City of Talent Police Department

Home
United States
Talent, OR
City of Talent Police Department

The official page for the City of Talent Police Department. This page is not monitored 24/7 and is not intended for reporting criminal activity.

06/16/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Oregon

We get it—motorcycles are nimble and traffic can be frustrating. But Oregon law is clear: lane splitting is illegal.

Motorcyclists must ride within their designated lane. Passing other vehicles between lanes, on the shoulder, or weaving through stopped traffic is a violation and puts everyone at risk.

We know California allows lane splitting under certain conditions—but Oregon is not California. (We prefer our chaos a little more organized.)

If you're on two wheels, ride safe and smart. If you're in four, double-check your blind spots and give motorcyclists room.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): 814.400, 814.320

06/09/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Unattended Children or Animals in Vehicles

Leaving a child or animal alone in a vehicle isn’t just dangerous—it can be a crime.
In Oregon, leaving a child under 10 unattended in a vehicle (without someone 14 or older present) is child neglect. If an officer finds the child in distress or in unsafe conditions, criminal charges may follow—even if you were just “running in for a minute.”

Animals are protected too. Leaving a pet in a vehicle during extreme temperatures or without adequate ventilation can result in animal cruelty or neglect charges. Bystanders are even allowed to take lawful steps to enter a vehicle if they believe a child or animal is in imminent danger.

Roll down windows? Doesn’t cut it.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): 811.200, 163.545 (Child Neglect), 167.310–167.340 (Animal Laws)

06/02/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws – Midblock & Yielding

Whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot, knowing pedestrian laws is key. Oregon law says drivers must stop and remain stopped for any pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk until the pedestrian has cleared the driver’s lane and the adjacent lane.

Yes, that includes midblock crosswalks—not just intersections. And no, you don’t get to roll through because you’re “just turning.”

If a pedestrian steps off the curb with the intent to cross, drivers must stop. It’s not optional, and failing to yield carries a hefty fine—and potentially tragic consequences.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): 811.028, 811.020

05/27/2026

Interested in a career in law enforcement? Join us this Friday at Ethos Training Center at 4414 S. Pacific Hwy, in Phoenix.

05/26/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Yellow Lights

Let’s talk about the misunderstood middle child of the traffic light family: the yellow light.

In Oregon, a steady yellow light means your right-of-way is ending. You must stop, unless it is unsafe to do so. This is clearly defined in ORS 811.260 and ORS 811.265.
Signal timing on roads like Highway 99, where Talent’s few signalized intersections are located, is based on the posted speed limit. If you’re driving attentively and legally, you’ll have enough time to stop safely when the light turns yellow.

There’s no need to guess or gamble. If you can stop, the law expects you to stop. Rushing through a yellow is not only unsafe—it’s a common cause of crashes.

Bottom line: Yellow means stop. Not slow down-and-hope. Not hurry-up. Just stop, unless stopping would cause a crash.

For more information, see ORS 811.260 and ORS 811.265.

05/19/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Accessory Light Use

We know customizing your ride is part of the fun—but there are rules when it comes to lights on your vehicle. Oregon law spells out when, where, and how accessory and aftermarket lighting can be used. Here's how to stay lit... legally.

A Few Bright Ideas (And Legal Requirements):

● Parking lights alone aren’t enough in limited visibility. If it’s dark, foggy, or raining—your headlights must be on too.

● High beams must be dimmed when:

○ You’re within 500 feet of oncoming traffic.

○ You’re within 350 feet of a vehicle you’re following.

● You may not drive with more than four lights illuminated on the front of your vehicle. Each light must emit less than 300 candlepower.

● No light (other than headlights) may emit more than 300 candlepower, unless you're operating under special circumstances.

● No white lights facing the rear, except when backing. No red lights facing forward, ever.

● Fog lights must be white, amber, or yellow only.

● Flashing lights (other than your turn signals, hazard lights, or specific headlight systems) are prohibited.

● Covers must be removed when operating the vehicle.

● Blue lights? Those are for emergency vehicles. No exceptions for mood lighting.

And one more: Don’t mount auxiliary lights above 54 inches if you plan to use them on the road. This isn’t a monster truck rally.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS):
811.515, 816.130, 816.230, 816.040, 816.300, 816.350, 816.360

05/18/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Talent Police Department are reminding drivers to buckle up as the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign begins. This national high-visibility enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 18 through May 31, 2026.A ticket is inconvenient. A crash is life changing. Buckle your seat belt every time. Click It or Ticket.

05/12/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Operation of an Unsafe Vehicle

It’s not just about having a car — it’s about having a car that’s safe to drive.
In Oregon, it’s a violation to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway if it's in unsafe condition and poses a danger to others. It’s also unlawful to cause or knowingly permit a vehicle to be driven in that condition. Your safety, your passengers’ safety, and the safety of others depends on a roadworthy vehicle.

What to check before driving:

● Tires: Replace them if they’re worn, dry-rotted, bubbled, or have low tread. Check with your tire professional for minimum safe standards.

● Mechanical Systems: Brakes, rotors, steering, and suspension should be routinely maintained and functioning properly.

● Airbags and Wipers: You must have undeployed airbags and functioning windshield wipers (yes, it’s a thing — and yes, we see it).

● Dashboard Lights: If your warning lights are flashing, don’t ignore them. Get your vehicle checked by a certified mechanic.

If something isn’t right, don’t just hope for the best — get it fixed before hitting the road. You are legally responsible for the condition of any vehicle you drive, even if you don’t own it.

Driving an unsafe vehicle endangers everyone — including you — and could lead to civil and criminal consequences.

Applicable ORS: 815.130, 815.215, 815.030, 815.020

05/07/2026

UPDATE,: Roadway has been cleared.

Road Closure at Colver Road and N Pacific Hwy while logs are removed from the roadway.

05/06/2026

***UPDATED 5/12/2026--Subject Located***

Address

Talent, OR
97540

Telephone

+15415351253

Website

http://www.cityoftalent.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when City of Talent Police Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to City of Talent Police Department:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Talent?