Traffic Laws
Cop Lingo
Movies - Fact or Fiction
Famous Cases
100

What is the speed in a school zone?

20mph

100

B.O.L.O.

Be on the lookout 

100

Fact or Fiction: Detectives can get DNA results back in just a few hours.

Fiction – In reality, DNA testing can take days weeks or even months depending on the lab backlog and type of crime.

100

The 1995 “Trial of the Century” involved this former football star.

O.J Simpson

200

True or false - a driver must stop at a yellow light.

TRUE (ORS 811.260)

A driver facing a steady circular yellow signal light is thereby warned that the related right of way is being terminated and that a red or flashing red light will be shown immediately. A driver facing the light shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, shall stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. If a driver cannot stop in safety, the driver may drive cautiously through the intersection.

200

What is meant by an officer's "beat"

Their patrol area/district

200

Fact or Fiction: Police must read you your Miranda rights the moment you’re arrested.

Fiction – Miranda rights are required only before interrogation, not automatically at arrest.

300

Prior to changing lanes, a person must signal how far in advance?

Not less than 100 feet.

(ORS 811.335)

300

If an officer is responding "Code 3" to a call, it means they are...

Driving with lights and sirens, and responding as fast as (safely) possible.

300

Fact or Fiction: Polygraph (lie detector) tests are reliable enough to prove guilt in court.

Fiction – They’re not admissible in most courts because they’re not scientifically reliable.

400

The minimum age to operate an e-bike in Oregon is...


16 years old.

400

DUII stands for...

Driving under the influence of intoxicants.

400

Fact or Fiction: Police can lie to suspects during an interrogation.

Fact – It’s legal in the U.S. for police to use deception during questioning.

500

For people under 18 years old... Who may ride in the vehicle during the first 6 months? Bonus points - who can ride in the second 6 months?

ORS 807.122

"For the first six months after issuance of the license, the holder of the license may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying a passenger under 20 years of age who is not a member of the holder’s immediate family. For the second six months, the holder of the license may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying more than three passengers who are under 20 years of age and who are not members of the holder’s immediate family."

500

What does it mean when an officer makes this gesture?


Code 4 - the scene is safe, and things are under control

500

Fact or Fiction - It’s illegal to record someone in a public place (example - on the sidewalk) without asking their permission first.

Fiction – In Oregon (and most U.S. states), it’s generally legal to record video of people in public spaces where they have no reasonable expectation of privacy—like a park, sidewalk, or street.

500

This 1970s scandal, uncovered by Washington Post reporters, led to President Nixon’s resignation.

What is Watergate.