Horses and Livestock on the Road
ORS 814.150 — a rider raises a hand, and a driver has to stop
Every person riding, driving or leading an animal on a roadway is subject to the vehicle code's rules on equipment and operation, except those that by their nature cannot apply.
Who handles this in Oregon: Oregon State Bar Legal Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Oregon directory.
| Who | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| WhoA rider or someone leading a horse | What the law requiresMust keep a lookout for vehicles and keep the animal under control, and if it gets frightened, signals an approaching driver by raising a hand |
| WhoSomeone moving a herd | What the law requiresMust have a person at the front of the herd to warn drivers, and open the road to traffic with reasonable care |
| WhoA driver | What the law requiresMust use caution passing a rider or a herd, yield to livestock being driven on the highway, and stop at a raised hand, turning off the engine if asked |
Both sections cover horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, swine, sheep and goats, and breaking either is a Class B traffic violation. A particular ticket is a question for a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- ORS 814.150 — Failure to perform duties of person in charge of livestock on highway
- ORS 811.510 — Dangerous operation around livestock
- ORS 814.140 — Application of vehicle laws to animal on roadway
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.