ORS 811.260
Appropriate driver responses to traffic control devices


Except as provided in ORS 811.265 (Driver failure to obey traffic control device) (2), a driver is in violation of ORS 811.265 (Driver failure to obey traffic control device) if the driver makes a response to traffic control devices that is not permitted under the following:

(1)

Green signal. A driver facing a green light may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at that place prohibits either turn. A driver shall yield the right of way to other vehicles within the intersection at the time the green light is shown.

(2)

Green arrow. A driver facing a green arrow signal light, shown alone or in combination with another signal, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow or such other movement as is permitted by other signals shown at the same time.

(3)

Green bicycle signal. A bicyclist facing a green bicycle signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at that place prohibits either turn. The bicyclist shall yield the right of way to other vehicles within the intersection at the time the green bicycle signal is shown.

(4)

Steady circular yellow signal. A driver facing a steady circular yellow signal light is thereby warned that the related right of way is being terminated and that a red or flashing red light will be shown immediately. A driver facing the light shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, shall stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. If a driver cannot stop in safety, the driver may drive cautiously through the intersection.

(5)

Steady yellow arrow signal. A driver facing a steady yellow arrow signal, alone or in combination with other signal indications, is thereby warned that the related right of way is being terminated. Unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, a driver facing a steady yellow arrow signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, shall stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. If a driver cannot stop in safety, the driver may drive cautiously through the intersection.

(6)

Steady yellow bicycle signal. A bicyclist facing a steady yellow bicycle signal is thereby warned that the related right of way is being terminated and that a red bicycle signal will be shown immediately. A bicyclist facing a steady yellow bicycle signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, shall stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. If a bicyclist cannot stop in safety, the bicyclist may proceed cautiously through the intersection.

(7)

Steady circular red signal. A driver facing a steady circular red signal light alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. The driver shall remain stopped until a green light is shown except when the driver is permitted to proceed under ORS 811.360 (Vehicle turns permitted at stop light).

(8)

Steady red arrow signal. A driver facing a steady red arrow signal, alone or in combination with other signal indications, may not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the red arrow signal. Unless entering the intersection to make some other movement which is permitted by another signal, a driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. The vehicle shall remain stopped until a green light is shown except when the driver is permitted to proceed under ORS 811.360 (Vehicle turns permitted at stop light).

(9)

Steady red bicycle signal. A bicyclist facing a steady red bicycle signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. The bicyclist shall remain stopped until a green bicycle signal is shown except when the bicyclist is permitted to proceed under ORS 811.360 (Vehicle turns permitted at stop light).

(10)

Traffic control devices at places other than intersections. If a traffic control device that is a signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section relating to signals shall be applicable. A required stop shall be made at a sign or marking on the roadway indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.

(11)

Flashing red signal. When a driver approaches a flashing red light used in a traffic control device or with a traffic sign, the driver shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. The right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. This subsection does not apply to:

(a)

A person operating a bicycle; or

(b)

Drivers at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of a driver approaching a railroad grade crossing is governed by ORS 811.455 (Failure to stop for railroad signal).

(12)

Flashing circular yellow signal. When a driver facing a flashing circular yellow signal approaches an intersection, the driver may cautiously enter the intersection to proceed straight through, turn right or turn left except as such movement is modified by lane use signs, turn prohibition signs, lane markings, roadway design, separate turn signal indications or other traffic control devices. This subsection does not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of a driver approaching a railroad grade crossing is governed by ORS 811.455 (Failure to stop for railroad signal).

(13)

Flashing yellow arrow signal. A driver facing a flashing yellow arrow signal, alone or in combination with other signal indications, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the flashing yellow arrow signal or the movement permitted by other signals shown at the same time. A driver shall yield the right of way to other vehicles within the intersection at the time the flashing yellow arrow signal is shown. In addition, a driver turning left shall yield the right of way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the turning vehicle is moving across or within the intersection.

(14)

Lane direction control signals. When lane direction control signals are placed over the individual lanes of a highway, a person may drive a vehicle in any lane over which a green signal light is shown, but may not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal light is shown.

(15)

Stop signs. A driver approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if there is no marked crosswalk, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After stopping, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching so close as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the intersection. This subsection does not apply to a person operating a bicycle.

(16)

Yield signs. A driver approaching a yield sign shall slow the driver’s vehicle to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and if necessary for safety, shall stop at a line as required for stop signs under this section, and shall yield the right of way to any vehicles in the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(17)

Flashing yellow beacon. When a flashing yellow beacon is used to supplement another traffic control device, a driver shall pay extra attention to the message provided by the beacon and follow the requirements of the other traffic control device, which might not be otherwise applicable at all times. [1983 c.338 §609; 1989 c.539 §1; 1997 c.507 §6; 2003 c.278 §6; 2011 c.168 §1; 2015 c.147 §2; 2019 c.683 §4; 2021 c.630 §16]

Source: Section 811.260 — Appropriate driver responses to traffic control devices, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors811.­html.

Notes of Decisions

Under former similar statute (ORS 487.125)

In action against defendant city for injury connected with “locked” traffic signal, this section did not mean that signal did not malfunction just because it gave steady signal. Menke v. Bruce, 88 Or App 107, 744 P2d 291 (1987)

Under former similar statute (ORS 487.255)

Instruction in words of this section that “after stopping, driver shall yield right of way to any vehicle in intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute immediate hazard during time when driver is moving across or within intersection” was adequate, and court was not required to give defendant’s requested “immediate hazard” instruction. Collins v. Vann, 37 Or App 535, 588 P2d 52 (1978)

In general

Where defendant’s vehicle crossed over stop line before halting, officer had probable cause to believe that defendant committed traffic infraction of failing to obey stop sign because this section requires vehicle to cease movement before crossing stop line or, if none, before entering crosswalk or intersecting roadway. State v. Posey, 303 Or App 246, 463 P3d 551 (2020)

811.005
Duty to exercise due care
811.015
Failure to obey traffic patrol member
811.017
Failure to yield to traffic patrol member
811.020
Passing stopped vehicle at crosswalk
811.025
Failure to yield to pedestrian on sidewalk
811.028
Failure to stop and remain stopped for pedestrian
811.030
Driving through safety zone
811.035
Failure to stop and remain stopped for pedestrian who has limited vision or is blind
811.050
Failure to yield to rider on bicycle lane
811.055
Failure to yield to bicyclist on sidewalk
811.059
Milkman Mike Act
811.060
Vehicular assault
811.065
Unsafe passing of person operating bicycle
811.100
Violation of basic speed rule
811.105
Speeds that are evidence of basic rule violation
811.108
Relationship between speed limits and basic rule
811.109
Penalties for speed violations
811.111
Violating a speed limit
811.124
Meaning of “children are present” in ORS 811.111
811.125
Speed racing on highway
811.127
Organizing a speed racing event
811.130
Impeding traffic
811.135
Careless driving
811.140
Reckless driving
811.145
Failure to yield to emergency vehicle or ambulance
811.147
Failure to maintain safe distance from motor vehicle
811.150
Interference with emergency vehicle or ambulance
811.155
Failure to stop for bus safety lights
811.157
Report by driver of violation of ORS 811.155
811.159
Law enforcement agency response to report of violation of ORS 811.155
811.160
Interference with rail fixed guideway public transportation system operation
811.165
Failure to stop for passenger loading of public transit vehicle
811.167
Failure to yield right of way to transit bus
811.170
Violation of open container law
811.172
Improperly disposing of human waste
811.175
Violation driving while suspended or revoked
811.180
Affirmative defenses
811.182
Criminal driving while suspended or revoked
811.190
Operation with obstructing passenger
811.193
Smoking, aerosolizing or vaporizing in motor vehicle when child is present
811.195
Having passenger in trailer
811.200
Carrying dog on external part of vehicle
811.205
Carrying minor on external part of vehicle
811.207
Legislative findings regarding restraint of children in motor vehicles
811.210
Failure to properly use safety belts
811.215
Exemptions from safety belt requirements
811.220
Certificates of exemption from safety belt requirement
811.225
Failure to maintain safety belts in working order
811.230
Definitions
811.231
Reckless endangerment of highway workers
811.232
Refusing to obey flagger
811.233
Failure to yield right of way to highway worker
811.235
Fine for traffic offenses in school zones
811.250
Law applicable to vehicles registered out of state
811.255
Permitting unlawful operation of vehicle
811.260
Appropriate driver responses to traffic control devices
811.265
Driver failure to obey traffic control device
811.270
Failure to obey one-way designation
811.275
Failure to yield right of way at uncontrolled intersection
811.277
Failure to yield right of way at uncontrolled T intersection
811.280
Failure of driver entering roadway to yield right of way
811.285
Failure of merging driver to yield right of way
811.290
Obstructing cross traffic
811.292
Failure to yield right of way within roundabout
811.295
Failure to drive on right
811.300
Failure to drive on right of approaching vehicle
811.305
Driving on left on curve or grade or at intersection or rail crossing
811.310
Crossing center line on two-way, four-lane road
811.315
Failure of slow driver to drive on right
811.320
Failure to drive to right on divided highway
811.325
Failure to keep camper, trailer or truck in right lane
811.330
Driving wrong way around traffic island
811.335
Unlawful or unsignaled turn
811.340
Improperly executed left turn
811.345
Failure to use special left turn lane
811.346
Misuse of special left turn lane
811.350
Dangerous left turn
811.355
Improperly executed right turn
811.360
Vehicle turns permitted at stop light
811.365
Illegal U-turn
811.370
Failure to drive within lane
811.375
Unlawful or unsignaled change of lane
811.380
Improper use of center lane on three-lane road
811.385
Depriving motorcycle or moped of full lane
811.390
Unlawful use of lights to signal for passing
811.395
Appropriate signals for stopping, turning, changing lanes and decelerating
811.400
Failure to use appropriate signal for turn, lane change, stop or exit from roundabout
811.405
Failure to signal with lights
811.410
Unsafe passing on left
811.415
Unsafe passing on right
811.420
Passing in no passing zone
811.425
Failure of slower driver to yield to overtaking vehicle
811.430
Driving on highway divider
811.435
Operation of motor vehicle on bicycle trail
811.440
When motor vehicles may operate on bicycle lane
811.445
Use of throughway when prohibited
811.450
Violation of posted truck routes
811.455
Failure to stop for railroad signal
811.460
Failure to follow rail crossing procedures for high-risk vehicles
811.462
Failure of operator of commercial motor vehicle to slow down and check tracks
811.465
Exemptions from high-risk vehicle rail crossing procedures
811.470
Improper movement of heavy equipment across rail crossing
811.475
Obstructing rail crossing
811.480
Illegal backing
811.482
Use of marijuana in motor vehicle
811.483
Safety corridors
811.485
Following too closely
811.490
Improper opening or leaving open of vehicle door
811.492
Engine braking
811.495
Unlawful coasting on downgrade
811.500
Unlawful stop or deceleration
811.505
Failure to stop when emerging from alley, driveway or building
811.507
Operating motor vehicle while using mobile electronic device
811.508
Distracted driving avoidance course
811.510
Dangerous operation around livestock
811.512
Unlawfully operating low-speed vehicle on highway
811.513
Unlawfully operating medium-speed electric vehicle on highway
811.514
Unlawfully operating racing activity vehicle on highway
811.515
When lights must be displayed
811.520
Unlawful use or failure to use lights
811.525
Exemptions from requirements for use of lights
811.526
Safety campaign for use of headlights
811.530
Failure to post warnings for disabled vehicle
811.535
Failing to obey police officer
811.540
Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer
811.550
Places where stopping, standing and parking prohibited
811.555
Illegal stopping, standing or parking
811.560
Exemptions from prohibitions on stopping, standing or parking
811.565
Dangerous movement of stopped, standing or parked vehicle
811.570
Improperly positioning parallel parked vehicle
811.575
Violation of posted parking restrictions on state highways
811.580
Parking vehicle on state highway for vending purposes
811.585
Failure to secure motor vehicle
811.587
Unlawful parking in space reserved for alternative fuel vehicle refueling
811.590
Unlawful parking in winter recreation parking area
811.595
Winter recreation parking permit
811.600
Fees for winter recreation parking permits
811.602
Disabled person parking permit
811.603
Parking identification card without photograph
811.604
Application for disabled person parking permit
811.605
Contents of individual placard or decal
811.606
Parking permit for person with temporary disability
811.607
Program placards
811.609
Family placards
811.611
Foreign visitor placard
811.612
Maintenance of privileges after relocation
811.613
Wheelchair User placard
811.615
Unlawful parking in space reserved for persons with disabilities
811.616
Oregon Wounded Warrior placard
811.617
Blocking parking space reserved for persons with disabilities
811.620
Removal of vehicle illegally parked in space reserved for persons with disabilities
811.625
Unlawful use of disabled person parking permit
811.627
Use of invalid disabled person parking permit
811.628
Invalidation of disabled person parking permit
811.630
Misuse of program placard
811.632
Appointment of volunteers to issue citations
811.635
Privileges granted by disabled person parking permit other than program placard
811.637
Privileges granted by program placards
811.700
Failure to perform duties of driver when property is damaged
811.705
Failure to perform duties of driver to injured persons
811.706
Money damages resulting from violation of ORS 811.700 or 811.705
811.707
Crime classification for violation of ORS 811.705
811.710
Failure to perform duties of driver when animal is injured
811.715
Failure to perform duties of witness to accident
811.717
Failure to remove motor vehicle from roadway
811.720
When accident must be reported to Department of Transportation
811.725
Driver failure to report accident to Department of Transportation
811.730
Owner failure to report accident to Department of Transportation
811.735
Failure of vehicle occupant to make accident report to Department of Transportation
811.740
False accident report
811.745
When accident must be reported to police officer or law enforcement agency
811.747
Definitions for ORS 811.748 and 811.750
811.748
Driver failure to report accident to police officer or law enforcement agency
811.750
Failure of vehicle occupant to make accident report to police officer or law enforcement agency
811.800
Operation of funeral vehicles with improper lights
811.802
Failure to yield right of way to funeral procession
811.804
Intersection rules for funeral processions
811.806
Exceeding maximum speed for funeral procession
811.808
Exemption from speed limits for funeral escort vehicle
811.810
Disrupting funeral procession
811.812
Free passage for funeral procession vehicles
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