Skip to content
ImNotAnAttorney logo

Oregon DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Oregon

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Oregon (OR) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

Lifetime

Prior offenses count within

⚠

10 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

Oregon gives you 10 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

First Offense Penalties in Oregon

Jail TimeUp to 1 year
Fines$1,000 – $6,250
License Suspension1 year
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Required for 1 year after suspension

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Oregon has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

1-year license suspension + mandatory IID for 2 years

Oregon-Specific Detail

Oregon uses a lifetime lookback and has some of the highest base fines for first-offense DUI in the nation ($1,000–$6,250). A diversion program may be available for first offenders.

Is your Oregon DUI defense on track?

The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Oregon DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Oregon defense topics

Facing a different charge in Oregon? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in OregonAssault in OregonDomestic Violence in Oregon

Important: This page provides general legal information about Oregon DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Oregon-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.