Portland, Oregon is one of the most popular outdoor cities in the country – it’s known for its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife. If you’re looking to head to a trendy city with plenty of local breweries and markets, Portland is one of your best options. In addition, the city is famous for its music scene – a variety of famous 90s bands are from the region. Many residents of Portland own vehicles – it’s the best way to get around town if you need to make long journeys.

If you’re one of these residents, there’s a high chance you’re overpaying for your auto insurance. Our website’s primary goal is to match our readers with the best insurance companies on the market. If you’re looking to upgrade your current policy or save some money, you’ve come to the right place especially if you compare rates with our auto insurance calculator. We also have some great information on driving in Portland, Oregon – make sure to check it out below!

Portland: Driving Conditions in the City

Portland does have issues with congestion, but there aren’t as many problems as you’d find in other major west coast cities. You can always check local congestion maps and references if you want to avoid the most traffic-ridden areas.

The worst problem on the roads in Portland is the weather. Portland, Oregon has always been famous for its gloomy weather – this can get particularly dangerous during the winter months when the roads are wet. Ice and snow can cause serious problems for people who aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. You can’t underestimate the strength of winter – it can cause serious problems. Make sure to check your local weather alerts and reports before driving on Portland roads in winter.

Driving Safely in Portland, Oregon

If you think you know the local road laws in Portland, you might overestimate your knowledge. Many people are under the impression that they understand the basic regulations of the roads they drive on, but road laws differ drastically from state to state and city to city.

This section is dedicated to helping our readers understand how to follow the laws on Portland roads. Insurance companies love clean driving records – they’re much more likely to offer you an affordable policy if you have a lack of blemishes on your record. Check out the top laws for drivers in Portland below!

Phone/Handheld Laws in Portland

If you are under the age of 18 in Portland, you are not allowed to use a cell phone at all. Doing so will result in a fine and may impact your license. There is no texting and driving anywhere in the state of Oregon. You are not allowed to contact your phone while you drive. Adults can speak on the phone if it is hands-free, but this should also be avoided if you want to be as safe as possible.

The state’s texting and phone use ban is in place to help prevent accidents related to distracted driving. As more people own smartphones, distracted driving is causing an increasing amount of problems on the road. If you want to avoid issues for you and your passengers, never drive distracted.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in Portland

Oregon has strict seat belt laws – if you’re riding in a vehicle in Oregon, you have to wear a seat belt at all times. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’re sitting, a seat belt is always required.

In terms of children, the laws can be slightly more complicated. Below we will take an in-depth look at car seat laws:

• Children Under Two – Rear-facing child safety seat
• Children Under 40 Lbs. – Child safety seat
• Children Over 40 Lbs. – Booster seat until the child is eight or 4’ 9” – must be able to fit safely in a regular seat belt before leaving booster seat.

The safety of your children is extremely important – don’t neglect these laws or you may face heavy punishments and fines.

Helmet Laws in Portland

If you ride a motorcycle in Portland, you must wear a helmet at all times. Unlike many states, it doesn’t matter how much experience you have or how old you are – you still have to wear a helmet if you’re on a motorcycle. This is a law that is aimed at preventing head trauma and deaths on the road.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

In Oregon, a DUI is called a DUII. As with most of the rest of the country, the BAC limit for a DUI is .08 for those over the age of 21. If you are under the age of 21, you may face a DUII or automatic license suspension if you have any trace of alcohol in your system while driving. If you’re underage, you should never consume any alcohol prior to operating a vehicle.

If you are charged with a DUII, you’ll find there are a variety of different punishments. If it’s your first DUII, you will receive up to $1,000 fines, additional fees, up to two days in jail, 80 hours of community service, and an interlock device. If you are repeat offender, these punishments will increase. Also keep in mind that insurance with DUI tends to go up a lot. Compare non owner SR22 insurance quotes by filling in your zip code above.

Portland Statistics

Portland has some seriously startling statistics in terms of car theft – the city has a major problem! Since 2015, the number of cars stolen in the city has more than doubled! This alarming rate shows just how big of a problem auto theft has become in Portland. If you own a car in the city, it’s extremely important that you obtain comprehensive insurance. Not doing so will result in you being financially responsible for any theft or vandalism to your car – it’s not worth the risk!

Verdict

Considering all these statistics is there cheap car insurance near me? The answer is an affirmative Yes. If you’re looking for more information on auto insurance, make sure to check out some of the other content on our site. We’re a one-stop-shop for all your auto insurance needs including finding the best car insurance rates. If you’re in the market for a new policy, check out the different insurance companies that we recommend. Changing your insurance policy for a more practical alternative can get you the cheapest insurance in Oregon – just make sure you choose a policy with adequate coverage.