Driving Laws in Oregon

In Oregon, it is illegal to use a cell phone handset, while driving.The girl during driving the automobile image by YURY MARYUNIN from Fotolia.com

Oregon, like any other U.S. state, has many laws governing the operation of most vehicles. And most of Oregon's traffic laws are just like the general rules of the road in other states, such as stopping at red lights and yielding at crosswalks. However, there are a few types of driving laws with slightly different rules or penalties between the various states, including Oregon.

Driver's License

All states require drivers to carry a driver's license of some sort; however, the specific licensing requirements often differ. To get an Oregon driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old. However, 16- and 17-year-olds have a number of additional requirements, including the completion of a traffic safety course and at least six months of experience with an instruction permit. In addition, licensed 16- and 17-year-olds cannot drive with other minors in the car for the first six months of licensure. People, age 18 and older, only need apply for a license. All age groups must pass a knowledge test and supervised drive test, prior to licensure. The regular license to operate a passenger vehicle is called a "Class C" driver's license in Oregon. And various endorsements allow for the operation of other vehicles, such as motorcycles and buses.

All vehicles on the road must have license plates, originally issued by and currently registered with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Registration renewal is typically required every two years, and official stickers that display the expiration date must be on the plates. All Oregon Drivers must also carry the paper proof-of-registration, within the car, while driving. In addition, the driver of any car in Oregon must have proof of valid liability insurance on that car.

Obviously, it is illegal to drive faster than the posted speed limits, which, in Oregon, only get as high as 65 mph. However, certain areas do not have posted speed limits. If there is no posted speed limit in an alley or narrow residential street, drivers must go only 15 mph; business district, 20 mph; public park and regular residential street, 25 mph; and on highways and non-residential country roads, 55 mph.

Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) is illegal in every U.S. state. And, Oregon, like all other states, a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 percent is considered intoxicated. However, in Oregon, drivers under the age of 21 can be convicted of a DUII, with a BAC of any concentration above zero percent. However, unlike most states, Oregon does not have extra consequences for drivers with an extra-concentrated BAC. DUIIs, in Oregon, are Class A misdemeanors, but a fourth offense, within 10 years, is a Class C felony. Diversion programs are typically offered to first-time DUII offenders.

As of 2010, Oregon is one of a handful of states that has completely banned the use of cell phone handsets while driving. Drivers may only use hands-free devices to talk on the phone. However, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use any kind of cell phone. It is illegal for anyone in Oregon to text-message while driving.