Oregon State Driving Laws

Know Oregon's rules of the road.

Traffic laws can vary widely by state and often change over time. Whether you are a new driver applying for your first license, are renewing your license, or are moving and need to apply for a license in your new home state, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws.

Licensing

Get ready before you get behind the wheel.

Drivers in Oregon must have either a valid license or an instruction permit. If you have moved from another state, you still have to apply for a license in Oregon. To obtain an instruction permit, you must be at least 15 years old and have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with you. The next step is a provisional license, for 16-17 year-olds. To apply for a provisional license, you need a valid instruction permit and a parent or legal guardian certify that you have completed 50 hours of supervised driving experience and have taken an Oregon Department of Transportation-approved traffic safety class, or that you've had 100 hours of supervised driving experience. You must also pass both a written and behind-the-wheel driving test.

A provisional license does come with some restrictions: you may not drive while using a cell phone, even with a hands-free device; during the first six months you may not drive with a passenger under the age of 20 who is not an immediate family member and you cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving between home and work or between home and a school event, or if you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. During the second six months of the provisional period, the night driving restriction remains, and you may not drive with more than three passengers under the age of 20 who are not immediate family members.

If you are 18 years old or older, you can apply for a Class C license, which allows you to operate a car, van, moped, RV, and other passenger vehicles. You'll need to complete an application, provide proof of your Social Security number and current address, complete written, behind-the-wheel, and vision tests, and pay applicable fees. If you are over 50 and are renewing your license, you are required to pass a vision screening.

Speed limits

Stick to posted speed limits.

As in other states, Oregon's traffic laws pertain to speed and safety. Drivers should maintain a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, including traffic, weather and visibility. Oregon has maximum speed limits within city limits and in school zones, as well as on the interstates. You should keep in mind that in general, the speed limit is 20 mph in school zones and business districts and 25 mph in residential areas and public parks. Slow drivers should stick to the right-hand lane and allow faster vehicles to pass.

Rules of the road

Be safe when passing.

Some other rules of the road to keep in mind when driving in Oregon:
- Use your turn signal before you turn, change lanes, move right or left, or pull away from the curb.
- Stop before you enter or cross a road from an alley or private driveway.
- Do not cross the center line to pass if you are in an area marked by a solid yellow line in your lane, if your view of oncoming traffic is blocked, or if you are approaching an intersection or railroad crossing.
- Do not stop your car within an intersection, on a sidewalk or crosswalk, within 7.5 feet of railroad tracks, in a tunnel, or on a bicycle lane or path.
- Oregon laws also prohibit stopping or parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of the entrance to a fire station on the same side of the street (75 feet on the opposite side), and within 50 feet of a flashing signal or stop sign.

References

• Oregon Department of Transportation

Resources

• Oregon Traffic Laws