No, as a general rule, Oregon’s major interstate freeways do not have fixed speed cameras.

However, the answer isn’t a simple “no.” Oregon has very specific and strict laws governing the use of automated photo enforcement. While you won’t find permanent speed cameras lining the main stretches of I-5 or I-84, there are specific situations and locations where you absolutely can and will encounter them. Understanding these exceptions is crucial for every driver.

2. Understanding Oregon Law: The Rules for Photo Radar

Oregon generally prohibits the use of automated cameras for speed enforcement on its state highways. However, state law carves out specific exceptions to this rule.

The most significant law, House Bill 2621 (passed in 2015), grants the City of Portland the authority to install fixed speed cameras, but only on city-owned streets that have been identified as “high-crash corridors.” This law does not apply to state-managed interstate freeways. A separate law allows for the use of mobile photo radar in designated work zones on state highways, including interstates.

3. Where You WILL Find Speed Cameras in Oregon

Knowing where to expect speed enforcement cameras is key.

• Portland’s High Crash Corridors: The City of Portland uses fixed speed cameras as part of its “Vision Zero” program to reduce traffic fatalities. These cameras are located on busy city streets with a history of severe crashes, not on the freeways themselves. As of 2025, locations include major arterials such as:
  • SE Division Street
  • 122nd Avenue
  • SE Stark Street
  • SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway
  • Marine Drive The city continues to add new cameras, so it’s wise to be alert on any major Portland street.
• Work Zones: This is the primary exception for freeways. State law does permit the use of mobile photo radar vans in designated construction and work zones on any state highway, including I-5 and I-84. These vans are operated by uniformed police officers.
• Other Cities with Photo Radar: Several other cities in Oregon, such as Beaverton, Gresham, and Medford, are also authorized to use photo radar on their city streets, following strict legal guidelines.

4. What About on Major Freeways like I-5 or I-84?

To be perfectly clear: there are no permanent, fixed speed cameras on the main stretches of major Oregon interstate freeways like I-5, I-84, or Highway 26.

The only time you will encounter automated speed enforcement on these freeways is within the boundaries of a clearly marked work zone, where a mobile photo radar van may be present.

5. How Do You Know You’re Entering a Speed Camera Zone?

You will not be caught by surprise. Oregon law requires that drivers be clearly warned before entering a photo-enforced zone.

• Warning Signs: You must be alerted by at least two prominent signs before reaching the camera. These signs will typically say “Traffic Laws Photo Enforced.”
• Speed Display: In mobile photo radar zones (like work zones), there must also be a sign that displays your vehicle’s current speed as you approach the enforcement van.

6. Speed Camera Tickets vs. Getting Pulled Over: What’s the Difference?

Receiving a photo radar ticket is a different experience than a traditional traffic stop.

• How They Are Issued: The ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within several business days of the violation. The owner is legally responsible unless they submit a “Certificate of Innocence” identifying who was actually driving.
• Fines and Penalties: Fines are comparable to a standard speeding ticket issued by an officer. In Oregon, a photo radar speeding ticket is treated as a traffic violation.
• Insurance and Driving Record: Unlike many states, a conviction from a photo radar ticket in Oregon is reported to the DMV and can impact your insurance rates, just like a regular speeding ticket.

7. Traffic Cameras vs. Speed Cameras: An Important Distinction

This is a major point of confusion for many drivers. The hundreds of cameras you see on poles and overhead structures along Oregon’s freeways are not speed cameras.

Feature	ODOT Traffic Monitoring Cameras	Photo Enforcement Speed Cameras
Purpose	To monitor traffic flow, weather, and road conditions in real-time.	To capture evidence of speeding violations.
Appearance	Often dome-shaped or small box cameras on tall poles.	Typically larger, boxy cameras aimed at traffic lanes, often with a visible flash unit.
Issues Tickets?	No. They are for observation only.	Yes. Their sole purpose is to issue citations.

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These Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) cameras provide the live feeds you see on news reports and on their official traveler information website.

• Helpful Link: You can view these live traffic cameras yourself on the ODOT TripCheck website.

8. Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Oregon Drivers

While the idea of speed cameras on freeways can be concerning, the reality in Oregon is quite specific. You can drive the main stretches of I-5, I-84, and other interstates with the knowledge that there are no fixed speed cameras waiting for you. However, this rule changes the moment you enter a work zone.

Driver’s Checklist: Key Takeaways

• [✔] Freeways are generally clear: No fixed speed cameras on the main lines of I-5, I-84, etc.
• [✔] Watch for Work Zones: This is the one place on a freeway you might find a mobile photo radar van. Slow down and be alert.
• [✔] City Streets are Different: Expect to see fixed speed cameras on major, high-crash streets within cities like Portland and Beaverton.
• [✔] Look for the Signs: You will always be warned by multiple signs before entering a photo-enforced zone.
• [✔] Don’t Confuse Cameras: The cameras you see everywhere on freeways are for monitoring traffic, not issuing tickets.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to drive safely and obey the posted speed limits everywhere. This not only keeps you safe from any type of ticket but also contributes to the safety of everyone on the road.