Oregon Traffic Fines and Violations Guide
Whether you’re commuting to downtown Portland or making your way up the Oregon coast, the last thing you want is to see the flash of red and blue lights. Oregon is known for having some of the most severe traffic violation fines in the country. If you’ve been pulled over while driving, you’re probably wondering about Oregon’s traffic fines and violations.
What Is an ORS Class A Violation Fine?
In the state of Oregon, if you’ve been pulled over for speeding, you may be given a citation or speeding ticket. Exceeding the speed limit is considered a violation, rather than a crime. When you violate certain laws and statutes, you have to pay a fine. An ORS (Oregon Revised Statutes) Class A Violation is the most severe penalty and will come with the highest fine.
According to ORS 811.109, a Class A traffic violation is given if you’re going more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit. The fine for an ORS Class A traffic violation is between $225 to $2000. If you appear in court, the judge will determine the fine. The presumptive fine, or fine you pay when you aren’t required to appear in court, is $440.
How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Oregon?
The fine you pay when given a speeding ticket will depend on the class of traffic violation. The specific fines for each class of violation change regularly. You can find the most recent schedule of fines on the Oregon Judicial Department website. Here are the most current fines for traffic violations in Oregon:
Class A Traffic Violation in Oregon: If you’re going more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’ll pay a presumptive fine of $440.
Class B Traffic Violation in Oregon: If you’re going between 21 and 30 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’ll pay a presumptive fine of $265.
Class C Traffic Violation in Oregon: If you’re going between 11 and 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’ll pay a presumptive fine of $165.
Class D Traffic Violation in Oregon: If you’re going between 1 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’ll pay a presumptive fine of $115.
In Oregon, some areas are designated as special zones. These include school zones, work zones, and safety corridors. If you are cited for speeding in one of these special zones, you’ll pay the following presumptive fines:
Class A Violation: $875
Class B Violation: $525
Class C Violation: $325
Class D Violation: $225
Minimum Fine for Speeding in Oregon
If you’ve been cited for speeding in Oregon, the fine you’ll have to pay will depend on the class of violation. The minimum fine is the least amount you have to pay to resolve your ticket. Unless you opt to pay the presumptive fine, a judge will rule on the amount of your fine. The minimum fines for speeding in Oregon are:
Class A Violation: $440
Class B Violation: $265
Class C Violation: $165
Class D Violation: $115
Other Considerations for Oregon Traffic Violations
In addition to all the above statutes, Oregon has some rules for special circumstances. For example, if you’re going 100 miles per hour or more, regardless of the speed limit, the presumptive fine is $1150. Another special consideration occurs when the speed limit is 65 miles per hour or higher. In these circumstances, the class violations are as follows:
A Class C Violation is between 1 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
A Class B Violation is between 11 and 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.
A Class A Violation is anything more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.
Oregon Traffic Violation Attorney Conclusion
In most cases, it’s not worth the cost of fighting a speeding ticket in Oregon. Between the cost of a traffic violation lawyer and the time it takes to go to court, it’s easier just to pay the presumptive fine. However, some traffic violations come with the risk of a suspended license or raised insurance rates. And some traffic violations might actually be justified due to special circumstances. If you have an Oregon speeding ticket you’d like to fight, call Powell Law today. I’ll work to give you the best possible outcome.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
