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Traffic Safety

Learn about different programs and find resources to file traffic complaints and concerns.

Traffic concerns are a high priority for our staff as driving illegally can be dangerous and pose a serious safety risk for our community members. We invite you to explore our programs and teams established to enhance the safety of our streets.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Additional questions can be directed via email to our Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant.

File a traffic complaint

We recognize that one of the top concerns from community members is traffic on neighborhood streets. To better respond to traffic problems in your neighborhood, you may report traffic complaints online:   

File a Traffic Complaint

This program allows community members to alert us to potential traffic problems within areas serviced by the Sheriff’s Office. Such complaints could include drivers who repeatedly disobey a stop sign at an intersection, failure to slow down in school zones, or routine speeding in a particular area. Please include the time of day when the problem most often occurs to assign your complaint efficiently.   

To address concerns about signs, speed bumps, or traffic patterns, contact the Land Use and Transportation (LUT) Department at 503-846-ROAD (7623), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm,or via their online reporting tool. 

For information specific to reducing speed and cut-through traffic in your neighborhood, visit LUT’s Neighborhood Streets Program (NSP)

Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit

Deputy at roadside stop

Our Traffic Safety Unit is dedicated to promoting and improving traffic safety through education, analysis, and enforcement. This unit’s success is accomplished by incorporating members of the Motorcycle Team, the Motor Carrier Team, designated Traffic Cars, radar trailers, and other speed recording devices. 

Motorcycle Team

Deputies on the Motorcycle Team focus on moving traffic violations to prevent crashes as they can navigate traffic easier than patrol cars. They can see more violations, such as drivers texting or talking on their cell phones since the rider sits more upright and higher than deputies in cars.

To elevate their success, motor deputies are responsible for the following:

  • Improving neighborhood livability and safety by proactively responding to traffic complaints in their assigned beats.
  • Complete extensive training, including a two-week Basic Police Motor School.
  • Participate in on going training every month to maintain their skills and competency. 

Traffic Car Deputies

Traffic Car deputies focus specifically on enforcing traffic laws, responding to traffic collisions, and handling specific traffic-related complaints from community members. There are two traffic positions dedicated to driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) detection and enforcement. 

Motor Carrier Team

Motor Carrier Officers(MCO) play a critical role in keeping our roadways safe. They patrol the county for commercial vehicles and make sure they're meeting all the required safety regulations.

Radar Trailer Deployment 

The team also deploys radar trailers in neighborhoods, school zones, construction zones, and other locations to help promote speed limit compliance. An unstaffed radar trailer is a portable, self-contained speed display unit towed to the desired location. Once deployed, it displays the speeds of oncoming vehicles on a highly visible LED display and can record the speed data for analysis. A speed limit sign mounted on the unit reminds drivers of the speed limit. Radar trailers are well-received by the public and allow drivers to see how fast they are actually going and remind them to slow down without receiving a citation. 

Dear Motorist Program

At times, our community members may witness a driving violation when a patrol deputy is not around to make a traffic stop. The “Dear Motorist” program allows the witness to share the observed violation with our office to then send a letter, signed by the Sheriff, to the registered owner of the infracting vehicle. This letter outlines the violation and requests the vehicle driver to abide by appropriate driving standards. The primary goal of the "Dear Motorist" program is to remind our neighbors to be more cautious on the road and promote safety.

To request a “Dear Motorist” letter or for additional information, contact our Records Office at 503-846-2700 or in person at 215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR.

Information needed:

  • Vehicle’s license plate number (mandatory)
  • Vehicle description
  • Date/time
  • Location of the occurrence
  • Witnessed violation
  • Driver description

Examples of qualifying violations:

  • Failing to stop at a stop sign
  • Illegal parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities
  • Using a cellphone while driving
  • Failing to yield for pedestrians
  • Failing to yield to a school bus
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