Portland driving guide

Driving in Portland, Oregon can be slightly challenging for newcomers due to its unique driving rules. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's important to understand the driving laws in Portland to ensure a safe and stress-free driving experience.

From right turns on red lights to bicycle lanes, there are many rules that are specific to Portland that you'll need to know. In this blog post, we'll go over the essential driving rules in Portland, so you can confidently navigate the city's roads and make the most of your time here.

At-a-glance info:

In this guide: 

• Driving rules in Portland
• Speed limits in Portland
• Toll roads in and around Portland
• Portland’s driving license requirements
• Parking in Portland
• Electric car charging in Portland
• Quick driving tips for Portland
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Portland

Portland has some unique driving rules that drivers should be aware of to ensure a safe and stress-free driving experience. One of the most important rules to understand is the right of way. In general, drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists at all times, even if they don't have a marked crosswalk.

It's also important to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, and to always use your headlights from sunset to sunrise. It’s a given during inclement weather and when visibility is limited. But in Portland, it’s a matter of law.

Finally, it's illegal to use a cell phone while driving, unless it's a hands-free device. So, if you’re from one of the 25 states that have not yet officially outlawed cellphone use for drivers, this is one to be especially wary of. Drivers using cell phones while driving is a major cause of fatal crashes in the USA, with cell phone distractions causing 8% of fatal crashes in 2018.

Speed limits in Portland

The speed limits in Portland will depend on where in the city you’re driving, and what kind of street you’re on. So, before you hit the road, make note of these legal Portland speed limits.

Toll roads in and around Portland

There are currently no toll roads within the limits or in the surrounding areas of Portland, Oregon.

However, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is planning to implement tolling on Interstates 5 and 205 in the Portland metropolitan area beginning in 2024. The tolling will be implemented in phases, with the first phase focusing on the most congested areas of the freeways. The tolls will be used to fund transportation projects in the region, including congestion relief, safety improvements and transit expansion.

So, if you’re driving in the area in the future, keep an eye out for future developments around Portland toll roads.

Portland’s driving license requirements

It’s illegal to drive without a valid driving license in Portland. To obtain a driver's license in the city, drivers must be at least 16 years old and must have proof of legal presence/identity and date of birth. They must also turn in any driver's license, permit or ID card from Oregon or another state or country if they have one. 

Parking in Portland

Finding a parking spot in Portland isn’t always easy. Especially in popular tourist areas or during peak hours. However, there’s over 20,000 on-street parking stalls and five SmartPark garages available to the public, with rates ranging from $1 to $4 per hour, so, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. At most parking lots, payment can be made through credit card, coin or mobile app. 

Central Business District

A good place to park in Portland is the Downtown District, which includes the Central Business District, South Waterfront and the Pearl District.

Location: 730 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Cost (per hour or per day): $2.00 per hour between 8am to 7pm., Monday to Saturday.

How to pay: Pay by credit card, coin or mobile app.

SmartPark 1616 NW Northrup Street

If you’re in Northwest Portland, a good place to park is the SmartPark garage located on Northrup Street. This garage is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Pearl District, Powell's City of Books and the Brewery Blocks. It's secure, well-lit and offers plenty of parking spaces. It's also near several restaurants and shops, making it a great option for those looking to explore the area.

Location: 1616 NW Northrup Street, Portland, OR 97209

Cost (per hour or per day): The cost of parking at this garage is $4 per hour, with a daily maximum of $15. However, if you park for four hours or less, you can take advantage of the early bird special at $8.

How to pay: Pay by credit card or cash at the pay station, or through the mobile app.

Fox Tower Parking Garage

One of the best parking options in Southeast Portland is the Fox Tower Parking Garage. It’s conveniently located near several popular attractions, including the Fox Tower Cinema and the Portland Art Museum.

Location: 805 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Cost (per hour or per day): $3 to $12 per hour, with a daily maximum of $28. There are also discounts, including an early bird special of $10 for parking before 9am on weekdays.

How to pay: Pay using credit card or cash.

SmartPark 33 NW Davis St

In Northwest Portland, try the SmartPark garage. This garage is conveniently located near many restaurants, shops and attractions in the Pearl District and is just a short walk from downtown.

Location: 33 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209

Cost (per hour or per day): $1.80 for one hour to $7.40 for four hours, full-day parking for $18.00.

How to pay: Pay with cash, credit card or the Parkmobile app, which allows for easy payment and renewal of parking sessions.

Street parking in Portland

Street parking can be found in most Portland neighborhoods. However, it is typically enforced from 8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays in some areas. Parking is free on certain holidays at all meters (except at city parks).

Drivers in Portland should also be aware of prohibited areas and time limits on parking, which vary depending on the district.

Portland parking app

The city-owned Kitty Parking is a mobile parking app that allows you to pay for parking in Portland, Oregon. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. To use the app, drivers need to create an account, enter their license plate number and select the parking zone they want to park in.

You can then pay for parking using a credit or debit card, and the app will send you a notification when your parking is about to expire so you can easily add more time. Kitty Parking is a convenient and easy way to pay for parking in Portland.

Electric car charging in Portland

It’s relatively easy to charge an electric car in Portland since the city has nearly 1,600 public charging stations from seven charging networks. The three main types of chargers being CHAdeMO, SAE Combo/CSS, and Supercharger.

To make it even easier, drivers of EVs can join a network like the West Coast Electric Highway, which has fast-charging stations located every 25-50 miles along major roadways in the Pacific Northwest.

Renters can also charge their electric cars at public charging stations, but they may need to pay for parking in addition to the charging fee. The Chargeway app also shows users how to find chargers and trip routes that work for their specific vehicle. 

Quick driving tips for Portland

To navigate through Portland's traffic, these tips and tricks can help you get where you’re going easier.

1. Rush hour in Portland is typically between 7am and 9am, and 4pm and 6pm.
2. In Portland, drivers are allowed to turn left at a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street, as long as there is no sign prohibiting the turn. This is not allowed in other parts of Oregon.
3. In downtown Portland, the speed limit is 20mph, which is lower than the speed limit in other parts of the city and the state.
4. Bicycles are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signs in Portland. That means they can proceed through an intersection after slowing down and checking for traffic, rather than coming to a full stop like cars.
5. Portland has nearly 1,600 public charging stations available from seven charging networks, and joining a network can make charging on the go easier.
6. To save time and avoid traffic, you can use the TripCheck website, Facebook and Twitter to check real-time traffic conditions, including congestion data, travel times and custom camera views.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of day to drive in Portland?

The best time to drive in Portland is during the off-peak hours, which are typically from 10am to 2pm and 7pm to 9pm. 

Is it difficult driving in Portland?

Driving in Portland can have its challenges, particularly with ongoing construction projects. However, the city has a few unique driving rules that can make navigation easier, such as allowing left turns at red lights from one-way streets onto other one-way streets, and bicycles treating stop signs as yield signs.

When is rush hour in Portland?

Rush hour in Portland is typically between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 6pm. During these times, traffic is heavier than usual, so it can take longer to get around. If you can, try to avoid driving during rush hour. If you do have to drive, be prepared for delays and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

How much is a speeding ticket in Portland?

In Portland, the cost of a speeding ticket varies depending on the location and the speed at which the driver was traveling. However, the general fine for a speeding violation in Portland is $115. This increases to $225 if the speeding violation was in a school or construction zone. 

If the driver is caught traveling over 30 mph, it is considered a Class A traffic violation and a presumptive fine of $440 is imposed. In some cases, a Class A traffic violation may be punishable by a 30-day license suspension.

Now you’re prepared for driving in Portland, why not find your perfect car with Hertz?

Get ready for your trip to Portland

Find out more about the city of Portland and discover the best places to visit, eat and stay with the rest of our helpful city guides:

• Best hotels in Portland
• Best things to do in Portland
• Portland’s neighborhoods