Police Frequently Asked Questions
Are photo red light tickets more expensive than a regular ticket?
No. Photo red light tickets are the same cost as a ticket personally issued by an officer for failing to obey a traffic control device. This fee is currently set at $252-$355, depending on if an accident is the result of the violation or the violation takes place in a school zone.
Can Tualatin legally install photo red light?
Yes. HB2508 was passed. Photo red lights can be installed in any city regardless of population.
Do I need an alarm permit?
If you have any questions about alarm permits, please contact Tualatin Police Department at 503.691.4800. Or check the information on our Records page which includes the form you can print and send in.
Does photo red light work?
Yes. Local statistics show a reduction in injury crashes of more than 65% from the first year the system was installed and a decrease of almost 40% in red light running violations.
How can I find out about sex offenders in my area?
The Oregon State Police maintain the sex offender registry. For information utilize the Oregon Sex Offender Registration web site.
How can I get a copy of a police report?
The Police Services Unit provides copies of reports as required in accordance with the Oregon Public Records Law. Copies of reports may be requested by submitting a Records Request Form.
How do I find out if someone is in Jail?
The Tualatin Police Department does not have a facility to hold prisoners. Persons arrested are booked at the Tualatin Police Department and either cited and released or transported to the Washington County Jail.
How do I inquire about Found or Seized Property?
Please visit the Tualatin Police Departments Lost/Found property page. We make every attempt to keep this page current as we obtain items.
How do I reach an Officer to file a police report?
The Tualatin Police Department uses the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (Dispatch) to contact and send an officer to respond to citizens. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached at 503.629.0111.
What are the noise guidelines?
No person shall create or assist in creating or permit the continuance of unreasonable noise in the City of Tualatin. Including the following restrictions:
- Animal - Unreasonable noise which by loud and frequent or continued noise disturbs the comfort and repose of persons in the vicinity.
- Construction - Excavation, demolition, alteration or repair of a building other than between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm, except by special permit granted by the City.
- Audio - Any radio, tape player, compact disc player, phonograph, television, stereo, loudspeaker or amplifying device in such a manner as to be plainly audible at any time between 10 pm and 7 am the following day at a distance of 100 feet or more from the source of the sound. However, upon application from the City Council, permits may be granted.
- Vehicle - Using compression brakes on any motor vehicle, except to avoid imminent danger to persons or property.
What are the regulations for Car Safety Seats?
Buckle up your children safely. For guidelines and the location of an inspection station near you, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For questions about best practices recommendations, information about the Oregon Booster Law, and child safety systems call the Child Safety Seat Resource Center Clearinghouse at 1-800-772-1315. You can also find valuable information on the web at the Alliance for Community Traffic Safety.
In Oregon, the relevant statute requires that infants must ride rear facing until they are one year old and twenty pounds. Before children can ride forward facing, they must meet both of these benchmarks.
Once a child has reached a minimum of forty pounds they must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are eight years old or are taller than four feet nine inches.
After a child is age eight or older, or they are at least four feet nine inches they must be secured properly with the safety belt system. Please visit the links above for information on best-practices beyond what is required by the law.
What defines an Abandoned Vehicle?
Vehicles may be towed 24 hours after notice being provided under ORS 819.110 and ORS 819.170. If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, notify the Police department to tag it. To report a vehicle, call dispatch at 503.629.0111.
Under Tualatin Municipal Code 8-1.020, it is unlawful to park a vehicle, object or matter upon a public street within the city for more than a continuous 72-hour period without first obtaining a permit from the City Manager, Tualatin Municipal Code 8-1.020.
No person shall park a motor truck on a street between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day in front of or adjacent to a residence or apartment house. Tualatin Municipal Code 8-1.160.
What do I do if I receive a ticket?
Drivers are given the same rights with photo red light tickets as they are with any traffic violation. Drivers may respond by mail or appear in court. They may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
For more information on how to respond to photo red light tickets, please contact the City of Tualatin Municipal Court (503) 691-3025.
What if I receive a ticket in my name, but I wasn't driving my vehicle?
Included with every ticket is a Certificate of Innocence Form, which allows the registered owner to have the ticket dismissed if they are not the driver of the vehicle. If the person named as the registered owner fails to respond, a default judgement may be entered for failure to appear.
What if the light is yellow or green when I first enter the intersection?
Drivers will only be photographed and ticketed if they enter the intersection after the light turns red.
What is Curfew in Tualatin?
No minor shall be in or upon any street, highway, park, alley or other public place between the hours of 12 midnight and 4 a.m. of the following morning. Any person picked up in violation will be released to their parent and referred to Juvenile. See ORS 419C.680 for exceptions.
Where can I get fingerprinted?
The Tualatin Police Department offers a list of local providers for fingerprint services.
Who do I call about Animals?
In the City of Tualatin, Washington County Animal Control responds to questions regarding animal issues. The number to reach them is 503.846.7041 or visit them on the web.
Who fixes Malfunctioning Traffic Lights?
Whenever you find a traffic light that is not functioning properly, please contact the City of Tualatin Operations Department. The number to reach them is 503.691.3091. Traffic lights in Tualatin may be under the jurisdiction of the City, County, or the State depending on the location.
