Portland Speeding Camera Tickets: Payment Methods And Options

If you've been caught speeding by a camera in Portland, Oregon, you'll receive a packet of information explaining your options. You have several ways to resolve the citation: pay a fee to take a class and dismiss the citation; pay your citation online; enter a plea of no contest and send a letter of explanation; enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial; request a trial with written statements only; or, if you weren't the driver, submit a Certificate of Innocence.

Pay a fee to take a class and dismiss the citation

If you want to pay a fee to take a class and dismiss your citation, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You have not received a speeding ticket or any Failure to Obey a Traffic Controlled Device citation during the last three years. Out-of-state citations apply.
• You are a licensed driver with a legal driver's license.
• The citation was issued with your first and last name spelled correctly as they appear on your driver's license.
• You take the class at least 14 days before your court date.
• You have a working webcam on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
• You have an email address to receive notifications and class invite links.

The online class is available in Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Paradigm Driving Solutions/Oregon Driver Education Center (ODEC) is the official class provider. If you want to choose this option, sign up as soon as possible. Classes fill up quickly, and you will not be granted an extension if classes are full.

If you received a citation with a $170 fine, the class will cost $125. If you received a citation with a $270 fine, the class will cost $225. If you are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or OHP (Oregon Health Plan), you may be eligible for a class discount during registration.

Pay your citation online

If you have received a citation from a speed safety camera in Portland, you may be eligible to pay your citation online.

To pay your citation online, go to the Oregon Justice Department Courts ePay page. Here, you can pay your citation and the website will inform you if you are eligible for a reduced fine based on your driving history.

You may also be eligible to take a traffic safety class and have your citation dismissed. If you wish to choose this option, sign up as soon as possible as classes fill up quickly and you will not be granted an extension if they are full. You can check your eligibility by confirming the following:

• You have not received a speeding ticket or any Failure to Obey a Traffic-Controlled Device citation during the last three years. Out-of-state citations apply.
• You are a licensed driver with a legal driver's license.
• The citation was issued and spelled correctly with your first and last name as it appears on your driver's license.
• You take this class at least 14 days before your court date.
• You have a working webcam on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
• You have an email address to receive notifications and class invite links.

The online class is available in Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you received a citation with a $170 fine, the class will cost $125. If you received a citation with a $270 fine, the class will cost $225. If you are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or OHP (Oregon Health Plan), you may be eligible for a class discount during registration.

Enter a plea of no contest and send a letter of explanation

If you want to resolve a citation from a speed safety camera in Portland, one option is to enter a plea of no contest and send a letter of explanation. This option waives your right to a trial and is a written appearance. The court may consider your written statement when determining the fine amount.

To do this, you must:

• Sign and date OPTION 2 on your citation.
• Pay the full amount of the fine listed on your citation.
• Provide a written statement explaining the circumstances of the violation(s) charged.
• Mail or bring your citation to the Multnomah County Circuit Court, P.O. Box 114, Portland OR 97207 BEFORE the day and time your citation requires you to appear in court.

You may be able to get a discount based on your written statement.

Enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial

If you want to enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial, you must go to court on or before the day and time written on your citation. You can also enter a not guilty plea online.

You must submit a written request for a trial by signing and dating the relevant option on your citation and sending/bringing it to the court before the day and time you are required to appear. If you respond by mail, it must arrive before you are due to appear in court. The address is: Multnomah County Circuit Court, P.O. Box 114, Portland, OR 97207. More information can be found on your citation or by calling 503-221-0415.

If you are the registered owner of the car but someone else was driving, you will need to complete a Certificate of Innocence and mail it along with a photocopy of your driver's license. If you do not complete the Certificate of Innocence with accurate information, the citation will not be dismissed and you will be responsible for it. However, if the driver's license photo matches the violation photo, the citation will be reissued to you.

Request a trial with written statements only

If you have received a speeding ticket in Portland, Oregon, there are several options available to you. If you want to request a trial with written statements only, here's what you need to do:

• Contact the Court Promptly: Before the day and time that your citation requires you to appear in court, contact the court to determine if you qualify for a trial by affidavit. The number to call is 503-221-0415. If you have questions, you can also contact the Multnomah County Circuit Court: Portland 971-274-0545 or Gresham 971-274-0700.
• Understand the Criteria: The court will inform you if you meet the criteria for a trial with written statements only. This option typically means there will be no court appearance or testimony required.
• Prepare Your Written Statement: If you qualify for this option, the trial will be based on sworn, written statements. Your statement should include any relevant details about the incident, your driving history, and any mitigating circumstances.
• Potential Future Appearances: If the court accepts your request for a trial with written statements only, future court appearances may not be necessary. However, in some cases, there may be additional steps or appearances required, so be sure to clarify this with the court.
• Other Options: If you do not qualify for a trial with written statements only, or if the court does not offer this option, you will need to comply with one of the other options listed on your citation. These options may include paying the citation online, entering a plea, or requesting a different type of trial.

Remember to act promptly, as there are often time constraints associated with these processes. Carefully review all the information provided by the court and seek additional guidance if needed to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps to resolve your speeding camera ticket.

Frequently asked questions