Oregon’s pedestrian law (and the violation of failing to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian under ORS 811.028) at first glance seems pretty simple: stop for pedestrians in cross walks. From there, it gets a little more complex.
When must you stop under Oregon’s pedestrian law?
You must stop for a pedestrian if the ped is crossing with a signal (Green light or walk sign) or in a crosswalk and
In your lane.
In the next lane (regardless of whether the ped is approaching or already past you. You must wait for them to clear the adjacent lane.)
In a lane you’re turning into plus
Six feet into the adjacent lane if the pedestrian is facing a signal or
The nextlane if the pedestrian doesn’t have a signal.
Unless the ped is crossing where there is a safety island and the ped is on the far side of it or there is a nearby pedestrian tunnel or bridge.
In those cases you don’t have to stop.
What is a crosswalk under Oregon’s pedestrian law?
Easy. Every corner is a crosswalk, regardless of whether it is marked. Marked crosswalks are crosswalks no matter where they are.
When do you have to stop at the crosswalk under Oregon’s pedestrian law?
You must stop if any part of the pedestrian (including part of a crutch, cane, wheelchair, or bicycle) enters the crosswalk with the intent to cross.
Should you stop if someone is standing on the sidewalk looking they want to cross? Yes!
Should you get a ticket for failing to stop and remain stopped for that pedestrian under ORS 811.028? No!
Give me a call if you feel you’ve been unjustly accused of failing to stop and remain stopped for that pedestrian under ORS 811.028 or simply need to keep a clean driving record. Of love to chat with you about your case and see how I can help out.
One last thing: stop for pedestrians. You’re in a giant machine and they could get seriously injured or killed if you don’t atop. Even if you appear to have the right to not stop under this law, it could expose you to prosecution under other laws or you could face a very expensive lawsuits. Definitely not worth the 30 seconds you save for not stopping.