Police discretion and enforcement policies regarding unauthorized vehicle use by juveniles in Oregon are shaped by a combination of state law, local ordinances, and departmental guidelines. Below is a summary of the relevant legal and policy landscape:

Legal Framework

• Juvenile Delinquency and Law Enforcement Contact:
  Oregon law, specifically ORS 419A.267, governs how law enforcement handles contact with juveniles, including those who may have committed traffic or vehicle-related offenses. If a juvenile has contact with law enforcement but no petition is filed, certain records may be maintained but do not necessarily result in formal charges.
• Traffic and Vehicle Enforcement:
  Oregon police departments have policies that guide officers in handling traffic violations, including those involving juveniles. These policies often allow for discretion in enforcement, especially for minor infractions.

Enforcement Policies and Discretion

• Discretion in Enforcement:
  Officers are generally given discretion in how to handle violations by juveniles. For example, when dealing with bicycle or pedestrian violations, officers may choose to issue a verbal warning or, for juveniles at least 12 years old, a citation for violating local ordinances.
• Unauthorized Vehicle Use:
  While specific policies on unauthorized vehicle use by juveniles are not detailed in the provided documents, enforcement would likely follow similar discretionary guidelines. Officers may consider the circumstances, the juvenile’s age, and the nature of the violation before deciding on enforcement action.
• Safety Equipment and Nighttime Violations:
  If a violation involves a lack of required safety or lighting equipment, officers may direct the juvenile to dismount and walk the vehicle to their destination, or allow use of sidewalks if pedestrians are not endangered.

Vehicle Towing and Disposition

• Towing Authority:
  Local ordinances, such as those in Cornelius, Oregon, provide police with authority to tow vehicles that are stopped or parked on private property without the owner’s consent. If the property owner is not present, officers are to presume lack of consent and may have the vehicle towed. This applies regardless of the driver’s age, but if a legal driver is present and authorized to remove the vehicle, towing may be avoided.

Summary Table

Key Takeaways

• Police have significant discretion in handling juvenile vehicle violations, including unauthorized use.
• Officers may issue warnings or citations, or require corrective action such as dismounting a bicycle or walking a vehicle.
• Towing is authorized if a vehicle is on private property without consent, regardless of the driver’s age, unless a legal driver is present to remove the vehicle.

This framework ensures that enforcement is flexible and considers the specific circumstances of each case, particularly when juveniles are involved.