to use public roadways, with some exceptions on limited-access highways. Key bicycle regulations include:

• Lane positioning: Cyclists may take the full lane when necessary for safety, such as avoiding hazards or preparing for turns (ORS 814.430)
• Lighting requirements: Bicycles must have a white front light and red rear reflector or light when riding between sunset and sunrise (ORS 815.280)
• Helmet law: While Oregon has no statewide adult helmet law, riders under 16 must wear helmets (ORS 814.485)
• Traffic signals: Cyclists must obey all traffic control devices and signals like motor vehicles

Portland's Bicycle Infrastructure and Safety

Portland is nationally recognized for bicycle infrastructure, with over 350 miles of bikeways including protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, and multi-use paths. Drivers should remain vigilant for cyclists, especially in urban areas. Watch for bike boxes at intersections, which allow cyclists to position themselves ahead of traffic at red lights.

Penalties for Violating Bicycle Safety Laws

Failing to provide adequate passing distance or endangering a cyclist can result in fines of $260 to $435. If a collision occurs, drivers may face additional penalties including reckless driving charges, civil liability, and license suspension.

Oregon Chain Laws & Winter Mountain Pass Requirements

When Are Chains Required in Oregon?

From November 1 through March 31, Oregon requires vehicles traveling through designated mountain pass areas to carry chains, even if roads appear clear. When conditions deteriorate, ODOT posts "Chains Required" or "Traction Tires Required" signs. Ignoring these signs can result in fines and being turned back at checkpoints.

Traction Tires vs. Chains: What's the Difference?

Oregon distinguishes between two winter requirements:

• Traction tires: Mud and snow tires with mountain snowflake symbol or M+S rating with at least 1/4" tread
• Chains required: Actual tire chains or approved cable chains must be installed on drive wheels

Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles may be exempt from chain requirements if equipped with adequate traction tires, but must still carry chains during Level 3 restrictions.

Major Oregon Mountain Passes Requiring Chains

Key mountain pass corridors where chain laws apply:

• I-84: Emigrant Hill, Deadman Pass, Cabbage Hill (Blue Mountains)
• US-20: Santiam Pass
• US-26: Mount Hood (Government Camp area)
• OR-58: Willamette Pass
• OR-138: Diamond Lake area
• I-5: Siskiyou Summit (near California border)

Studded Tire Regulations: ORS 815.210

Studded tires are permitted in Oregon from November 1 through March 31. Using studded tires outside this period results in fines unless extended by ODOT due to unusual weather conditions. Studded tires cause pavement damage, which is why their use is restricted to winter months.

Oregon Speed Limits & Traffic Control Laws

Oregon Speed Limit Laws: ORS 811.100 & Basic Speed Rule

Oregon's basic speed rule (ORS 811.100) requires drivers to travel at speeds reasonable and prudent for existing conditions. Even if you're driving at or below the posted speed limit, you can be cited if your speed is unsafe for weather, traffic, visibility, or road conditions.

Default Speed Limits Throughout Oregon

Photo Radar & Speed Enforcement in Oregon

Oregon uses photo radar and red light cameras in certain jurisdictions, particularly in Portland and surrounding areas. Citations issued via camera include a photograph of your vehicle and license plate. You have the right to challenge these citations in court, but ignoring them results in additional penalties and potential license suspension.

Oregon School Bus Stop Laws: ORS 811.155

Stopping for School Buses in Oregon

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop and remain stopped until:

• The bus retracts the stop arm
• The red lights stop flashing
• The bus begins moving, OR
• The driver signals you to proceed

Exceptions: When You Don't Need to Stop

You are not required to stop for a school bus when:

• Traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median
• The bus is in a designated loading area completely off the roadway

Penalties for Passing a Stopped School Bus

Illegally passing a stopped school bus in Oregon is a serious offense:

• First offense: Fine up to $2,500 and potential 30-day license suspension
• If a child is injured: Class A misdemeanor with possible jail time
• Civil penalties: Up to $1,000 for first violation, $2,000 for subsequent violations

Oregon Right on Red & U-Turn Laws

Right Turn on Red Light Rules: ORS 811.360

Oregon allows right turns on red after coming to a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians, and ensuring the turn can be made safely—unless a sign prohibits it. You must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk before proceeding.

Left Turn on Red in Oregon: ORS 811.360

Oregon permits left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless prohibited by signs. This is less common than right on red but is legal statewide.

Oregon U-Turn Laws: Where They're Legal

U-turns are legal in Oregon unless:

• Signs specifically prohibit them
• You're on a curve or hill where visibility is limited
• Other vehicles may be endangered
• You're in a business district between intersections

At intersections with traffic lights, U-turns are generally permitted from the left lane unless signs prohibit them. Always yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic.

Oregon Rain & Fog Driving Safety Requirements

Headlight Requirements in Oregon: ORS 811.515

Oregon law requires headlights to be turned on:

• Between sunset and sunrise
• When visibility is limited to 1,000 feet or less
• When using windshield wipers (due to rain, snow, or sleet)

The "wipers on, lights on" rule is strictly enforced. Driving with wipers on but no headlights results in citations of approximately $265.

Oregon's Rainy Season: Speed Adjustment Requirements

Western Oregon experiences heavy rainfall from October through May. During rain:

• Reduce speed: Hydroplaning risk increases above 35-40 mph on wet pavement
• Increase following distance: Double your normal following distance (4-5 seconds)
• Avoid cruise control: Maintain manual speed control for better reaction time

Fog Safety on Oregon Coast & Valleys

Dense fog is common along the Oregon Coast and in the Willamette Valley. When visibility drops below 500 feet:

• Use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility)
• Reduce speed significantly below posted limits
• Use fog line (right edge line) as a guide
• Consider delaying travel if visibility is severely limited

Oregon DUII Laws & Penalties: ORS 813.010

Oregon DUII Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits

Oregon prohibits driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) with the following BAC limits:

• Adult drivers (21+): 0.08% BAC or higher
• Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC or higher
• Drivers under 21: 0.00% BAC (zero tolerance)

Oregon DUII law also covers impairment from marijuana, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances—not just alcohol.

Oregon DUII Penalties & Mandatory Minimums

First-time DUII conviction penalties in Oregon include:

• Jail time: Minimum 48 hours (or 80 hours community service)
• Fines: $1,000 to $6,250
• License suspension: 90 days to 1 year
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for 1 year
• DUII Diversion: Available for first-time offenders (requires guilty plea, 1-year program, fees)

Oregon Implied Consent Law: ORS 813.100

By operating a vehicle in Oregon, you consent to BAC testing if lawfully arrested for DUII. Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test results in automatic license suspension:

• First refusal: 1-year suspension
• Second refusal (within 5 years): 2-year suspension
• Third refusal (within 5 years): 3-year suspension

Oregon Cell Phone & Distracted Driving Laws

Oregon Hands-Free Law: ORS 811.507

Oregon's hands-free law prohibits holding or manually operating mobile devices while driving. This includes:

• Texting or reading messages
• Making calls without hands-free equipment
• Watching videos or taking photos
• Scrolling social media or apps

Allowed Mobile Device Use While Driving

Oregon permits:

• Hands-free calls: Using Bluetooth, speakerphone, or earpiece (one ear only)
• GPS navigation: If mounted and voice-activated
• Emergency calls: Calling 911 or emergency services

Penalties for Cell Phone Violations in Oregon

• First offense: Class B traffic violation, fine up to $1,000
• Second offense (within 10 years): Class A traffic violation, fine up to $2,500
• If violation causes crash: Enhanced penalties and possible criminal charges

Related Reading

Official Oregon Traffic Law Resources

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Oregon traffic laws and is not legal advice. Traffic laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult the most current Oregon Revised Statutes, local ordinances, and legal professionals for specific situations. When in doubt, follow posted signs and directions from law enforcement.