Oregon Vulnerable Roadway User law

Oregon’s Vulnerable Roadway User (VRU) Law is not a stand-alone law. It is an enhanced penalty that can be levied when a driver violates Oregon’s Careless Driving law and in doing so causes physical injury to, or the death of, a vulnerable roadway user.

A vulnerable roadway user is defined in Oregon law as:

1. A pedestrian;

2. A highway worker;

3. A person riding an animal; or

4. A person operating any of the following on a public way, crosswalk, or shoulder of the highway:

5. A farm tractor or implement of husbandry;

6. A skateboard;

7. Roller skates

8. In-line skates;

9. A scooter; or

10. A bicycle.

If a person drives carelessly, meaning in a manner that endangers or would be likely to endanger ANY person or property then they can be charged with violation or ORS 811.135 with the VRU enhancement.The enhancement allows a court to sentence the driver to complete a traffic safety course and perform up to 200 hours of community service related to driver improvement.If the driver fails to perform the sentence the court is allowed to levy a fine of up to $12,500 and suspend the driver’s license for one year.

Charley Gee is a Portland personal injury lawyer.He focuses his practice on the representation of injured bicyclists and pedestrians in the Pacific Northwest.

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