Oregon drivers have two options for dealing with a speeding ticket: plead guilty and pay the fine or fight the charge in court.
Every state has different penalties for speeding. You can expect to pay a fine if caught, and with excessive tickets, you may lose your license, as well. To avoid these consequences, drivers can plead not guilty. The success rate and price of contesting a speeding ticket in court will vary based on situation and location.
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What happens if you get a speeding ticket in Oregon?
If you’re pulled over for speeding, you’ll be asked to present two items: your driver's license and vehicle registration. This will allow the officer to check your record and issue you the correct citation.
The ticket should include the speed you were going, the county in which you were stopped, and—for severe violations—a court date. You’ll need to sign this document. But you can still plead not guilty at a later time.
Though unlikely, an officer can let you off with a warning if you’ve never had a speeding ticket before. (Yet another way it pays to keep a clean record.)
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Oregon?
The cost of a speeding ticket is situational, fluctuating based on how fast you were going and where you were stopped. Typically, penalties for speeding violations are as follows:
1 to 10 mph over the limit: $115 or $225 in special zone (Class D violation)
11 to 20 mph over the limit: $165 or $325 in special zone (Class C violation)
21 to 30 mph over the limit: $265 or $525 in special zone (Class B violation)
Over 30 mph past the limit: $440 or $875 in special zone (Class A violation)
100 mph or more over the limit: $1,150 and immediate 90-day license suspension
Special zones are those which surround schools or active construction areas. These zones will usually post signs alerting drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. On top of increased fines for violations in special zones, additional fees can be added to tickets, too.
Those found speeding over 30 miles per hour with at least one speeding violation in the past year will be given a 30-day license suspension—on top of additional fines.
As a commercial driver, you must alert your employer of a ticket within 30 days or risk a heavier punishment, such as license revocation.
Options for dealing with a speeding ticket in Oregon
Drivers can either plead no contest, pay the fine, and accept the consequences. Or, they can choose to fight their speeding ticket in court. By pleading no contest, you accept responsibility for the ticket—and for the moving violation added to your driving record.
Unlike most states, Oregon records moving violations instead of points and punishes drivers accordingly. For example, you’ll have your license suspended after acquiring five violations in two years.
Fighting a ticket in court allows drivers to prevent a violation from going on their record. But whatever you choose to do, you should act before the notice is due to avoid harsher penalties and fines.
How to pay a speeding ticket in Oregon
Oregon provides plenty of ways to pay fines quickly and comfortably. You can pay:
In-person at your local district court
Note that steps will differ based on the county, so check with local officials to verify the appropriate course of action. For example, the online payment method doesn't work with many local courts.
Depending on the severity of your ticket, you may be asked to settle the case in court. If so, you will not have the option to accept the penalties and pay the fine up front.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Oregon
The first step of fighting a speeding ticket in Oregon is to plead not guilty. Like paying the fine, you have a few options for doing so.
You can always plead not guilty in person by visiting the court on the assigned date, but depending on your county, you also have the following options:
Plead not guilty by phone
After entering your plea, you’ll be given a date of appearance. Here is where you—or your lawyer—will be able to fight the charges.
Plead not guilty in court
When given a hearing date or trial before a judge, you can fight your case before the court. You may present evidence, witnesses, and personal testimony—or leave the case up to an experienced attorney. There is a good chance the charges will be dropped if you make a convincing argument.
A case can also be dismissed if the ticketing officer does not appear. This can result from scheduling conflicts, as court dates usually take place months after the original notice.
Traffic school
In many cases, lighter sentences will be given to those who enroll in and complete traffic school in Oregon. The class must be completed in person and within 120 days of the original notice. To qualify, you must contact your local court and plead no contest.
Before pleading no contest, be sure to ask the court about how traffic school will affect your record. If the charge is removed after providing proof of completion, you can expect no hike in your insurance and a clean record.
What if you don’t pay your speeding ticket?
Oregon has some harsh penalties for those who don’t act on time. If you refuse to pay a ticket, you may face the following consequences:
Fine assigned to collection agency
Furthermore, missing a court date can result in total license suspension or a warrant for your arrest.
Will a speeding ticket increase your insurance?
Traffic violations can significantly impact Oregon drivers, who can expect their car insurance rates to rise between 18% and 19% after pleading no contest to a ticket (or losing a court case).
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