Oregon State Police Tows Vehicles Under Senate Bill 780 Enforcement
On June 25, 2026, Oregon State Police impounded seven vehicles across Hood River and Wasco counties, leveraging the authority of Senate Bill 780. This legislation, enacted in 2023, empowers officers to tow vehicles operated by individuals with suspended or revoked licenses, or those driving illegally, such as without the mandated insurance coverage.
The enforcement activity, detailed in the Oregon State Police media desk log, commenced at 4:09 p.m. near Hood River and concluded at 9:30 p.m. in Wasco County. In several cases, law enforcement identified drivers with suspended licenses, with multiple citations also issued for lack of insurance.
A notable occurrence during these operations happened at 7:42 p.m. on Highway 30 near Mosier, where two drivers were simultaneously stopped. Both were found with suspended licenses, and one vehicle lacked insurance. As directed by Senate Bill 780, both vehicles were towed by River's Edge Towing.
Vehicle owners must adhere to Oregon's regulatory compliance requirements to retrieve an impounded vehicle. This includes providing proof of retrieval by a licensed driver and settling all administrative, towing, and storage fees, which can sometimes exceed the vehicle’s value.
The presence of uninsured drivers presents significant financial risks within the insurance market. The Insurance Research Council reported in 2023 that around 14.7% of Oregon drivers lacked insurance, emphasizing the importance of uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage offsets financial impacts on insured drivers involved in accidents with uninsured motorists, often leading to higher premiums.
On the day in question, six individuals were cited for driving with suspended or revoked licenses, while another was found without a valid license. Charges for operating without insurance were also issued to several, with those cited hailing from Tigard, Pine Grove, Tygh Valley, and The Dalles.
These enforcement actions underscore the application of Senate Bill 780 in deterring unauthorized driving and ensuring compliance with Oregon's driving laws. As enforcement continues, drivers without proper credentials or insurance face immediate vehicle impoundment and the associated financial obligations of retrieval.