Oregon Motorcycle Laws and Equipment Requirements (2024)


Motorcycle Riders

All motorcycle operators must:

  • Have a valid motorcycle-endorsed driver license or have a valid motorcycle instruction permit.
  • Wear a motorcycle helmet that is DOT-compliant.
  • Register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
  • Have liability insurance (25/50/20).
  • Carry their endorsed driver license or motorcycle instruction permit and driver license, vehicle registration card and current proof of insurance when riding.

Motorcycle operators riding on a motorcycle instruction permit must also:

  • Be supervised by an endorsed rider 21 or older operating a separate motorcycle.
  • Ride only during daylight hours.
  • Not carry passengers.

The penalty for riding without a motorcycle endorsem*nt can be as much as $720 plus court costs – double that in a school or work zone. Learn about how to earn a motorcycle endorsem*nt in Oregon.

Motorcycle Equipment

To be street legal, a motorcycle or moped must have:

  • Awhite headlight, illuminated at all times. Motorcycles must have at least one, but not more than three, white headlights. Modulating headlights are allowed during daylight hours.
  • At least one red taillight with a red stop lamp.
  • At least one red reflector on the rear, one white license plate light, one rear-view mirror and a horn.
  • Turn signal lights. Motorcycles built before 1973 are not required to have turn signal lights, however, vehicles without turn signal lights may not be operated after dark.
  • Fenders on all wheels.
  • At least one brake operated by hand or foot.
  • An exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation. The exhaust must prevent the discharge of any visible emissions and keep noise levels at or below standards set by the Department of Environmental Quality.
  • Avalid license plate mounted to be easily read and plainly visible from the rear.

Motorcycle Laws

A motorcycle may share a lane only with one other motorcycle. Lane sharing (lane splitting/filtering) with any other vehicle is illegal.

Operators may not transport or carry any object that interferes with their ability to hold the handlebars.

If a motorcycle operator carries a passenger, the motorcycle must have a passenger seat and footrests. Passengers are only permitted to ride on a passenger seat behind the operator or in a side car. Passengers are required to wear DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets.

There are no requirements for passenger age or size in Oregon. However, operators should use good judgment. Passengers should be large enough to reach the footrests, strong enough to hold on securely and mature enough to follow directions and behave predictably.

Oregon's Red Light Law

After coming to a complete stop, if a traffic light controlled by a vehicle sensor fails to detect the motorcycle after waiting one full cycle of the light, the rider may proceed with caution, yielding to other vehicles.

To ride legally in Oregon, you must have a valid driver license and motorcycle endorsem*nt or instruction permit.

Three-Wheelers, Sidecars and Trikes

"Autocycles" (three-wheeled vehicles with a steering wheel and bucket seat) as defined in ORS 801.133 do not require a motorcycle endorsem*nt. All other types of three-wheelers require a motorcycle endorsem*nt. However, you may apply for a restricted (3W-only) endorsem*nt atDMV. Applicants must pass the DMV motorcycle knowledge test to qualify, but are not required to complete a rider training course or pass a DMV skill test/road test.

Mopeds

All moped operators must:

  • Have a valid driver license or moped-restricted class C license.
  • Wear a motorcycle helmet that is DOT-compliant.
  • Register their moped and display a valid license plate.
  • Carry liability insurance (25/50/20).
  • Carry their driver license and current proof of insurance when riding.
  • Not carry passengers.

Mopeds have the same equipment requirements as motorcycles. Moped operators are generally required to follow the same laws as those for motorcycle operators unless noted otherwise.

To be classified and registered as a moped, the vehicle cannot be capable of speeds of more than 30 mph on level ground, and if the power source is a combustion engine, the engine must be 50 cc or less.

Moped operators are not required to have a motorcycle endorsem*nt. However, moped operators must have a valid class C or higher driver’s license.

“Scooter” is an informal term generally used to describe a small motorcycle with a step-through design, usually with an automatic transmission. A scooter can be a motorcycle or a moped, depending on its engine size and speed capability as noted above.

For More Information

For more information about operating motorcycles and mopeds in Oregon, refer to Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) or the Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual.

For additional information about operating motorcycles, scootersand mopeds in Portland, refer to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (BOT) Motorcycles FAQ.

The information presented on this page is intended for educational uses only. It is not to be used as legal advice.For additional clarification, consult Oregon Revised Statutes or a law enforcement representative.

Oregon Motorcycle Laws and Equipment Requirements (1)

Oregon Motorcycle Laws and Equipment Requirements (2024)

FAQs

Are mirrors required on motorcycles in Oregon? ›

All motorcycles must have at least one rear-view mirror and a working horn. If the motorcycle is model year 1973 or older, it does not need turn signal lights. Newer motorcycles, however, must have working turn signals. All wheels should have fenders.

What do you need to ride a motorcycle in Oregon? ›

Motorcycle – In order to be issued a motorcycle endorsem*nt: • You must have a valid driver license from Oregon. You must be at least 16 years of age. You must have parental/guardian consent if under age 18. You must complete a Team Oregon motorcycle rider education course.

What does a motorcycle need to be street legal in Oregon? ›

To be street legal, a motorcycle or moped must have: A white headlight, illuminated at all times. Motorcycles must have at least one, but not more than three, white headlights. Modulating headlights are allowed during daylight hours.

Can you ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Oregon? ›

Does Oregon Motorcycle Helmet Law Require You to Wear One? Well, yes. Only three US States (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) don't have a helmet requirement.. Everyone else – including Oregon – requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

Do motorcycles need running lights? ›

The most visible part of a motorcycle, at least in the day, is the daytime running light that has been required for the last 30 years. Every time the motorcycle runs, the headlight must be on.

What does DA mean on a Oregon license plate? ›

Class 1114 Issued to Vehicle Prep Service or Licensed Motor Vehicle Auction Companies that clean, repair or prepare dealer-owned vehicles that are for resale. These plates are used for transport between the dealer/auction and the prep service.

Is Lane splitting illegal in Oregon? ›

No. The State of Oregon law prohibits lane-splitting, specifically ORS 814.240.

Are helmets required in Oregon? ›

Anybody who is riding on a bicycle and who is under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet. This requirement extends to both the operator of the bicycle, as well as any passengers on the bike (see ORS 814.485).

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Oregon? ›

Original Applications
DescriptionFee
Permit - Probationary (non-refundable)​$50.00add
Identification Card​$44.50add
Instruction Permit - Class C Driver License (non-commercial) (valid for 2 years) ​$23.00add
Instruction Permit - Motorcycle (valid for 1 year)​$23.00add
7 more rows

What makes a motorcycle street legal? ›

Motorcycles used on public roads will need to display a license plate. This rule is the same everywhere, though some states are more particular about the method of display than others. It is best to check with the local DMV to be sure the license plate is properly displayed on your street legal dirt bike.

Can I make my dirt bike street legal in Oregon? ›

A: Some dirt bikes can be made street legal, some can not. First Step: Contact the manufacturer (not the dealership) of the motorcycle, such as Honda or Yamaha, and find out if the engine has been certified through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet emission standards for use on the street.

Does Oregon have a dead red law? ›

No. Oregon does not have a “dead red” law. A dead red law is a law that provides an exception to the violation of Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device when the light does not detect a vehicle (like a bicycle) and the light fails to cycle through to allow a roadway user to proceed.

Is it legal to wear earplugs while riding a motorcycle? ›

California. Anyone operating a motor vehicle, which includes a motorcycle, cannot wear headphones, earphones, earbuds, or similar devices in or covering both ears. However, the law allows the use of noise dampening earplugs provided they do not prevent you from hearing sirens or horns.

Do motorcyclists have to wear bright clothing by law? ›

Motorcyclists should wear a light or brightly coloured helmet, as well as florescent clothing or strips (often found on motorcycle jackets). Even with the right clothing, it is important to take extra care as other vehicle drivers may not see you or be able to judge your distance or speed correctly.

What do you have to wear to ride a motorcycle? ›

The following items should be worn each and every time you ride:
  • Helmet.
  • Eye Protection.
  • Jacket.
  • Gloves.
  • Pants.
  • Boots.
  • And keep rain gear handy in the event of inclement weather.

Is Underglow on a motorcycle illegal? ›

Motorcycle Underglow

Adding Underglow lighting to your motorcycle is legal in California, but it does come with some regulations. You can use any colors for the underglow except for red because it cannot be displayed in the front of the bike.

Why do motorcycle only have one headlight on? ›

To recap, many modern motorcycles have two headlights, but only one is lit when the high beams are off. This lowers weight and raises power, making for a more efficient ride. If you see a motorcycle with only one light, chances are it's not because one burned out.

Do motorcycles need rear turn signals? ›

According to California state law, Motorcycles are required to have proper working turn signals, front and rear. Turn signals are not required on a motorcycle built and first registered prior to Jan. 1, 1973.

Can you paint your license plate in Oregon? ›

Short answer: Yes. Yes, it is. Your license plate is the property of the state where your car is registered. It is given to you to provide identification for the vehicle.

What does blue license plate mean? ›

Demonstration plates are blue and are commonly called car dealership plates. These plates are used for showcasing vehicles to customers, moving vehicles from bond stores to dealerships, and for promotional purposes such as automobile shows.

What does a yellow license plate mean in Oregon? ›

General Information: Amateur Radio Operator plates can be issued in Salmon, Crater Lake, Cultural Plate and Wine Country designs in addition to the yellow background plate shown to the left. The digits reflect the call letters issued to the amateur radio operator.

Is it legal in Oregon for motorcycles to drive between cars? ›

Under SB 574, motorcyclists are allowed to split lanes only on multi-lane highways with a speed limit of at least 50 mph. When traffic slows to 10 mph or less on those roads, motorcyclists are permitted to ride between cars, at no more than 10 mph faster than the flow of traffic.

Is white lining legal in California? ›

Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut are considering lane sharing laws in their state legislatures, but none of these laws are on the books yet. As of August 19th, 2016, lane splitting is officially legal in California.

Is lane filtering legal in Washington? ›

Current Motorcycle Laws in Washington State

While the state currently prohibits lane splitting, it does allow two motorcyclists to ride abreast in the same lane, according to RCW 46.61. 608(4).

Do you need a motorcycle license for a scooter in Oregon? ›

Requires a driver license to operate (but not a motorcycle endorsem*nt). Requires registration and insurance to operate on public roadways and premises open to the public.

How old do you have to be in Oregon to not wear a helmet? ›

Any bicycle rider that is 16 years of age or older is not required to wear a helmet. Further, riders of any age are not required to wear a helmet if they are not on a public street or other premises where the general public is allowed to operate their vehicles.

Are mini bikes street legal in Oregon? ›

A mini-motorcycle, pocket bike, go-kart, all-terrain vehicle or similar motorized vehicle is not legal for use on public roads in Oregon.

Do you have to take a written test to get your license in Oregon? ›

You are required to take the knowledge test if: This is your first time to apply for a driver license​ or permit; or. Your previous Oregon license has been expired for over 2 years; or. Your license from another state or country has been expired for over 1 year.

How much is the permit test in Oregon? ›

The exam will be on a touchscreen computer, it will consist of 35 multiple-choice questions, and you'll need to answer 28 questions correctly to pass. Each time you take the test, it will cost $5. Once you pass, it will cost $23.50 for your permit. In addition to the exam, you'll also need to pass a vision test.

How do you pass the permit test in Oregon? ›

Practice with this sample DMV test and study the manual to get ready for the official Oregon DMV driver's license test. Roundabout ahead. Slow down.
...
OR DMV Practice Permit Test.
Number of questions:35
Correct answers to pass:28
Passing score:80%
Minimum age to apply:15

Why are dirt bikes not street legal? ›

Dirt bikes are not street legal in stock form because they are made for “off-road use only” and don't have the equipment needed to legally ride on the road like headlights, taillights, turn signals, insurance, or registration. Riding a dirt bike, motocross or pit bike on the street can result in consequences.

Can you make a 2 stroke street legal? ›

For starters your bike will need a headlight, tail light, blinkers, horn, license plate light, and anything else required by your state's laws. We sell most of those accessories in our store, and almost any two-stroke dirt bike can be converted for street legal use in just a few hours.

How do you make an off-road bike road-legal? ›

Make Any Pit Bike or Dirt Bike Road Legal UK!! [Tutorial] - YouTube

Is Grom street-legal? ›

The Honda Grom is street-legal and aims to expand Honda's motorcyclist customer base and diversify its demographics, as evidenced by the launch (and subsequent success) of the CB500 series.

Does Oregon require titles for dirt bikes? ›

In Oregon, you are not required to have a title, registration, or insurance for ATVs, ORMs, or side-by-sides. The state recommends titling your vehicle because a title provides proof of ownership in case your vehicle is lost or stolen. If your ORV is financed or insured, a title may be required.

How old do you have to be to ride a side by side in Oregon? ›

Oregon only permits a youth under the age of 16 to operate an ATV that is appropriate for their size. This is referred to as “rider fit,” which is a set of physical or visual measurements that a youth under the age of 16 must attain to legally operate a UTV or ATV.

Can you run a red light on a bike? ›

The California Vehicle Code requires a cyclist facing a steady red light to come to a complete stop at a marked limit line, or if none is present, before entering the crosswalk on the nearest side of the intersection (CVC 21453).

Can motorcycles run red lights in California? ›

Older stoplights have sensors in the ground that are activated by weight, but sometimes motorcycles aren't heavy enough. The “Dead Red Law” allows bikers to treat it as a stop sign if the light stays red.

Can motorcycles run red lights in Texas? ›

The Texas Transportation Code does requires certain traffic-controlled traffic signals to have the ability to detect the presence of a motorcycle, but a failure of this system does not permit riders to run a red light.

Is it OK to listen to music while riding a motorcycle? ›

Having such loud music can damage your hearing as well.

The sound of a motorcycle is usually around 70-80 decibels. Listening to music adds additional decibels to that. Heartsmart reports that listening to anything over 100 decibels for more than 30 minutes could potentially cause hearing damage.

Can you wear Airpods with a motorcycle helmet? ›

How well does this work and is it safe? You can comfortably wear airpods under some motorcycle helmets while riding. However, first make sure that it is legal in your area to ride with earphones. If it isn't, there are plenty of other options for blocking road noise or communicating with fellow riders.

How loud is the wind on a motorcycle? ›

Wind noise.

While decibel levels from wind noise are relatively low on city streets, a motorcyclist traveling over 60 miles per hour on a highway can experience sound levels up to 116 dB.

Why do motorcyclists often look over their right shoulder? ›

Why do motorcyclists often look round over their right shoulder just before turning right? To check for traffic in their blind area – A sign that a motorcyclist is about to change their direction is when they look over their shoulder.

Do you have to wear hi vis on a motorcycle? ›

Wearing hi-vis clothing may impart a false sense of security for novice riders; Modern research shows that people don't recognise or react to motorcycles, rather than not seeing them at all; Drivers are more likely to see a bike but make an error in timing; and.

Why do motorbikes have L plates? ›

As a learner rider, you have little road experience and as such, L plates are used to inform other road users. L plates must be fixed in an upright position to that they are clearly visible from the front and back.

Are motorcycle jackets necessary? ›

Most jackets protect you against the elements. If you ride a lot you will probably find yourself being more cold than too hot, so a jacket is a welcome piece of kit. There are times though that it will be extremely hot, but it's still important to wear a jacket.

Can you wear sneakers on a motorcycle? ›

You should not wear regular shoes while riding a motorcycle (especially if you are riding regularly). Regular shoes are dangerous for riding motorcycles – laces could get tangled, there's no ankle protection in case you fall and they are too soft to provide any protection against rough road surfaces.

What should you not wear on a motorcycle? ›

What NOT To Wear While Riding Motorcycles - YouTube

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