Points, tickets and licence suspension in Oregon
Oregon does not use a points system. Instead, DMV runs a Driver Improvement Program that counts certain traffic convictions and preventable crashes on your record and steps in when they add up.
The program is much tougher on drivers under 18. Just two incidents can limit where you are allowed to drive.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain how Oregon's Driver Improvement Program works instead of points.
- You can say what happens to a teen driver after a second and third incident.
- You can describe the adult thresholds for restriction and suspension.
- You can name other common reasons for losing your driving privileges.
What you need to know and understand
- Oregon counts driver improvement offenses (certain convictions) and preventable accidents, not points.
- A preventable accident is one reported by police where the driver did not do everything reasonably possible to avoid it.
- Under 18: a second incident brings a 90-day restriction to work and school driving only, with only a parent, stepparent or guardian as passenger.
- Under 18: a third incident brings a six-month suspension, and so does each one after that.
- 18 and over: three incidents in 24 months bring a 30-day restriction on driving between midnight and 5 a.m.; five bring a 30-day suspension.
- Traffic violations are classed A to D, with presumptive fines of $440, $265, $165 and $115.
The teen track: Provisional Driver Improvement
If you are under 18, DMV reviews offenses and preventable accidents that happen while you are 14 to 17. Your first incident is counted. Your second triggers a restriction letter: for 90 days, or until you turn 18 if sooner, you may drive only to and from work or school, and the only passengers allowed are a parent, stepparent or guardian. You must carry the letter while driving. A third incident means a six-month suspension, which still runs its full length even if you turn 18 partway through.
Our deeper guide to Oregon's points and teen suspension rules walks through real examples.
The adult track
- Counting window: the 24 months before DMV reviews your record.
- 3 incidents: a 30-day restriction banning driving from midnight to 5 a.m., except between home and work or for your job.
- 5 incidents: a 30-day suspension.
- Each further incident while you have 5 or more: another 30-day suspension.
How tickets are graded
Most moving violations are traffic violations, not crimes. Speeding is graded by how far over the limit you were: 1 to 10 mph over is Class D, 11 to 20 is Class C, 21 to 30 is Class B, and more than 30 is Class A. Penalties are tougher where the posted limit is 65 mph or more. Driving at 100 mph or more brings a presumptive $1,150 fine and a 30 to 90 day suspension. Fines are doubled in work zones.
Other ways to lose your license
- A DUII, or refusing or failing an implied consent test.
- Failing to file a required crash report with DMV.
- Driving uninsured.
- Not paying court fines.
Common mistakes
- Thinking 'no points' means no consequences. Oregon counts each conviction and preventable crash instead.
- Ignoring a teen restriction letter. Breaking it is a separate traffic violation.
- Assuming a suspension ends at 18. A teen suspension runs its full term.
- Forgetting that a crash you could have prevented counts, even without a ticket.
Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Oregon
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Loss of Driving Privileges (Oregon DMV, ODOT Driver and Motor Vehicle Services); Oregon Administrative Rules 735-072-0020, 735-072-0023 and 735-072-0027 (Driver Improvement Program); Oregon Revised Statutes 153.019 and 811.109. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Oregon licensing agency.