Minimum Driving Age
- Provisional Instruction Permit: Available at 15 years old.
- Provisional Driver License: Eligible at 16 years old, after holding a permit for at least 6 months and completing required training.
- Unrestricted License: Available at 18 years old.
Learner’s Permit Rules (Provisional Instruction Permit)
- Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
- Holding Period: Must hold the permit for 6 months before applying for a provisional license.
- Practice Hours:
- 100 hours of supervised driving; or
- 50 hours if completing an approved driver education course.
- 100 hours of supervised driving; or
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for all drivers under 18, including hands-free devices.
License Types
- Provisional Instruction Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Provisional Driver License: Intermediate license with restrictions for drivers under 18.
- Unrestricted License: Available at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Needed to operate a motorcycle.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Oregon, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or other approved documents.
- Proof of Social Security Number: SSN card or approved document.
- Proof of Oregon Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or school transcript.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18.
- School Enrollment Verification: May be required for minors.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants.
- Child Restraints:
- Under age 2: Must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Under 40 pounds: Must be in a child safety seat.
- Ages 4 to 8 and under 4’9″ tall: Must use a booster seat.
- Ages 8 and older or over 4’9″ tall: Must use a seatbelt.
- Under age 2: Must be in a rear-facing car seat.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Drivers Under 18: Prohibited from using any electronic communication devices, including cell phones, even in hands-free mode.
DUII Laws
- Legal BAC Limit:
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and over.
- 0.00% for drivers under 21.
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and over.
- First Offense Penalties:
- License Suspension: 1 year.
- Fine: $1,000–$10,000.
- Jail Time: Minimum 48 hours up to 1 year.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required for 1 year after reinstatement.
- Alcohol or Drug Treatment Program: Mandatory participation.
- License Suspension: 1 year.
Speed Limits
- Alleys and Narrow Residential Roadways: 15 mph.
- Business Districts, School Zones, Some Residential Areas: 20 mph.
- Residential Districts, Public Parks, Ocean Shores: 25 mph.
- Most Open Rural Highways: 55 mph.
- Interstate Highways:
- Passenger Vehicles: Up to 65 mph; some segments up to 70 mph.
- Trucks: Up to 65 mph on specified segments.
- Passenger Vehicles: Up to 65 mph; some segments up to 70 mph.
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
- Classification: Class A misdemeanor.
- License Suspension: Minimum 90 days.
- Fines: Up to $6,250.
- Jail Time: Up to 1 year.
- Classification: Class A misdemeanor.
Points System
- Oregon does not use a point system.
- License Suspension: Based on habitual offenses, such as multiple traffic violations or serious infractions like DUII.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Required minimums:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $20,000 per accident.
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum of $15,000 per person.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 50: Every 8 years.
- 50 and over: Every 8 years, with possible vision screening.
- Under 50: Every 8 years.
- Vision Test: May be required at renewal, especially for older drivers.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
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