Arrest Reports and Laws

Vehicle turns permitted at stop light; proceeding against traffic control device; improperly proceeding at stop light; penalty.


(1) The driver of a vehicle, subject to this section, who is intending to turn at an intersection where there is a traffic control device showing a steady circular red signal, a steady red bicycle signal or a steady red arrow signal may do any of the following without violating ORS 811.260 and 811.265:
(a) Make a right turn into a two-way street.
(b) Make a right or left turn into a one-way street in the direction of traffic upon the one-way street.
(2) In addition to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, a bicyclist or motorcyclist does not violate ORS 811.260 and 811.265 if:
(a) The bicyclist or motorcyclist approaches an intersection where there is a traffic control device showing a steady circular red signal, a steady red bicycle signal or a steady red arrow signal;
(b) The traffic control device is controlled by a vehicle detection device;
(c) The bicyclist or motorcyclist comes to a complete stop and waits for the traffic control device to complete one full cycle; and
(d) After the vehicle detection device fails to detect the presence of the bicycle or motorcycle and change the traffic control device to a green signal, the bicyclist or motorcyclist proceeds with caution through the intersection.
(3) A person commits the offense of improperly proceeding at a stop light if the person does any of the following while proceeding as described in this section:
(a) Fails to stop at the light as required.
(b) Fails to exercise caution to avoid an accident.
(c) Disobeys the directions of another traffic control device, other than the device described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, or a police officer that prohibits the driver, motorcyclist or bicyclist from proceeding.
(d) Fails to yield the right of way to traffic lawfully within the intersection or approaching so close to the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(4) A driver, motorcyclist or bicyclist who is proceeding as described in this section is also subject to the requirements under ORS 811.028 to stop for a pedestrian before proceeding.
(5) The offense described in this section, improperly proceeding at a stop light, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §628; 1997 c.507 §7; 2003 c.278 §7; 2005 c.746 §3; 2011 c.168 §2; 2015 c.147 §1]