Oregon Drunk Driving Laws

Regardless of which state issued your driver’s license, there are certain expectations that every driver in the country must follow—and the most important responsibility of all is not driving while you are under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, even with the known dangers of drinking and driving, thousands of motorists are arrested for the offense each year. As a result, lawmakers in all 50 states have passed legislation to deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. While these laws vary from one state to another, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in every jurisdiction in the country. In terms of the penalties for DUI, however, Oregon drunk driving laws are particularly stringent.

Although most people think it’s fairly easy to determine whether an individual is under the influence of alcohol, blood alcohol content (BAC) makes things a bit more complicated. Also known as blood-to-alcohol ratio, BAC is a unit of measurement that is used to determine a driver’s level of impairment based on the percentage of alcohol found in his or her bloodstream.

According to research, once BAC reaches a level of 0.08%, a person’s ability to drive becomes substantially impaired. As a result, it is against the law to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more in the state of Oregon. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule: a driver under 21 is deemed impaired with a BAC of just 0.02%, while commercial vehicle operators are permitted a BAC of only 0.04%.

To determine a driver’s blood alcohol content, officers rely on chemical testing methods. Under the state’s “Implied Consent Law,” these tests are mandatory, and all drivers are legally required to perform a breathalyzer or submit a blood or urine sample for the purpose of BAC testing. If you refuse to take a chemical test, you can expect to be arrested and charged with DUI—and in some cases, you may face even harsher penalties than someone who was arrested with an illegal BAC.

Regardless of the reason for your arrest, a DUI charge can lead to a number of severe criminal penalties. In fact, the minimum sentence for a first-time offender can include $1,000 in fines, 80 hours of community service, a one-year license suspension, and 48 hours of jail time. If you already have a drunk driving conviction on your record, the stakes get even higher—with a second offense carrying a minimum $1,500 fine, three-year license suspension, and up to thirty days behind bars.

After two prior convictions, you’ll be charged with a felony and face up to a $10,000 fine, permanent license revocation, and five-year jail sentence as a result of your actions. You should also keep in mind that, if you were carrying a passenger under 18 at the time of your arrest, or had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, you’ll face additional penalties once again—whether it’s your first or fourth offense.

Fortunately, being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted, and many drivers are able to successfully fight their charges in court. To determine your best course of action, submit your information online today and receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.