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Oregon Driving Records

In Oregon, driving records provide a detailed view of an individual's driving history. The document includes information on a driver’s license status, traffic violations, accidents, and any suspensions or revocations. 

The Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) under the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is in charge of managing these records, maintaining their accuracy, and providing access to authorized users. In addition to personal tracking, employers and insurance companies frequently use these records to assess job suitability and insurance risk. 

Under Oregon’s Public Records Law, driving records are generally available to the public. However, certain sensitive information is protected. 

Types of Driving Records Available in Oregon

In Oregon, there are five main types of driving records available:

Certified Court Print Driving Record

This record includes comprehensive information on traffic violations, accidents, and administrative entries for at least the past five years. It covers serious offenses that remain permanently on record. It also includes commercial driver's license (CDL) entries and may have some out-of-state entries.

3-Year Non-Employment Driving Record

This driving record provides details on accidents, convictions, and administrative actions over the past three years. It excludes employment-related incidents and may contain some CDL and out-of-state entries.

Non-Employment Open-Ended Driving Record

This record is accessible exclusively to insurers, insurance support organizations, and the individuals it concerns, primarily to facilitate insurance discounts. The information in the document is not restricted to the last three years preceding the request.

3-Year Employment Driving Record

This record focuses on employment-related traffic incidents and violations from the past three years. It includes accidents and convictions occurring while the driver was on the job and may also feature some CDL and out-of-state entries.

Certified Court Print With CDL Medical Certification Driving Record

This specialized record includes all the details of an official court print plus medical information in relation to CDL.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Records

Each type of driving record comes in two versions: certified and non-certified.

Certified records contain personal information, including the driver's license number, name, address, and phone number. 

Per Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 802.175-191, certified records are only provided to attorneys, authorized businesses, insurance companies, law enforcement, government agencies, and other similar entities. These organizations must verify their eligibility to access and use personal information.

The non-certified version omits personal details. This sanitized version is used when the requestor does not meet privacy requirements or lacks proper authorization.

Costs

Fees for obtaining driving records vary depending on the type of record. Here are the current fees as of this writing:

  • Certified Court Print: $3
  • 3-Year Non-Employment Driving Record: $1.50
  • Non-Employment Driving Record: $1.50
  • 3-Year Employment Driving Record: $2
  • Certified Court Print with CDL Medical Certification: $3

The DMV still charges $1.50 even if the requested record cannot be found.

Fees are subject to change. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the payment schedule for driving record requests to obtain the most current information.

How To Request an Oregon Driving History Report?

Oregon drivers have two options for requesting their personal driving record from the state DMV:

Online Process

To request a driving history report online, individuals should follow these steps:

  1. Visit the DMV website and head to its online service center, DMV2U.
  2. Log in using a User ID or create a new account if one is not already established.
  3. Enter the driver’s license or ID number and any other necessary details.
  4. Provide credit or debit card details to cover the associated fees. 

Mail-In Request

For a mail-in request, individuals need to:

  1. Procure a copy of the form “Order Your Own Record” or “Request for Information”.
  2. Provide the driver’s license or ID number, full name, and address on the form.
  3. Attach a check or money order for the fee made payable to the Oregon DMV.
  4. Mail the request to:

DMV Record Services
1905 Lana Ave. NE,
Salem OR 97314

Records will be sent to the address listed in the DMV's system. To have records mailed to an alternative address, the request must include adequate information for identity verification, such as date of birth, place of birth, the address on record, and the mother’s maiden name.

Uses of Oregon Driving Records

Driving records in Oregon are subject to specific uses and restrictions. The following are allowable uses according to state law:

  • Evaluation for insurance companies to assess risk and determine premiums
  • Background check for employers involved in delivery or transportation
  • Use for legal and administrative purposes by law enforcement and government agencies
  • Personal records for drivers to monitor their status

Unauthorized access to driving records is strictly prohibited. Individuals who access someone else's driving record without permission may face legal penalties. Using driving records to make discriminatory decisions—such as those related to housing or employment that are not connected to driving responsibilities—is also forbidden.

Understanding Oregon Driving Laws

Oregon has several important laws and regulations that all drivers must be aware of and follow:

Speed Limits

In Oregon, speed limits are categorized into two main types: statutory and designated.

Statutory speed limits are set by state law and apply to specific types of areas:

  • 15 miles per hour (mph) in alleys
  • 20 mph in business districts and school zones
  • 25 mph in residential neighborhoods
  • 65 mph on most sections of interstate highways

Designated speed limits are different from statutory limits and are determined through engineering studies based on national standards. ORS 734-020-0015 and ORS 734-020-014 cover the setting of speed limits on public-paved roads that are not low-volume.

Drivers must always follow the posted speed limits. Furthermore, all driving in Oregon is subject to the "basic speed rule" under ORS 811.100. This rule requires drivers to go at a speed that is reasonable and prudent, taking into account:

  • Traffic conditions
  • Road and weather conditions
  • Hazards at intersections
  • Any other factors affecting safety and speed

Seat Belt Requirements

All drivers and passengers must use seat belts in every vehicle seating position. The seat belt requirement also applies to children. They must be secured in approved child safety seats until they are eight years old or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, with the adult seat belt fitting correctly. 

Infants must remain in rear-facing seats until they are two years old. For children who exceed 40 pounds or outgrow their forward-facing car seat, a child seat with a harness or a booster seat must be used until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall or eight years old.

Oregon law also requires that all vehicle operators and passengers be properly restrained with seat belts or safety harnesses unless all seating positions with safety belts are occupied. Motor homes, classified as passenger vehicles, must adhere to the same regulations.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

In Oregon, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older. For drivers under 21, the BAC limit is zero. 

A DUI conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Refusing to take a chemical test to measure BAC results automatically suspends the driver’s license, regardless of criminal charges. If a BAC test shows a level above the legal limit, the driver will also face an administrative suspension, which could be as long as three years.

DUI penalties increase with repeat offenses.

Distracted Driving

Oregon’s updated distracted driving law, often called the cell phone law, makes it illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device in the state.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. Drivers aged 18 and older can use hands-free or built-in devices. It's legal to use a device when the vehicle is safely parked but not when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. Drivers can also use their devices to seek medical help.

Right-of-Way Law

In Oregon, drivers are sometimes required to yield the right-of-way. They must allow another driver to proceed before them in certain situations.

Oregon law does not grant anyone an absolute right of way. Instead, it specifies particular scenarios where drivers must yield. It is each driver's responsibility to ensure road safety and avoid accidents.

Failing to yield as required can result in a traffic ticket. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, as well as when merging, turning left, or entering a roadway.

License Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals

New residents must secure an Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of relocating to the state. The application requires passing a vision test, written exam, and driving test. Drivers must also provide proof of identity and residency.

Foreign visitors can drive in Oregon with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). However, foreigners who become residents of the state are required to obtain a driver’s license within 30 days and pass any applicable tests.

The Points System in Oregon

The Oregon DMV does not use a point system for tracking driving violations. Instead, it monitors the number of tickets and incidents a driver accumulates. 

Accumulating multiple tickets or preventable accidents may lead to license restrictions or suspensions. For instance, if a driver accumulates three convictions, accidents, or a combination of both within 18 months, their license might face restrictions. Accumulating four convictions, accidents, or a combination of both may result in a license suspension.

A traffic ticket, known as a Uniform Citation, is issued by law enforcement in Oregon for traffic violations. It documents the officer's observations and may include the following sections:

  • The defendant’s basic information and license details
  • The time, date, and location of the alleged violation
  • Details about the vehicle involved in the incident
  • A list of violations, relevant statutes or ordinances, and possible fines
  • The officer’s signature, name, agency, and ID number
  • The time, date, and location of the court where the case will be heard, if necessary 

Steps To Take after Receiving a Traffic Ticket

When someone receives a traffic ticket, their next steps would depend on whether they’re charged with a crime or a violation. 

For a violation, they can either go to court to enter a "No Contest" plea or submit it in writing. If they choose to appear in person, they may be able to get a reduced fine based on their record. Otherwise, they will pay the full fine. 

If they plead "Not Guilty," they need to show up in court on the scheduled date to request a trial. If found "Not Guilty," the charges may be dismissed, but court fees may still apply.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Oregon

Driving-related offenses are categorized as either criminal or civil violations with differing legal consequences.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in Oregon are generally more serious violations that can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. These include:

  • DUI, which can lead to fines and license suspension
  • Reckless driving, classified as a Class A misdemeanor
  • Vehicular assault, defined as causing injury or death through negligent or reckless driving that can lead to jail time 
  • Leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving violations in Oregon are considered traffic infractions, which are non-criminal offenses. Examples include:

  • Speeding
  • Improper lane changes
  • Failure to yield
  • Broken taillights and equipment violations

Civil infractions generally do not result in jail time, but they are documented on the driver's record. Repeat offenders may face license suspension.

Oregon Driving Statistics and Goals

Here are key driving statistics in the state: 

  • Traffic fatalities rose by 88% from 2013 to 2023, with the fatality rate increasing by 70%.
  • Between 2018 and 2022, there were 33 fatalities in the state’s highway work zones.
  • The rate of drivers with previous at-fault accidents in Oregon is 11% higher than the national average of 13.93%.
  • Speeding is a factor in 28.8% of traffic deaths.
  • Teens aged 15 to 20 are responsible for 91% of car crashes in Oregon.

To enhance highway safety, Oregon implemented an intervention strategy that includes releasing performance plans and annual reports. These documents detail expenditures and evaluate performance against yearly benchmarks. The state's goal is to eradicate all fatalities and life-changing injuries from Oregon's transportation system by 2035.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Individuals can request their own driving records. Others may obtain it with the driver’s consent or for specific purposes such as employment or insurance. The DMV can also provide a sanitized version of the record if requested without authorization.

What Should an Individual Do if They Find an Error in Their Driving Record?

If an individual finds an error, they should contact the Oregon DMV to request a correction and provide any necessary documentation to resolve the issue.

Does Oregon Have an Expungement Law for Traffic Violations?

Oregon does not have a specific expungement law for traffic violations. However, under certain conditions, some offenses may be eligible for a set-aside or reduction.

Here are some useful links for Oregon drivers and accessing driving records:

Counties in Oregon

List of Content

  1. Types of Driving Records Available in Oregon
    1. Certified Court Print Driving Record
    2. 3-Year Non-Employment Driving Record
    3. Non-Employment Open-Ended Driving Record
    4. 3-Year Employment Driving Record
    5. Certified Court Print With CDL Medical Certification Driving Record
    6. Certified vs. Non-Certified Records
    7. Costs
  2. How To Request an Oregon Driving History Report?
    1. Online Process
    2. Mail-In Request
  3. Uses of Oregon Driving Records
    1. Understanding Oregon Driving Laws
      1. Speed Limits
      2. Seat Belt Requirements
      3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
      4. Distracted Driving
      5. Right-of-Way Law
      6. License Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals
    2. The Points System in Oregon
      1. Steps To Take after Receiving a Traffic Ticket
    3. Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Oregon
      1. Criminal Driving Offenses
      2. Civil Driving Offenses
    4. Oregon Driving Statistics and Goals
      1. Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Driving Records
        1. Who Can Request a Driving Record?
        2. What Should an Individual Do if They Find an Error in Their Driving Record?
        3. Does Oregon Have an Expungement Law for Traffic Violations?
      2. Helpful Links and Resources