Oregon Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are offenses committed while operating a motor vehicle. In Oregon, most routine road-rule breaches are violations adjudicated in circuit or municipal courts. Severe traffic offenses may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies.

There are legal, financial, and civic implications to convictions for traffic violations in Oregon. Therefore, residents must know the penalties and how to search for records.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Oregon?

In Oregon, traffic offenses are defined under the rules of the road for drivers. Any violation of these rules is considered a traffic violation. It may be in the form of a misdemeanor or a felony.

Types of Traffic Violations in Oregon

Unlike “point-system” states, Oregon relies on a Driver Improvement Program that restricts or suspends drivers after multiple convictions/accidents within a look-back period. It also imposes specific suspensions for certain offenses (especially DUII). Some common types of traffic violations in the state include:

• Speeding: Oregon enforces both the basic speed rule and specific maximums by roadway. Any violation of either is a traffic offense with fines scaled by class.
• Running a red light/stop sign: Drivers must obey traffic-control devices and signals.
• Driving without a license or while suspended: It is a crime to operate a vehicle without proper licensing or while suspended/revoked in the state.
• Driving uninsured: In Oregon, drivers or vehicle owners must carry proof of compliance with financial responsibility while driving.
• Reckless driving: Engaging in reckless driving or endangering persons or property while driving is an offense.
• Hit-and-run: It is a crime for a driver to fail to stop and render aid/information after an injury crash. It is classified as a Class C felony, which may be elevated to a Class B felony if it results in serious physical injury or death.
• Failure to yield/right-of-way. Numerous intersection/pedestrian right-of-way rules are enforced as violations.
• Distracted driving (mobile devices). Using a handheld device while driving on the road is prohibited as it is a misdemeanor.
• DUII.Driving under the influence (alcohol, cannabis, or other intoxicants) is a serious criminal offense.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Oregon

There are consequences for drivers who violate traffic rules in Oregon. It depends on the circumstances of the case, but generally includes:

• Violation fines and court handling. It involved payment of presumptive fines set by statute and local schedules.
• Distracted-driving penalties. It includes fines and court-ordered education
• Driver Improvement Program (no “points”). Oregon’s DMV monitors convictions/accidents and imposes tiered controls without a point ledger:
  • Drivers over 18 years: Drivers with three convictions/chargeable accidents within 24 months may receive a 30-day nighttime restriction (midnight–5 a.m.). Five convictions/chargeable accidents within 24 months may result in a 30-day suspension of their driving license by the DMV.
  • Drivers under 18 who accumulate three convictions may face a DMV-imposed 6-month license suspension, even if they turn 18 during the term. Serious offenses may carry longer terms.
• Serious/criminal traffic.
  • Reckless driving penalties include potential jail, fine, and court-ordered suspension.
  • DUII penalties include a combination of fines, jail time, treatment, use of ignition interlock devices, and administrative suspensions for test failure/refusal. Repeated DUII offenses may lead to long-term revocation of driving privileges.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Oregon

Oregon makes traffic violation records available to its residents, provided they are not confidential or sealed by statute or court order. Individuals may access the records through:

• Court tickets & dockets
  • The Oregon Judicial Branch (OJD) provides a “Find a Case” page that enables individuals to view case details. This page displays calendars and basic case information for circuit and appellate courts. For full docket access and more historical detail, individuals should subscribe to OJCIN Online or use a free public terminal at any courthouse.
• Your DMV driving record (MVR). Individuals may order copies of their driving records online via DMV2U, by mail, or in person. Oregon offers:
  • 3-Year Non-Employment Driving Record (Certified). It costs a non-refundable fee of $1.50.
  • Open-Ended Non-Employment Driving Record (Certified). It is only used by insurers and insurance organizations to offer an insurance discount to an individual.
  • 3-Year Employment Driving Record (Certified). It includes job-related convictions/accidents/CDL entries and costs a non-refundable fee of $2.
  • Certified Court Print. It is the most complete public driver history available for a non-refundable fee of $3.
  • Certified Court Print with CDL Medical Certification Driving Record. It is a certified court document that includes commercial driver license (CDL) medical certification information. It also costs a non-refundable fee of $3.

Court portals may show the citation/case number, statute, scheduled appearances, dispositions, and financial details. Convictions, names, addresses, license types, and accident reports are available on the driving records.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Oregon?

On Oregon DMV records, the retention window depends on the type of record:

• A Certified Court Print includes major traffic convictions for 10 years; minor offenses, accidents, suspensions, cancellations, and revocations for 5 years.

Oregon does not remove court convictions by taking a defensive-driving course. Instead, the Driver Improvement Program uses event counts to impose restrictions/suspensions on a license, which are then cleared once the term ends. The court or DMV may offer education options on a case-by-case basis, but they do not erase entries.