Oregon driving guide

Discover the driving rules and regulations that’ll help you navigate the state of Oregon. From legal driving requirements to speed limits and toll road information, our guide can help you learn all about driving in Oregon, before you embark on your journey through the Beaver State.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Oregon and other states
• Driving conditions 

Quick rules of the road

Drivers should always yield to the other driver’s right of way when:

• Moving into roadways
• Merging into lanes
• Obstructing cross traffic
• Moving into an uncontrolled general intersection, T intersection or traffic circle.

A driver in Oregon may perform a right turn on a red if they have come to a full stop and made sure the coast is clear.

It is illegal for drivers under 18 years of age to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle. Drivers over the age of 18 must use a hands-free accessory to operate a cell phone or other mobile electronic device. The hands-free accessory should require minimal action and visual attention to ensure focus remains on the road.

Speed limits in Oregon

Speed limits in Oregon are defined by vehicle type to regulate legal driving speeds for motorists across the state. Driving over the limit can lead to a citation, fine, license suspension or even arrest.

Toll roads in Oregon

Oregon Legislature passed the ‘Keep Oregon Moving’ bill to improve congestion and transportation in the state. As per the system, there are no toll roads across Oregon – however, there are two toll bridges in the state.

Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Toll Bridge

The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge is a one-mile vertical lift bridge that crosses the Columbia River, connecting Oregon to Washington.

From: SR 14, White Salmon, Washington

To: I-84 in Hood River, Oregon

Cost for car: $2.00 cash or $1.00 with BreezeBy

Cost for truck: $6.00 cash or $4.00 with BreezeBy

How to pay: You can pay using cash and the BreezeBy E-card or pay later (within seven days) via the Port of Hood River portal.

Bridge of the Gods Toll

Named after the natural dam bridge created by the Bonneville Slide, the modern Bridge of the Gods is a 0.4-mile toll bridge located near Cascade Locks in Oregon. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an operating speed limit of 15mph.

From: SR 14, Fort Rain, Washington

To: Wa-Na-Pa Street, I-84 in Cascade Locks, Oregon.

Cost for car: $3.00 cash or $1.25 with BreezeBy

Cost for truck: $7.00 cash or $6.25 with BreezeBy

How to pay: You can pay via cash, BreezeBy E-card or credit card – though an additional fee applies when paying via credit card).

Driving ages and license requirements in Oregon

• The minimum driving age in Oregon depends on the type of permit. An instructional permit can be obtained at age 15, which allows driving with an adult. At age 16, teens can obtain a provisional driver’s license.
• At 18, drivers may apply for a standard class C license, making this the minimum legal driving age in an independent setting.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Oregon with Hertz is 20.

If you’re under the age of 25 and want to rent a vehicle with Hertz, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles including SUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans – though some special collections are excluded. For more information about the rules and regulations, you can check out our guide for renters under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Oregon

While driving in Oregon, it’s a good idea to carry items that assist with vehicle travel, especially in the cold winters:

• Extra tires
• Booster cables
• Blankets or tarpaulin sheets
• Multi-purpose utility tool or snow shovel
• Lighter
• Car tool kit
• Long lasting snacks
• Ice breaker pick/hammer
• First aid kit
• Bottled water.

Please check your rental agreement for a list of items that may be prohibited for you to carry when renting a car in Oregon. 

Oregon speed violations, infractions and penalties

The state of Oregon prohibits driving at a speed that is considered more than what one would normally drive at in the given traffic conditions. However, absolute speed limits can vary and change according to where you are driving.

Similarly, fines depend on the severity of the speed a driver is traveling above the limit. These are the fines you can get if caught speeding:

• Up to 10mph over the limit: $115 fine
• 11-20mph over the limit: $165 fine
• 21-30mph over the limit $265 fine
• 30mph or more over the limit: $440 fine and a possible license suspension of up to 30 days.
• 100mph or more over the limit: $1,150 fine and a 90-day license suspension.

If you are caught speeding in a school or construction zone, these fines may be doubled.

Driving with children in Oregon

As per Oregon law, all children must be in proper safety restraints, such as car seats, while traveling in a vehicle. This should meet the child’s weight and age as per regulation.

• Rear-facing car seats should be used until age two.
• Children who are age two and up, with a weight of 40lbs or more, should be placed in a forward-facing car seat.
• Children aged four to eight years should use a booster seat.
• Once they are over eight years old, children may be put in seatbelts like adults, although in some cases a booster seat may be required up to age 12, as children grow at varying speeds.

Gas prices in Oregon

The average gas price in Oregon is $5.23 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• A small car like a Ford Focus would cost around $0.13 per mile.
• A midsize family car like a Nissan Pathfinder works out at about $0.19 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 25, 2022. 

Electric car charging in Oregon

With hundreds of charging stations across the state and the ‘Go Electric Oregon’ program in full swing, traveling in an electric vehicle is easy and convenient in Oregon.

As part of the West Coast Electric Highway program, the state is well connected with EV points located every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5, Route 99 and other major roadways.

Driving between Oregon and other states

With Hertz rental, you can freely cross state lines and choose to drop off and pick up your rental car at different Hertz locations around the US. You can start or end your journey in Oregon from many neighboring states including Washington, Nevada, Idaho and California.

Bear in mind, you may be subject to separate driving rules on crossing state lines. If traveling into Canada, please consult a Hertz team member for guidelines and restrictions.

Driving conditions in Oregon

Weather conditions in Oregon can vary a lot throughout the year. Summers in the state are warm and wet, while winters can be freezing, snowy and windy. Temperatures vary from a range of 14°F to 82°C and are rarely below -7.6°C or above 89°C.

Although roads can be a tad slippery, generally all-purpose tires are a decent fit for most Oregon roads and areas.