Beaverton Red Light Cameras... Confused... (Portland, Cedar Hills: DMV, law, legal)

[jasper09]

I recently moved to Oregon from TX and was in Beaverton today. I was at the intersection at Walker and Cedar Hills Blvd and was in the right hand turning lane coming off of Walker and turning right onto Cedar Hills.

Not knowing the laws on red light cameras, and having cars behind me, I made a right turn on the red light. Will I get a ticket for this?

I am trying to play things back in my head... pretty sure I stopped all the way, but not 100% positive. Also pretty sure I stopped behind the line, but then again, not 100% sure on that either. Don't want a $300 ticket!!

Do these things always flash? I mean... would I know if I had gotten a ticket?

Ugghh...

[malachai23]

Now I'm no police officer or lawyer, and I wasn't there to see exactly what happened, but I can pretty much guarantee you that you will see a flash if the camera gets you (at least I have seen my flashes in the past! LOL!). And it *is* legal to turn right on a red in Oregon (after a complete stop, of course, and if it doesn't say "no turn on red"). I don't *think* those red light cameras are set up at an angle to zap people turning onto sidestreets or crossstreets, rather they are set up at an angle to catch people going through the intersection (straight). Like I said - don't take this to be 100% swear-on-the-bible truth, but I think you will be just fine. I wouldn't personally be worried if I were you.

[Smiled]

No. Right turns after stopping are allowed on a red light. No worries.
Also, you may turn left onto a one-way street on red after stopping, also.

Do watch out for Beaverton's radar van, though - Western Ave is a common location.

[tablemtn]

The state of Oregon has no generalized law against turning right on a red light, provided you come to a full stop before making the turn. In order to make such a turn illegal, the city, state, or county must post a sign indicating that the intersection is an exception to the general rule.

[jasper09]

Thanks for the comments... Are the speed vans obvious? Does Portland have them as well? I haven't changed my plates over at the DMV yet... assuming I get one of these tickets at some point, will the forward I put in with USPS get the ticket to me?

[TechmanOR]

There are a few places marked "no right turn on red", but unless specified otherwise, it is legal AFAIK.

If you're driving in downtown Portland, it's wise not to make left on red on one-ways at all though. Very recently, they started making many 1-way i.sections "no turn on left", but not all, so it's very confusing.

[thomas Schwerdt]

hOW DO THEY KNOW IF YOU CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP OR IF YOU STOPPED 4 OR 5 FT BACK?

[hamellr]

Don't worry about it, you're cool. The light flash is VERY noticeable, although I think that one is broken as I have not seen it flash in nearly three years, even though I've seen blatant running of the red light by some.

The vans are noticeable. They have a sign 150 yards or so before the van itself. But, simply pay attention to the speed signs and you'll be fine. Oh, and don't go 40 mph down a residential street.