Oregon Collision Repair, Important Facts for 2016
November 20th, 2015 by Eli P
Oregon is a large state, with plenty of open roads and a lot of drivers crisscrossing them. In fact, there are currently more than three million licensed drivers in Oregon, and more than four million registered vehicles. To service these customers, each year the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Issues nearly 200,000 new drivers’ licenses
- Renews more than 350,000 existing licenses
- Files nearly 100,000 accident reports
- Suspends driving privileges nearly 450,000 times (some drivers receive multiple suspensions)
- Enters more than 400,000 driver convictions to driving records
With so many vehicles on the road, accidents are bound to happen. To drive safely and avoid collisions, it helps to know the rules of the road for the state of Oregon. One of the best sources for this information is the Oregon Driver Manual, which contains information about road signs, traffic laws, and safety equipment, as well as a complete listing of Oregon rules of the road. Here are some important laws you need to know about.
Driving Under the Influence
In the state of Oregon, you are considered guilty of a DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants) if you get caught driving while your abilities are impaired by alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, or other controlled substances.
If you get arrested for a DUII, the state of Oregon’s Implied Consent Laws require you to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your level of intoxication. If either test shows a blood alcohol content over the legal limit, your driving privileges will be suspended. If you refuse the test, your driving privileges may be suspended for a longer period of time.
A conviction for DUII in the state of Oregon can lead to loss of your license, fines, and even jail time.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is defined as “operating a vehicle while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving.” This can include everything from talking or texting on a cell phone to eating, applying cosmetics, changing the radio station, looking for something in a purse or briefcase, or interacting with passengers. Of these, texting is by far the most dangerous, and should never be done while behind the wheel. The state of Oregon considers operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device to be a Class C traffic violation, subject to a maximum fine of $500.
Weird Laws in Oregon
Like many states, Oregon also has some strange laws on the books that defy explanation. For example, you can be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary. You can also receive a Class A traffic violation for using your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance. For an interesting look at some unusual laws in other states, visit dmv.org.
Driving safely while avoiding intoxicated or distracted driving will prevent many accidents. If you do happen to get involved in a collision, bring your vehicle to the professionals at Fix Auto. We’ll fix it promptly and right the first time at one of our many conveniently located Oregon locations.
