Oregon · Handbook chapter 4 · 4 min read

Oregon following distance (2 to 4 seconds, 4 or more above 30 mph), side and rear space, backing, stopping distances, curves, lane changes, passing rules, no-passing zones, freeways, ramp meters and towing.

Why this chapter matters

Most crashes happen when a driver has no time or room to react. The manual gives specific figures for following distance and stopping distance, and clear rules for passing and freeways.

Following distance

• A safe following distance is 2 to 4 seconds. Above 30 mph, keep 4 seconds or more.
• To check, note when the car ahead passes a sign or pole and count. If you reach it in less than two seconds, you are too close.
• When you stop behind a vehicle, you should see where its rear tires meet the road.

Leave more space on wet or slippery roads, behind bicycles and motorcycles, behind large vehicles, when towing or loaded, in bad weather or darkness, on hills, while learning, in work zones, and when someone wants to pass you.

Side and rear space

• Do not ride alongside other vehicles on multi-lane roads; drop back or move ahead.
• Drive in the center of your lane, and keep away from parked cars, whose doors may open.
• Make room for traffic entering the freeway.
• If someone tailgates you, move right if you can, or slow down gradually. Never brake hard to warn a tailgater.

Backing and stopping

• To back up, turn your body and look through the rear window; mirrors do not show everything.
• Stopping distance depends on the road, weather, vehicle weight, your reaction and your brakes. At 60 mph, it is longer than a football field.

Curves and lane changes

Slow down before a curve, using the advisory speed plate as a guide. Stay right of center, and speed up gradually as you leave the curve.

Before changing lanes: signal, check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder in the direction you are moving to check your blind spot. Avoid driving in other drivers' blind spots.

Passing

• On a two-lane road, pass only on the left, beginning after a passing zone starts and finishing before a no-passing zone.
• It is against the law to exceed the speed limit, including while passing.
• Check mirrors and your blind spot, signal, pass quickly, and return when you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
• When in doubt, stay in your lane.

Do not cross the center line to pass

• In a no-passing zone, or if you cannot return before one starts.
• On a hill or curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
• At or near an intersection or railroad crossing.
• When the vehicle ahead is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian.

You may cross the center line in a no-passing zone only if the right side is blocked or you are turning left.

Passing on the right

Only when the vehicle ahead is turning left and you can pass without leaving the pavement or using a bike lane, or on a road with two or more lanes your way when the other vehicle is in the left lane.

Being passed

Stay right and adjust your speed so the passer can get back in. The law forbids using your hands or flashing lights to tell drivers when to pass.

Freeways

• Keep a steady speed, do not weave, and do not exceed the limit to keep up with traffic. Slower drivers use the right lane.
• Entering: use the ramp to build speed, yield to freeway traffic, check mirrors and blind spots, and merge.
• Ramp meters: one vehicle goes on each green. Do not stop at a dark ramp meter.
• Wrong way: if you see DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY, pull to the side of the ramp, turn on hazards, then turn around or back off the ramp carefully.
• Leaving: signal early, keep your speed until you are on the ramp, then slow to the advisory speed. If you miss your exit, take the next one. Never stop or back up on a freeway.
• Breakdowns: move to the right shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay in or near the car on the side away from traffic.
• If traffic slows ahead, tap your brake pedal several times to warn drivers behind.

Large vehicles and towing

If traffic stacks up behind your motor home or trailer, pull off at the first safe turnout. Passengers may not ride in most trailers. You may tow only one trailer or vehicle behind a passenger vehicle; fines start at up to $1,000 for a first offense.