Oregon's Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties

Most Oregon drivers will, at some point, receive a speeding ticket. This article explains how Oregon law defines speeding and the consequences of a speeding violation.

How Do Oregon's Laws Define Speeding?

Oregon has two types of speeding laws: a “basic speeding law” and “absolute limits.”

Oregon's Basic Speeding Law

Oregon’s basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed that is “greater than is reasonable and prudent” given the current road, traffic, and weather conditions. In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it’s dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 811.100.)

Oregon's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Oregon’s absolute speed limits work: If the fixed speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you’ve violated the law. Unless otherwise posted, Oregon’s absolute speed limits are:

• 15 miles per hour in alleys and narrow residential roads
• 20 miles per hour in school zones
• 25 miles per hour in business districts
• 25 miles per hour in public parks
• 25 miles per hour in residential areas that are not arterial highways
• 55 miles per hour on most state highways, and
• 65 miles per hour on most interstate highways.

(Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 811.111.)

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Oregon

Speeding violation consequences depend on the circumstances. But generally, the penalties—which typically depend on the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit—are as follows:

• 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit. Class D traffic violation and a presumptive fine of $115 ($225 if in a school or construction zone).
• 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit. Class C traffic violation and a presumptive fine of $165 ($325 if in a school or construction zone).
• 21 to 30 miles per hour over the limit. Class B traffic violation and a presumptive fine of $265 ($525 if in a school or construction zone).
• Over 30 miles per hour in excess of the limit. Class A traffic violation and a presumptive fine of $440 ($875 if in a school or construction zone). License suspension of up to 30 days is also possible if the motorist has at least one prior speeding violation within the past year.
• 100 miles per hour or more in excess of the limit. Specific traffic violation, a presumptive fine of $1,150, and mandatory license suspension of 30 to 90 days.

Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in Oregon

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation can lead to a “reckless driving” conviction. A standard first offense is a class A misdemeanor and carries up to a year in jail and a maximum $6,250 in fines. And with speeding violations that result in the death of another person, vehicular homicide charges are a possibility.