Bill > HB4137

This bill amends existing law regarding how individuals respond to traffic violation citations, specifically by adding a new provision to ORS 153.061. Previously, individuals cited for a traffic violation had to appear in court or respond in a prescribed manner. Now, if a defendant has already transferred their ownership interest in the motor vehicle described in the citation *before* the citation was issued, and they can prove this transfer to the Department of Transportation (as required by ORS 803.112) and are therefore exempt from liability under ORS 803.117, they are not required to make a first appearance in court. Instead, they can notify the court of the transfer within 30 days of receiving the citation, along with a sworn statement confirming the transfer and their exemption from liability, and the court will dismiss the citation. This change applies to conduct occurring on or after the bill's effective date.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4137