Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Oregon Senate votes (yet again) to let cabbies use hand-held phones while driving

Should they be allowed to use phones while driving?(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland) For the second legislative session in a row, the Oregon Senate has voted in favor of a bill that would allow taxicab operators to use hand-held cell phones while driving. Oregon’s existing cell phone law (ORS 811.507) permits the use of hands-free mobile … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Oregon Senate says cab drivers should be exempt from cell phone law

“These are people who are struggling and their livings are made by whether or not they can pick folks up… This is their life.”— Sen. Larry George, the bill’s sponsor The Oregon legislature made a strange move on Monday that is very likely to make Portland roads less safe for everyone. By a vote of … Read more


Legal in “frontier counties”? Changes proposed for Oregon’s cell phone law

On a rural road in a “frontier” county this would be perfectly legal if HB 2507 passes.(Photo © J. Maus) In 2009, the Oregon State Legislature passed a law (ORS 811.507) that makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving (hands-free headsets are allowed). The law was great news for traffic safety … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

By one vote in the Senate, Oregon finally moves to curtail cell phones while driving

“The use of cell phones is increasing so much that we have to get a handle on it now.”— Ginny Burdick (D-Portland) After several years of trying, the Oregon Legislature has passed a law that will make the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle illegal. House bill 2377, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn … Read more