Oregon Driving Laws 2026: Speed Limits, DUII BAC and Oregon DMV Road Rules for the Permit Test

What are the default speed limits in Oregon when no sign is posted? Oregon sets 20 mph in business districts and school speed zones, 25 mph in residential districts, 15 mph in alleys and narrow residential districts, and 55 mph on roads not otherwise defined unless posted differently. Oregon calls drunk driving DUII, not DUI. DUII: 0.08% for adults; for drivers under 21, Oregon uses an "any amount" of alcohol standard. Oregon high beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and within 350 feet when following another vehicle. Oregon also uses variable speed signs: black-and-white variable speed limits are enforceable, while yellow variable advisory speeds are not speed limits.

1. Oregon Speed Limits: 15 Alleys, 20 Business, 25 Residential, 55 Highways & Variable Speed Signs

What is the speed limit in a residential area in Oregon, and what happens if no sign is posted? Speed limits are set by state law; when no sign is visible, these default limits apply:

Key test point: Oregons basic rule means you can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even if below the posted limit. Black-and-white variable speed limit signs are enforceable; yellow variable advisory speeds are not speed limits. School speed zones and business districts are 20 mph; residential districts are 25 mph; alleys and narrow residential districts are 15 mph. Oregons knowledge test is 35 questions requiring 80% to pass.

School speed zone signs: The 20-mph limit applies when a flashing school-speed light is flashing; from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days when that time-based sign is posted; or any day and time children are present when a WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT sign is used. Work zones: Traffic fines are doubled in all Oregon work zones, and drivers must obey posted work-zone traffic controls and speed limits.

2. Oregon Right-of-Way: Crosswalks, 4-Way Stops & Alley and Driveway Entry Rules

Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop in Oregon, and when must drivers stop for pedestrians? At a four-way stop, the first driver to stop should go first; if in doubt, yield to the driver on your right. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks as required by Oregon law.

4-way stop (all arrive at once)

Driver to the right

4-way stop (one arrives first)

Driver who arrived first

Roundabout / traffic circle

Vehicles already inside the circle

Emergency vehicles (lights/siren)

Emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop

Pedestrians in crosswalk

Stop and remain stopped as required for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks

T-intersection (no signs)

Through road traffic; drivers on the dead-end must yield

Yield sign

Yield to cross traffic and pedestrians as required

Merging onto a highway

Traffic already on the highway

3. Oregon Turn Signal Law: 100 Feet Before Every Turn or Lane Change

Can you turn right on red in Oregon, and how far in advance must you signal a turn? Oregon requires a turn or lane-change signal at least 100 feet before the movement. After stopping and yielding, Oregon also permits certain left turns on red onto a one-way street.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

No right turn on red

When posted, you must wait for a green light before turning right.

Left turn on red

After a full stop and yielding, a left turn on red may be made onto a one-way street from either a one-way or a two-way street unless a sign prohibits it.

Left turn from two-way street

Start from the left lane; end in the left lane of the cross street.

Right turn

Stay as close to the right curb as possible; end in the right lane.

U-turns

Prohibited at signal-controlled intersections unless a sign permits it; between intersections in a city; at railroad crossings; where signs or markings prohibit it; and where visibility is under 500 feet in a city or 1,000 feet outside a city.

4. Oregon Lane Markings: Slower Traffic Keep Right, Solid vs Broken Yellow & Passing Rules

When can you use the center turn lane in Oregon, and what do solid versus broken yellow lines mean for passing? Lane rules determine where you drive and when you can cross a line, all commonly tested on the knowledge exam.

Center turn lane (CTSL)

It is illegal to travel in a two-way left turn lane. Enter it just before making a left turn; do not use it for through travel, passing, or merging.

Solid white line

A solid white line commonly marks the right edge or fog line. Crossing a wide solid white line is permitted but discouraged; do not change lanes across double solid white lines.

Solid yellow line (your side)

No passing. You may cross a solid yellow line to make a permitted left turn.

Broken yellow line

Passing allowed when safe.

Solid + Broken yellow centerline

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side.

5. Passing in Oregon: Be Careful at Dawn and Dusk: Oncoming Cars May Have No Lights On

When is it illegal to pass another vehicle in Oregon, including near an intersection or railroad crossing? Oregon requires enough clear distance and visibility to complete a pass safely, and signs and pavement markings can prohibit passing:

• Only pass on the left, using the oncoming lane, when it is safe and legal.
• Do not pass when approaching or at an intersection or railroad crossing, or where a hill, curve, or other obstruction prevents an adequate view. Obey No Passing Zone signs and no-passing pavement markings.
• The vehicle being passed must not speed up while you are overtaking.
• Do not begin a pass unless you have enough clear distance to complete it and return safely to your lane before meeting oncoming traffic.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, this applies in both directions on undivided roads.
• You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is enough paved roadway without driving in a bicycle lane, or on a roadway with two or more lanes traveling in your direction. Do not exceed the speed limit to pass.
• When passing a bicyclist at speeds over 35 mph, pass only when it is safe and leave enough distance to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls into your lane.

6. Oregon Following Distance: 2- to 4-Second Rule & More Space in Poor Conditions

What is the safe following distance in Oregon, and how does weather change it? Oregon DMV recommends a 2- to 4-second following distance in normal conditions. At speeds over 30 mph, use at least 4 seconds, and increase the gap further for wet or slippery roads, large vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles, poor visibility, and work zones.

7. Oregon School Bus Law: Divided Highways, Move Over & 20-MPH School Speed Zones

Do you have to stop for a school bus on a divided highway in Oregon, and what is the violation for passing one illegally? Oregon distinguishes a true divided highway from a painted median or center turn lane.

School Buses

• When a school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roads.
• On roads with a true median or physical barrier, only traffic behind the bus must stop, oncoming traffic may proceed.
• A center turn lane does not count as a divider. On 4+ lane roads without a raised median or barrier, all directions must stop.
• You must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing.
• Failing to stop for a school bus as required by Oregon law is a Class A traffic violation.
• Railroad crossings: School buses are among the vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings as specified by Oregon law.

Emergency Vehicles

• When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) with lights or siren: pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Do not block intersections.
• Move Over Law (Oregon): When approaching a stopped motor vehicle displaying flashing lights, move into a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle when it is safe. If you cannot move over, slow at least 5 mph below the posted speed and give the stopped vehicle as much room as safely possible.

8. Oregon DUII Laws: "Any Amount" Under-21, 0.08% Adults & Marijuana Explicitly Covered

What is the legal BAC limit in Oregon for drivers under 21, and can you refuse a breathalyzer? Oregon DUII laws cover alcohol, cannabis, inhalants, and other impairing substances, with separate implied-consent consequences for chemical-test failure or refusal.

9. Oregon Seat Belt Law: All Seats, Child Restraint Until Age 8 or 4'9", Rear-Facing Until Age 2

Who gets the ticket if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt in Oregon, the driver or the passenger? Oregon is a primary enforcement state, meaning officers can stop you solely for a seat belt violation.

10. Oregon Parking Rules: 10-Foot Hydrant, Crosswalks, Traffic Signs & Railroad Crossings

How far from a fire hydrant must you park in Oregon, and is it legal to park on a bridge? Know where you cannot park:

• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Within 50 feet of a traffic signal or sign if your vehicle hides the signal or sign from view
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
• On a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, or on a bridge
• In a no-parking zone or alongside a curb painted yellow or red
• Double parking (alongside a vehicle already parked at the curb)
• Headed downhill: turn wheels toward the curb. Headed uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from curb. Uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the shoulder.

11. Driving in Oregon Rain, Coast Fog & Cascades Snow: What Variable Speed Signs Mean

When are headlights legally required in Oregon, and what should you do in rain, fog, snow, or ice? Oregon law uses sunset-to-sunrise and 1,000-foot visibility triggers, while the Driver Manual separately recommends turning headlights on when using windshield wipers.

• Headlights required from sunset to sunrise and when there is insufficient light or atmospheric conditions make people or vehicles not clearly discernible at 1,000 feet. Oregon DMV recommends turning headlights on when windshield wipers are in use.
• In heavy fog, use low beams, high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
• If you start to hydroplane, ease off the gas gently. Do not brake hard or turn sharply.
• In icy conditions, brake gently well in advance. Start slowing earlier than normal. Leave extra following distance.
• If your car goes into a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not overcorrect.
• Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads.
• Chains and traction tires: Obey posted traction-device requirements. Studded tires are generally allowed from November 1 through March 31.

12. Oregon Driver Improvement Program: No Point System, Restrictions & Suspensions

Does Oregon use a driver license point system? No. Oregon DMV uses the Driver Improvement Program, which counts qualifying traffic convictions and preventable accidents within specified periods rather than assigning points.

Habitual offender: Oregon may impose a 5-year revocation for 20 qualifying traffic convictions within five years or for three qualifying serious traffic-offense convictions within five years.

13. Oregon Headlight Law: 1,000-Foot Visibility Trigger, Dim at 500 Oncoming & 350 Following

When must you dim your high beams in Oregon, and how far away does an oncoming car need to be? Oregon law specifies exact distances for dimming: 500 feet for oncoming traffic and 350 feet when following another vehicle.

Key test point: Oncoming = 500 feet. Following = 350 feet. Dim accordingly.

14. Night Driving in Oregon: Coast Fog, Cascade Passes & Driving Within Your Range

What does "overdriving your headlights" mean in Oregon, and why is it dangerous? Driving at night significantly increases crash risk; these rules cover visibility, speed, and wildlife hazards specific to Oregon roads.

15. Oregon Cell Phone Law: Under-18 Ban, 18+ Hands-Free Only, Single-Finger Activation

Is it legal to hold or use your phone while driving in Oregon? Drivers under 18 generally may not use a mobile electronic device while driving. Drivers age 18 and older may use hands-free or built-in functions with minimal touch, but holding or manually using a device while driving is prohibited except for statutory exceptions.

Key test point: A red light, stop sign, or traffic backup does not make handheld device use lawful. Park safely before using a handheld device unless a statutory exception applies.

16. Oregon Railroad Crossings: Stop Line, 15-Foot Minimum & Light Rail

How far from the tracks must you stop at a railroad crossing in Oregon, and what vehicles must always stop even when no train is coming? Railroad crossing rules are tested on the Oregon knowledge exam; know exactly when to stop and how far back.

Key test point: Never drive around or under a lowered crossing gate, it is illegal and extremely dangerous. Wait until gates are fully raised and all tracks are clear.

17. Oregon Roundabouts: Yield on Entry, Lane Selection & Signaling Your Exit

At an Oregon roundabout, entering traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating or exiting. Choose the correct lane before entering by following signs and pavement markings, then stay in your lane through the roundabout.

Key test point: Yield to traffic already inside and signal right when you are ready to exit.