Summary of Oregon (OR) DMV Handbook 2026

To operate a motor vehicle in Oregon, you must possess a valid driving privilege. DMV will test your vision, driving knowledge, and driving skill.

Knowledge Test Rules

• The Class C knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions.
• You must answer 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass.
• You cannot use the manual, electronic devices, or any notes during the test.

Drive Test Requirements

• If you are under 18, you must have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the drive test.
• Your test vehicle must have valid registration, proof of insurance, and be in safe operating condition (e.g., working turn signals, brake lights, horn, and adequate tires).
• Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. No passengers or translators.

Traffic Signal Colors

• Steady Red: Stop and remain stopped. You may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. You may also turn left on red if entering a one-way street in the direction of traffic.
• Flashing Red: Treat this exactly like a stop sign.
• Steady Yellow: Warns the signal is about to turn red. Stop before entering the intersection if you can do so safely.
• Flashing Yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution.
• Flashing Yellow Arrow: You may turn in the direction of the arrow, but you must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Sign Colors & Shapes

The Basic Rule Law

The basic rule states you must drive at a speed that is reasonable and cautious for existing conditions. This applies on all roads at all times, even if the speed limit is higher.

Oregon Maximum Speed Limits

Unless posted otherwise, these limits apply:

Lane Markings

• Solid Yellow Line: Marks the left edge of one-way roads and separates traffic moving in opposite directions. You may not pass.
• Broken Yellow Line: You may pass if it is safe to do so.
• Solid White Line: Marks the right edge of the road, or separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Lane changes are discouraged.

Signaling

• You must signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
• If your vehicle's turn signals are broken, you must use hand signals.

Right of Way at Intersections

• At an intersection with no signs or signals, you must yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
• If you arrive at an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
• When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic going straight.
• At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

Pedestrians and School Zones

• Every intersection is a crosswalk, whether it is marked or unmarked. You must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• Blind Pedestrians: You must yield right of way to any blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog.
• You must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. You do not need to stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Bicycles and Motorcycles

• Bicycles are vehicles and must obey traffic laws. Yield to them just as you would to another motor vehicle.
• Do not drive in a bicycle lane. You may cross a bicycle lane only when it is safe to do so, such as when turning into a driveway.
• Leave plenty of room when following or passing a motorcycle. They can stop much faster than cars.

Trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train traveling at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop.

• When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights, you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.
• Never drive around lowered gates. It is illegal and deadly.
• Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks; your vehicle could stall.
• Light rail trains and streetcars share the road with vehicles. Treat their crossings the same as standard railroad crossings.

Parking on Hills

• Downhill against a curb: Turn your wheels toward the curb.
• Uphill against a curb: Turn your wheels outward, away from the curb.
• No curb (uphill or downhill): Turn your wheels toward the edge of the road so the vehicle will roll off the road, not into traffic.

Illegal Parking Areas

• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 15 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station.
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• Within 50 feet of a traffic signal or sign (if parking would block its view).
• On a sidewalk, in an intersection, or on a crosswalk.

Safety Belts and Mobile Devices

• Oregon law requires all drivers and passengers to wear safety belts.
• It is illegal for any driver to use a mobile electronic device while driving, unless using a hands-free accessory (and even then, only for drivers 18 and older).

Driving Impaired (DUII)

You can be arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) for alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.

• Implied Consent Law: By driving in Oregon, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if arrested for DUII. Refusing the test results in a hefty fine and a longer license suspension.
• Oregon's Open Container law makes it illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage or marijuana container in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.

Emergency Vehicles and Traffic Collisions

• Move Over Law: When passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles with flashing lights, you must safely move over to another lane or slow down significantly.
• If you are in a crash, you must stop immediately. If anyone is injured or if property damage exceeds $2,500, you must file an Accident and Insurance Report with DMV within 72 hours.

Mandatory Insurance

• Oregon law requires every driver to insure their vehicle for bodily injury and property damage.
• You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle and provide it to a police officer upon request or after a collision.