Scanners legal in Oregon?

[Window_Seat]

I just did a search for this topic and came up with nothing. I'm driving to Portland area, and would like to know if there is anything in the ORS related to scanners being legal/illegal. I checked with some of the other sites, and haven't found anything (yet).

Erik.

 

[rcluster]

I just did a search for this topic and came up with nothing. I'm driving to Portland area, and would like to know if there is anything in the ORS related to scanners being legal/illegal. I checked with some of the other sites, and haven't found anything (yet).

Erik.

Here is where I usually go to investigate this question:

Mobile Scanner & RADAR Detector Laws In The U.S.

Link on the left side of page to State Scanner Laws.

I've been an Oregon resident all of my 50+ years and am not aware of any restrictions on mobile scanner use, other than the normal one about using a scanner in the commission of a crime. So, provided you're not heading to Portland to engage in a crime spree of some type, I'd say you're fine. <grin>

 

[OregonScanner]

The Oregon cell phone law ORS 811.507 says that a “Mobile communication device means a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication."

A scanner does not meet the definition of a "mobile communication device" since it only receives voice communication and so it should be OK to listen to one while driving. I do and I've never been pulled over for it.

There is a subsection of the law that says it is illegal to listen to a mobile communications device with a function set to only receive one way voice communication. Since a scanner doesn't meet the definition of a mobile communications device, this section can't apply to a scanner.

 

[mikepdx]

Scanners legal in Oregon?

- Yes.