Towing in Portland, Oregon: Safety Tips, Oregon Laws, and What Drivers Should Know

Oregon’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when approaching tow trucks and emergency vehicles with lights activated. This law exists to protect roadside responders and stranded motorists on busy Portland highways.

Portland’s roads present unique challenges for drivers year-round. From heavy commuter traffic and construction zones to rain, ice, and narrow urban corridors, breakdowns and accidents can happen fast. Knowing what to do and who to call can make all the difference.

At Northwestern Towing, we provide professional towing and recovery services throughout Portland and the surrounding metro area. This guide covers towing safety tips, important Oregon towing laws, and what drivers should know when they find themselves stranded on Portland roads.

Common Reasons Drivers Need Towing in Portland

Towing calls in Portland often involve more than simple breakdowns. Some of the most common scenarios include:

• Vehicle breakdowns on I-5, I-205, and Highway 26

• Accidents in high-traffic urban areas

• Disabled vehicles in construction zones

• Jackknifed or stuck commercial vehicles

• Off-road or low-access recoveries

• Weather-related incidents during rain or winter conditions

Whether you’re in downtown Portland or the surrounding communities, safety should always come first.

Towing Safety Tips Every Portland Driver Should Follow

If your vehicle becomes disabled or you’re involved in an accident, these safety steps matter:

1. Get to a Safe Location if Possible

If your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic. If not, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened when it’s unsafe to exit.

2. Use Hazard Lights Immediately

Turn on hazard lights to alert approaching drivers, especially on highways or poorly lit roads.

3. Stay Clear of Traffic

Avoid standing near moving traffic. Secondary accidents are a major risk during roadside incidents.

4. Don’t Attempt Unsafe Repairs

Trying to push a vehicle, change a tire on a narrow shoulder, or crawl under a vehicle can be extremely dangerous.

5. Call a Professional Towing Company

Professional towing operators have the equipment, training, and visibility tools to handle recoveries safely and legally.

Oregon Towing Laws Drivers Should Know

Oregon has specific statutes designed to protect drivers, tow operators, and emergency responders.

Move Over Law (ORS 811.147)

Oregon law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles displaying emergency lights.

Failing to comply can result in fines and increases the risk of serious injury.

Authority to Tow After Accidents

In many accident scenarios, law enforcement or property owners may authorize a tow if a vehicle is blocking traffic, creating a hazard, or is disabled beyond safe operation.

Commercial Vehicle & Load Shift Regulations

Commercial trucks involved in accidents or load shifts must be recovered properly to prevent further roadway hazards and environmental damage.

Using a licensed, insured towing provider helps ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

Why Professional Towing Matters in Portland

Portland’s infrastructure includes bridges, tunnels, narrow streets, industrial corridors, and residential neighborhoods. Recoveries often require:

• Heavy-duty towing and rotator units

• Traffic control coordination

• Precision recovery techniques

• Knowledge of local roadways and access points

Northwestern Towing is equipped to handle everything from light-duty to complex heavy recoveries across the Portland metro area.

Areas We Serve Throughout Portland & Beyond

We provide towing and recovery services throughout:

• Portland

• Gresham

• Happy Valley

• Clackamas

• Damascus

• Sunnyside

• Columbia Corridor

• I-5 Corridor

• I-205 Corridor

• Highway 26 Corridor

• Surrounding Clackamas and Multnomah County areas

Each area presents different challenges, and our operators are familiar with the traffic patterns, terrain, and access points unique to each location.

Heavy-Duty, Rotator & Emergency Towing Services

Our services include:

• 24/7 emergency towing

• Heavy-duty towing for commercial vehicles

• Rotator and complex recovery

• Jackknifed truck recovery

• Load shifts and container recovery

• Fleet and insurance towing support

• Roadside assistance when applicable

No matter the situation, safety and professionalism come first.

When You Need Towing in Portland, Choose Experience

Breakdowns and accidents are stressful, choosing the right towing company shouldn’t be. Working with an experienced, licensed towing provider helps ensure your vehicle is recovered safely, legally, and efficiently.

If you need towing or recovery services in Portland or the surrounding areas, Northwestern Towing is available 24/7.

• Towing Services in Portland, Oregon

• Heavy-Duty Towing Services