Oregon offers some of the most scenic roads in the Pacific Northwest—making it a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. But before hitting the open road, it’s essential for riders to understand and follow Oregon’s motorcycle laws to ensure safety, avoid fines, and protect their legal rights. Below is a summary of the key motorcycle laws all riders in Oregon should be aware of.
- Licensing Requirements
To legally operate a motorcycle in Oregon, riders must possess a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. This requires:
- Passing a motorcycle knowledge test (available online)
- Completing an approved motorcycle safety course through Team Oregon
- Passing a skills test (waived if the safety course is completed)
Riders without an endorsement may face citations, fines, and increased liability in the event of an accident.
- Helmet Law
Oregon has a universal helmet law—meaning all motorcycle riders and passengers are required by law to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet, regardless of age or experience. Failure to wear a helmet can result in a citation and may also harm a personal injury claim if an accident occurs.
- Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Oregon . Motorcycles are not permitted to ride between lanes of traffic or pass vehicles within the same lane. Riders must follow the same lane-use rules as other motor vehicles. There is an exception when sharing the same lane with another motorcyclist.
- Passenger Rules
To carry a passenger:
- The motorcycle must be equipped with a dedicated seat and footrests for the passenger.
- The rider must ensure that the passenger is wearing a helmet.
- Passengers are only allowed if the rider has a valid motorcycle endorsement.
- Lighting and Equipment
Motorcycles in Oregon must have:
- A working headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals
- Rearview mirrors on both sides
- A functioning horn
- Mufflers to limit noise (those that amplify sound may be illegal)
Additionally, the headlight must be on at all times while riding—even during daylight hours.
- Insurance Requirements
Oregon law mandates that all motorcyclists carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
Failure to carry insurance can lead to penalties, license suspension, and difficulty recovering damages in the event of a crash.
We strongly recommend purchasing higher limits for liability, uninsured, and underinsured motorist coverage for motorcycles. The reason is simple – if you are injured in a motorcycle crash in Oregon there is a high likelihood that your damages will be significantly greater than those sustained in a comparable car accident. If the at-fault driver does not carry sufficient insurance to fully compensate you, your own policy may be your only protection.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and complying with Oregon’s motorcycle laws not only keeps you legal on the road—it also protects your safety and your rights if you’re involved in an accident. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash and need legal guidance, our experienced personal injury and Oregon motorcycle injury attorneys at Shlesinger & deVilleneuve are here to help. We’ve been fighting for injured Oregonians since 1971, and we’ll fight for you.
