Oregon · Handbook chapter 9 · 3 min read
Chapter 9: Impairment, insurance and crashes
Oregon DUII law, the 0.08 presumption, zero tolerance under 21, implied consent, open containers, medications and cannabis, mandatory insurance minimums, what to do after a collision, the 72-hour report and losing your driving privilege.
Why this chapter matters
Alcohol and drug laws, insurance and crash duties are part of every knowledge test. Learn the numbers: 0.08, any amount under 21, $25,000 / $50,000 / $20,000, $15,000 PIP, 72 hours and $2,500.
Impaired driving (DUII)
- Never drive after drinking alcohol or using other drugs. Alcohol is the most common, but cannabis impairment has also caused many Oregon crashes, and the two together are worse.
- At a BAC of 0.08 percent or more, Oregon law presumes you are impaired, but you can be arrested at a lower BAC.
- Oregon's DUII law covers any substance that impairs you, including over-the-counter and prescription medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Implied consent
By driving, you have agreed to a breath, blood or urine test when a police officer asks. Refusing can bring a fine and suspension.
- Under 21: you fail with any alcohol in your blood. Oregon has zero tolerance.
- 21 or older: you fail at 0.08 percent or more.
Open containers
It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on any road. A container is open if its seal is broken, even if recapped. Keep open containers in the trunk.
Health and hearing
Illness and some medical conditions can cause confusion, slow reactions or blackouts; ask your doctor. Do not wear headphones that block your hearing: you need to hear sirens, horns and your own car.
Mandatory insurance
Every vehicle must be insured for at least:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, one person | $25,000 per collision |
| Bodily injury, two or more people | $50,000 per collision |
| Property damage | $20,000 per collision |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 per person |
| Uninsured motorist | $25,000 per person, $50,000 per collision |
After a collision
The manual calls most crashes preventable, not accidents. If you are involved:
- Stop. If no one is hurt and the cars can move, get them out of the travel lanes; exchange details away from the scene.
- Help injured people, but never move them carelessly.
- Exchange your name, address, license number, plate number and insurance with the other driver, passengers and any injured pedestrian. If someone is killed or unconscious, stay until police arrive.
- File a DMV report (Form 735-32) within 72 hours if damage to your vehicle or to other property is over $2,500, if any vehicle has over $2,500 damage and is towed, or if anyone is hurt or killed. A police report does not replace this.
- If you hit an unattended vehicle, try to find the owner; if you cannot, leave a note with your name, address and what happened.
Losing your driving privilege
You can lose your privilege for DUII, failing to report a collision, driving uninsured, too many convictions under the Driver Improvement Program, or failing to pay court fines.
Frequently asked questions
What BAC does Oregon presume is impaired?
0.08 percent or more, but you can be arrested at a lower level. Drivers under 21 fail at any amount.
When must I file an accident report with Oregon DMV?
Within 72 hours if there is injury or death, or damage over $2,500 as the manual describes. A police report does not count as your report.
What are Oregon's minimum insurance amounts?
$25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more, $20,000 property damage, $15,000 PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.
Where should an open bottle of alcohol be kept?
In the trunk. An open container in the passenger area is illegal.
Based on the Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027 (Oregon DMV), Impaired Driving and Other Important Information.