Chapter 823 — Carrier
Regulation Generally
2011 EDITION
CARRIER REGULATION GENERALLY
OREGON VEHICLE CODE
GENERAL PROVISIONS
823.005 Definitions
for ORS chapters 823 to 826
DEPARTMENT POWERS AND DUTIES REGARDING
CARRIERS
823.007 Employee
statements of pecuniary interests in motor carriers; rules
823.009 General
powers of department regarding motor carriers and railroads
823.011 Authority
to adopt rules
823.012 Suspension
of laws during emergency
823.013 Validity
of rules, orders, acts and regulations of department; construction of laws
823.015 Service
of notice or other legal process
INVESTIGATIONS, HEARINGS, RULINGS
823.021 Investigating
management of carriers
823.023 Right
of entry onto premises of any carrier or of business tendering hazardous
materials for shipment
823.025 Maintaining
and producing records; expenses incurred in out-of-state examinations; rules
823.027 Duty
to furnish information to department
823.029 Failure
to furnish requested information
823.031 Investigating
complaints against carriers
823.033 Investigations
and orders on department’s own motion; request for hearing by aggrieved party
823.035 Representation
by nonattorney
823.037 Declaratory
rulings
DESTRUCTION OF EQUIPMENT
823.051 Interference
with department equipment
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GENERALLY
823.061 Applicability
of hazardous material safety regulations; rules
823.063 Notice
and opportunity to correct hazardous material violations
AGENCY ABANDONMENT
823.071 Definitions
for ORS 823.073 and 823.075
823.073 Common
carrier not to abandon agencies or withdraw agent without approval of
department
823.075 Petitioning
department for authority to abandon agency or withdraw agent
ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES
823.081 Enforcement
of laws relating to carriers
823.083 Enjoining
violation of carrier laws
823.085 Liability
for damages to injured person
823.087 Effect
of carrier laws on common law and other statutory rights of action, duties and
liabilities
RECEIPTS AND BILLS OF LADING
823.101 Duty
of carrier to issue bill of lading on intrastate shipments; liability of
carrier to holder for damage to shipment
823.103 Limitations
on carrier’s power to set time for filing of claim or starting action
823.105 Prohibitions
823.107 Existing
remedies not affected
PENALTIES
823.991 Penalties
GENERAL PROVISIONS
823.005 Definitions for ORS chapters 823
to 826. As used in ORS chapters 823, 824, 825
and 826:
(1)
“Customer” includes the patrons, passengers, shippers and users of the service
of a motor carrier.
(2)
“Rate” means any fare, charge, joint rate, schedule or groups of rates or other
remuneration or compensation for service.
(3)
“Service” is used in its broadest and most inclusive sense and includes
equipment and facilities related to providing the service or the product
served. [1995 c.733 §11]
DEPARTMENT POWERS AND DUTIES REGARDING
CARRIERS
823.007 Employee statements of pecuniary
interests in motor carriers; rules. (1) Each
employee of the Department of Transportation who performs functions concerning
economic regulation of motor carriers shall file with the department a
statement regarding holdings of the employee and the holdings of the employee’s
spouse and minor children of any pecuniary interest in any business or activity
subject to the department’s economic regulation of motor carriers.
Supplementary statements shall be filed as such pecuniary interests are
acquired or divested. The statements shall be in such form as the department
prescribes. If the department determines that an employee or spouse or minor
child of the employee holds any such pecuniary interest that may interfere with
the impartial discharge of the employee’s duties, the department shall order
divestiture of the interest.
(2)
The department shall determine by rule what constitutes a function concerning
economic regulation of motor carriers for purposes of this section.
(3)
Nothing in subsections (1) and (2) of this section is intended to authorize any
act otherwise prohibited by law. [1995 c.733 §§12,14]
823.009 General powers of department
regarding motor carriers and railroads. (1) In
addition to the powers and duties now or hereafter transferred to or vested in
the Department of Transportation, the department shall represent the customers
of any motor carrier or railroad, and the public generally, in all
controversies respecting rates, valuations, service and all matters of which
the department has jurisdiction regarding motor carriers and railroads. In
respect thereof, the department shall make use of its jurisdiction and powers
to protect such customers, and the public generally, from unjust and
unreasonable exactions and practices and to obtain for them adequate service at
fair and reasonable rates.
(2)
The department is vested with power and jurisdiction to supervise and regulate
every motor carrier and railroad in this state, and to do all things necessary
and convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction.
(3)
The department may participate in any proceeding before any public officer,
commission or body of the United States or any state or other jurisdiction for
the purpose of representing the public generally and the customers of the
services of any motor carrier or railroad operating or providing service to or
within this state.
(4)
The department may make joint investigations, hold joint hearings within or
without this state and issue concurrent orders in conjunction or concurrence
with any official, board, commission or agency of any state or of the United
States. [1995 c.733 §15; 1997 c.275 §9]
823.010 [1983
c.338 §756; 1985 c.16 §361; 1989 c.782 §1; 1993 c.371 §1; renumbered 682.015 in
1995]
823.011 Authority to adopt rules.
The Department of Transportation may adopt and amend reasonable and proper
rules and regulations relative to all statutes regarding motor carriers and
railroads administered by the department and may adopt and publish reasonable
and proper rules to govern proceedings and to regulate the mode and manner of
all investigations of motor carriers and railroads subject to regulation by the
department. [1995 c.733 §16]
823.012 Suspension of laws during
emergency. (1) If the Director of Transportation
determines that an emergency, as defined in ORS 401.025, has occurred or is
imminent, the director may suspend operation of one or more of the following
statutes involving motor carriers for the purpose of expediting the movement of
persons or property:
(a)
ORS 818.400, compliance with commercial vehicle enforcement requirements
related to commercial vehicle weight, size, load, conformation or equipment.
(b)
ORS 825.100, certificate or permit requirement for commercial transportation of
persons or property.
(c)
ORS 825.104, registration requirement for for-hire or private carrier engaged
in interstate operations.
(d)
ORS 825.160, requirement for person operating as motor carrier to have policy
of public liability and property damage insurance.
(e)
ORS 825.162, requirement for person operating as for-hire carrier of freight or
express to have cargo insurance.
(f)
ORS 825.250, requirement to stop and submit to an inspection of the driver, the
cargo or the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(g)
ORS 825.252, safety regulations for for-hire and private carriers.
(h)
ORS 825.258, rules for transportation of hazardous waste, hazardous material and
PCB.
(i) ORS 825.450, weight receipts issued by Department of
Transportation for motor vehicles subject to weight-mile tax.
(j)
ORS 825.470, temporary pass for single trip or short-time operation of vehicle.
(k)
ORS 825.474, assessment of tax for use of highways.
(L)
ORS 826.031, registration of certain vehicles not already registered with
state.
(2)
A suspension under this section may occur prior to a declaration of a state of
emergency under ORS 401.165, but may not exceed 72 hours unless a state of
emergency is declared under ORS 401.165. If a state of emergency is declared
under ORS 401.165, the suspension shall last until the state of emergency is
terminated as provided under ORS 401.204.
(3)
The director may designate by rule a line of succession of deputy directors or
other employees of the department who may suspend operations of statutes under
this section in the event the director is not available. Any suspension by a
person designated by the director under this subsection has the same force and
effect as if issued by the director, except that, if the director can be
reached, the suspension must be affirmed by the director when the director is
reached. If the director does not set aside a suspension within 24 hours of
being reached, the suspension shall be considered affirmed by the director. [2005
c.172 §2; 2007 c.465 §7]
Note:
823.012 was added to and made a part of the Oregon Vehicle Code by legislative
action but was not added to ORS chapter 823 or any series therein. See Preface
to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
823.013 Validity of rules, orders, acts
and regulations of department; construction of laws.
(1) A substantial compliance with the requirements of the laws administered by
the Department of Transportation regarding motor carriers and railroads is
sufficient to give effect to all the rules, orders, acts and regulations of the
department and they shall not be declared inoperative, illegal or void for any
omission of a technical nature in respect thereto.
(2)
The provisions of such laws shall be liberally construed with a view to the
public welfare, efficient facilities and substantial justice between customers
and motor carriers or railroads. [1995 c.733 §17]
823.015 Service of notice or other legal
process. The service or delivery of any notice,
order, form or other document or legal process required to be made by the
Department of Transportation in connection with any statute governing motor
carriers or railroads may be made by mail. If by mail, service or delivery is
made when the required material is deposited in the post office, in a sealed
envelope with postage paid, addressed to the person on whom it is to be served
or delivered, at the address as it last appears in the records of the
department. [1995 c.733 §18]
823.020
[Formerly 485.500; 1989 c.782 §2; 1991 c.67 §224; 1991 c.909 §1; 1993 c.371 §2;
renumbered 682.025 in 1995]
INVESTIGATIONS, HEARINGS, RULINGS
823.021 Investigating management of
carriers. The Department of Transportation may
inquire into the management of the business of all motor carriers and
railroads, and shall keep informed as to the manner and method in which the
business is conducted. The department has the right to obtain from any motor
carrier or railroad all necessary information to enable the department to
perform its duties related to motor carriers and railroads. [1995 c.733 §19]
823.023 Right of entry onto premises of
any carrier or of business tendering hazardous materials for shipment.
(1) The Department of Transportation or authorized representatives may enter
upon any premises, or any equipment, rolling stock or facilities operated or
occupied by any motor carrier or railroad for the purpose of making any
inspection, examination or test reasonably required in the administration of
ORS chapters 823, 824, 825 and 826, and to set up and use on such premises,
equipment, rolling stock or facilities any apparatus or appliance and occupy
reasonable space therefor.
(2)
The department or authorized representatives shall, upon demand, have the right
to inspect the books, accounts, papers, records and memoranda of any motor
carrier or railroad and to examine under oath any officer, agent or employee of
such motor carrier or railroad in relation to its business and affairs.
(3)
Any person who on behalf of the department makes demand of a motor carrier or
railroad for an examination, inspection or test shall, upon request therefor, produce a certificate under the seal of the
department showing authority to make such examination, inspection or test.
(4)
The department or authorized representatives shall, upon demand, have the right
to enter any premises of a business that the department has reasonable cause to
believe tendered for shipment, by motor or rail, any hazardous material and to
make any examination, inspection or test reasonably required to determine
compliance with the health and safety regulations administered or enforced by
the department. Any person, who on behalf of the department demands to make an
examination, inspection or test, shall produce upon request a certificate under
the seal of the department showing authority to make the examination,
inspection or test.
(5)
Nothing in this section authorizes the department to use any information
developed thereunder for any purpose inconsistent
with any statute governing motor carriers or railroads and administered by the
department or to make a disclosure thereof for other than regulatory purposes. [1995
c.733 §20; 1995 c.737 §11; 1997 c.249 §237]
823.025 Maintaining and producing records;
expenses incurred in out-of-state examinations; rules.
(1) The Department of Transportation may require by rule, or by order or
subpoena to be served on any motor carrier or railroad, the maintaining within
this state or the production within this state at such time and place as the
department may designate, of any books, accounts, papers or records kept by
such motor carrier or railroad in any office or place within or without this
state, or verified copies in lieu thereof, if the department so orders, in
order that an examination thereof may be made by the department or under
direction of the department.
(2)
When a motor carrier or railroad keeps and maintains its books, accounts,
papers or records outside the state, the department may examine such documents
and shall be reimbursed by the motor carrier or railroad for all expenses
incurred in making such out-of-state examination. [1995 c.733 §21]
823.027 Duty to furnish information to
department. (1) Every motor carrier and railroad
shall furnish to the Department of Transportation all information required by
the department to carry into effect the provisions of ORS chapters 823, 824,
825 and 826 and shall make specific answers to all questions submitted by the
department.
(2)
If a motor carrier or railroad is unable to furnish any information required
under subsection (1) of this section for any reason beyond its control, it is a
good and sufficient reason for such failure. The answer or information shall be
verified under oath and returned to the department at the department’s office
within the period fixed by the department. [1995 c.733 §22; 1997 c.249 §238]
823.029 Failure to furnish requested
information. No officer, agent or employee of any
motor carrier or railroad shall:
(1)
Fail or refuse to provide any information or document required by the
Department of Transportation;
(2)
Fail or refuse to answer any question therein propounded;
(3)
Knowingly or willfully give a false answer to any such question or evade the
answer to any such question where the fact inquired of is within the person’s
knowledge;
(4)
Upon proper demand, fail or refuse to exhibit to the department or any person
authorized to examine the same, any book, paper, account, record or memorandum
of the motor carrier or railroad that is in possession or under the control of
the person;
(5)
Fail to properly use and keep a system of accounting or any part thereof, as
prescribed by the department; or
(6)
Refuse to do any act or thing in connection with such system of accounting when
so directed by the department or authorized representative. [1995 c.733 §23]
823.030
[Formerly 485.505; 1989 c.782 §3; renumbered 682.035 in 1995]
823.031 Investigating complaints against
carriers. (1) The Department of Transportation may
investigate any complaint filed against a person whose business or activities
are regulated by one or more of the statutes regarding motor carriers or
railroads, jurisdiction for the enforcement or regulation of which is conferred
upon the department.
(2)
Any hearing held as a result of a complaint or investigation under subsection
(1) of this section shall be a contested case hearing, in the manner provided
in ORS 183.413 to 183.497. [1995 c.733 §§35,36]
823.033 Investigations and orders on
department’s own motion; request for hearing by aggrieved party.
(1) Whenever the Department of Transportation believes that any rate subject to
regulation by the department may be unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory, or
that any service subject to regulation by the department is unsafe or
inadequate, or is not afforded, or that an investigation of any matter relating
to any motor carrier, railroad or other person should be made, or relating to
any person to determine if such person is subject to the department’s
regulatory jurisdiction, the department may on its own motion summarily
investigate any such matter, with or without notice.
(2)
The department may, after making an investigation on the department’s motion,
provide notice to the motor carrier, railroad or other person of the department’s
proposed action or may, without notice or hearing, make such findings and
orders as the department deems justified or required by the results of such
investigation.
(3)
Any party aggrieved by a notice of proposed action or by an order entered
pursuant to subsection (2) of this section may request the department to hold a
hearing pursuant to ORS 183.413 to 183.497.
(4)
An order issued under this section prior to a hearing shall be stayed pending
the outcome of the hearing unless the department finds that the order is
necessary to protect the public health, safety or environment. [1995 c.733 §37;
1997 c.275 §10]
823.035 Representation by non-attorney.
(1) Notwithstanding ORS 9.320 and 823.031 (2), an individual who is not an
attorney may represent that individual or other persons who consent to such
representation at any proceeding before the Department of Transportation
involving the regulation of transportation matters pursuant to ORS chapter 825.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 9.320 and 823.031 (2), an individual who is not an attorney
may represent that individual or labor organizations, railroads, motor carriers
or government agencies who consent to such representation in any proceeding
before the department involving the regulation of transportation matters
pursuant to ORS 824.020 to 824.042, 824.050 to 824.110 and 824.200 to 824.256.
(3)
Any compromises, agreements, admissions, stipulations, statements of fact or
other such action taken by the representative at any such proceeding is binding
on those represented to the same extent as if done by an attorney. A person so
represented may not thereafter claim that any such proceeding was legally
defective because the person was not represented by an attorney.
(4)
As used in this section, “attorney” has the meaning for that term provided in
ORS 9.005. [1995 c.733 §36a]
823.037 Declaratory rulings.
On petition of any interested person, the Department of Transportation may
issue a declaratory ruling with respect to the applicability to any person,
property, or state of facts of any rule or statute regarding motor carriers or
railroads that is enforceable by the department. A declaratory ruling is
binding between the department and the petitioner on the state of facts
alleged, unless it is modified, vacated or set aside by the Court of Appeals.
However, the department may review the ruling and modify, vacate or set it
aside if requested by the petitioner or other party to the proceeding. Binding
rulings provided by this section are subject to review in the Court of Appeals
in the manner provided in ORS 183.480 for the review of orders in contested
cases. [1995 c.733 §34]
823.040
[Formerly 485.510; repealed by 1989 c.782 §40]
823.050 [1983
c.338 §976; repealed by 1989 c.782 §40]
DESTRUCTION OF EQUIPMENT
823.051 Interference with department
equipment. No person shall destroy, injure or
interfere with any apparatus or appliance owned or operated by or in charge of
the Department of Transportation, or any apparatus or appliance sealed by the
department. [1995 c.733 §24]
823.060
[Formerly 485.515; 1989 c.782 §4; 1991 c.67 §225; 1993 c.371 §3; renumbered
682.045 in 1995]
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GENERALLY
823.061 Applicability of hazardous
material safety regulations; rules. The federal
hazardous material safety regulations adopted, implemented or enforced by the
Department of Transportation shall be applicable to any person who transports,
or causes to be transported, by motor or rail, a hazardous material. The
department shall define hazardous material by rule. The definition shall be
consistent with federal definitions of the term. [1995 c.737 §10]
823.063 Notice and opportunity to correct
hazardous material violations. (1) The
Department of Transportation may not impose penalties specified in ORS chapters
823, 824, 825 and 826, against a person who causes hazardous materials to be
transported unless the person has received prior written notice of the
violation and five days to correct the violation.
(2)
No prior written notice or five-day correction period shall be required under
subsection (1) of this section for:
(a)
Subsequent violations of a like nature occurring within five years of the
violation for which the person received notice.
(b)
Any violation that causes substantial harm to human health or the environment. [1995
c.737 §15]
823.070
[Formerly 485.520; 1989 c.782 §5; 1991 c.67 §226; 1993 c.371 §4; renumbered
682.047 in 1995]
AGENCY ABANDONMENT
823.071 Definitions for ORS 823.073 and
823.075. As used in ORS 823.073 and 823.075, the
following terms have the following meanings:
(1)
“Agency” means any place provided by a for-hire carrier for the accommodation
of the public in the receipt, delivery, billing or routing of freight, or in
the loading or discharge of passengers, at which an agent is provided to serve
the public.
(2)
“Agent” means the person in charge of the transaction of business with the
public at any station or agency.
(3)
“Common carrier” means any railroad as defined in ORS 824.020, and any for-hire
carrier by motor vehicle as defined in ORS 825.005 if the carrier transports
persons. [Formerly 756.380]
823.073 Common carrier not to abandon
agencies or withdraw agent without approval of department.
No common carrier shall abandon any of its agencies, or withdraw the agent therefrom, without the prior written authority of the
Department of Transportation. If the primary business of the agent or agency is
not that of a common carrier, the loss of the use of such agent or agency
without the fault of the carrier shall not be considered a violation of this
section, provided that the carrier shall give to the department notice of such
loss immediately upon being informed thereof and secure another agent or agency
within a reasonable period of time. [Formerly 756.385]
823.075 Petitioning department for
authority to abandon agency or withdraw agent.
(1) Any common carrier may petition the Department of Transportation for
authority to abandon any agency or to withdraw the agent from an agency.
(2)
Upon receipt of a petition to abandon or withdraw under this section, the
department shall give written notice of the petition to all known current
customers of such agency. If the petition requests authority to abandon or
withdraw any agency or agent involved in transportation services using motor
buses, the department shall provide notice of the petition for authority and of
rights to protest by publication in addition to any written notice required by
this subsection. When notice by publication is required under this subsection,
such notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the
county where the affected agency is located.
(3)
If any customer files with the department a written protest to the abandonment
of the agency or the withdrawal of the agent therefrom
within 30 days from the date written notice is given, the department shall
schedule a hearing to be held within 30 days from the filing of such protest.
If notice by publication is required under subsection (2) of this section then
protest may be filed, as provided under this subsection, within 30 days after
the written notice or published notice, whichever is later.
(4)
If a hearing is provided under this section, the hearing shall be held at some
convenient place in the county in which such agency is located.
(5)
Where a common carrier seeks to move the location of its agent or agency from
one point within a city to another point within such city the department may
approve such move without a hearing. [Formerly 756.390]
823.080 [Formerly
485.525; 1989 c.782 §6; renumbered 682.075 in 1995]
ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES
823.081 Enforcement of laws relating to
carriers. (1) The Department of Transportation
shall inquire into any neglect or violation of any law of this state, or any
law or ordinance of any municipality thereof, relating to motor carriers or
railroads by any motor carrier or railroad doing business therein, its
officers, agents or employees and shall enforce all laws of this state relating
to motor carriers and railroads and may enforce all such laws and ordinances of
a municipality. The department shall report all violations of any such laws or
ordinances to the Attorney General.
(2)
The Attorney General, district attorney of each county, all state, county and
city police officers and police officers commissioned by a university under ORS
352.383 shall assist the department in the administration and enforcement of
all laws related to motor carriers and railroads administered by the
department, and they, as well as assistants and employees of the department,
shall inform against and diligently prosecute all persons whom they have
reasonable cause to believe guilty of the violation of any such laws or of the
rules, regulations, orders, decisions or requirements of the department made
pursuant thereto.
(3)
Upon the request of the department, the Attorney General or the district
attorney of the proper county shall aid in any investigation, hearing or trial,
and shall institute and prosecute all necessary suits, actions or proceedings
for the enforcement of those laws and ordinances referred to in subsection (1)
of this section.
(4)
Any forfeiture or penalty provided for in any law regarding motor carriers or
railroads administered by the department shall be recovered by an action
brought thereon in the name of the State of Oregon in any court of appropriate
jurisdiction or as provided in ORS 183.745. [1995 c.733 §25; 2011 c.506 §52]
823.083 Enjoining violation of carrier
laws. (1) Whenever it appears to the
Department of Transportation that any motor carrier, railroad or any other
person subject to the jurisdiction of the department is engaged or about to
engage in any acts or practices that constitute a violation of any statute
regarding motor carriers or railroads administered by the department, or any
rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or condition issued thereunder, the department may apply to any circuit court
of the state where such motor carrier, railroad or any other person subject to
the jurisdiction of the department operates for the enforcement of such
statute, rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or condition.
(2)
Such court, without bond, has jurisdiction to enforce obedience thereto by
injunction, or by other processes, mandatory or otherwise, restraining such
motor carrier, railroad or any other person subject to the jurisdiction of the
department, or its officers, agents, employees and representatives from further
violations of such statute, rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or
condition, and enjoining upon them obedience thereto.
(3)
The provisions of this section are in addition to and not in lieu of any other
enforcement provisions contained in any statute administered by the department.
[1995 c.733 §26]
823.085 Liability for damages to injured
person. (1) Any motor carrier or railroad that
does, or causes or permits to be done, any matter, act or thing prohibited by
ORS chapters 823, 824, 825 and 826, or omits to do any act, matter or thing
required to be done by ORS chapters 823, 824, 825 and 826, is liable to the
person injured thereby in the amount of damages sustained in consequence of
such violation. If the party seeking damages alleges and proves that the wrong
or omission was the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct, the motor
carrier or railroad is liable to the person injured thereby in treble the
amount of damages sustained in consequence of the violation. The court may
award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in an action under this
section.
(2)
Any recovery under this section does not affect recovery by the state of the
penalty, forfeiture or fine prescribed for such violation.
(3)
This section does not apply with respect to the liability of any motor carrier
or railroad for personal injury or property damage. [1995 c.733 §§27,99; 1997
c.249 §239]
823.087 Effect of carrier laws on common
law and other statutory rights of action, duties and liabilities.
(1) The remedies and enforcement procedures provided in ORS chapters 823, 824,
825 and 826 do not release or waive any right of action by the state or by any
person for any right, penalty or forfeiture that may arise under any law of
this state or under an ordinance of any municipality thereof.
(2)
All penalties and forfeitures accruing under said statutes and ordinances are
cumulative and a suit for and recovery of one, shall not be a bar to the
recovery of any other penalty.
(3)
The duties and liabilities of the motor carriers or railroads shall be the same
as are prescribed by the common law, and the remedies against them the same,
except where otherwise provided by the Constitution or statutes of this state,
and the provisions of ORS chapters 823, 824, 825 and 826 are cumulative
thereto. [1995 c.733 §28; 1997 c.249 §240]
823.090
[Formerly 485.530; 1989 c.782 §7; 1993 c.371 §5; renumbered 682.085 in 1995]
823.100
[Formerly 485.535; 1989 c.782 §8; 1991 c.331 §141; 1993 c.371 §6; renumbered
682.105 in 1995]
RECEIPTS AND BILLS OF LADING
823.101 Duty of carrier to issue bill of
lading on intrastate shipments; liability of carrier to holder for damage to
shipment. (1) Any for-hire carrier, railroad or
transportation company receiving property for transportation wholly within this
state, from one point in this state to another point in this state, shall issue
in accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 77 a receipt or
bill of lading therefor, and shall be liable to the
lawful holder thereof for any loss, damage or injury to such property caused by
it, or by any common carrier to which such property may be delivered, or over
whose line or lines such property may pass, when transported on a through bill
of lading. No contract, receipt, rule, regulation or other limitation of any
character whatsoever shall exempt such for-hire carrier, railroad or
transportation company from such liability.
(2)
Any for-hire carrier, railroad or transportation company so receiving property
for transportation wholly within this state shall be liable to the lawful
holder of such receipt or bill of lading, or to any party entitled to recover
thereon, whether such receipt or bill of lading has been issued or not, for the
full actual loss, damage or injury to such property caused by it, or by any
common carrier to which such property may be delivered, or over whose line such
property may pass when transported on a through bill of lading, notwithstanding
any limitation of liability or limitation of the amount of recovery, or
representation or agreement as to value in any such receipt or bill of lading,
or in any contract, rule or regulation, or in any tariff filed with the
Department of Transportation; and any such limitation, irrespective of the
manner or form in which it is sought to be made, is unlawful and void.
(3)
The provisions of subsection (2) of this section respecting liability for full
actual loss, damage or injury, shall not apply:
(a)
To baggage carried on passenger trains or boats, or trains or boats carrying
passengers.
(b)
To property, except ordinary livestock, concerning which the carrier is expressly
authorized or required by order of the Department of Transportation to
establish and maintain rates dependent upon the value declared in writing by
the shipper or agreed upon in writing as the released value of the property. “Ordinary
livestock” includes all cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses and mules, except
such as are chiefly used for breeding, racing, show purposes or other special
uses.
(4)
The Department of Transportation may make the order referred to in subsection
(3)(b) of this section in cases where rates dependent upon and varying with
declared or agreed values would, in the opinion of the department, be just and
reasonable under the circumstances and conditions surrounding the
transportation. Any tariff schedule filed with the department pursuant to such
order shall contain specific reference thereto and may establish rates varying
with the value so declared and agreed upon. [Formerly 771.010; 1997 c.249 §241]
823.103 Limitations on carrier’s power to
set time for filing of claim or starting action.
A for-hire carrier, railroad or transportation company referred to in ORS
823.101 may not provide by rule, contract, regulation or otherwise a period for
filing claims described in ORS 823.101 shorter than the following:
(1)
Nine months after delivery of property or after reasonable time for delivery
has elapsed for filing of claims in writing, except that if the carrier is a
for-hire carrier of household goods, three months.
(2)
Two years for the institution of suits. The period for institution of suits
shall be computed from the day when notice is given by the carrier to the
claimant that the carrier has disallowed all or any part of the claim specified
in the notice. [Formerly 771.020; 1997 c.249 §242; 2003 c.754 §12]
823.105 Prohibitions.
No common carrier subject to ORS 823.101 to 823.107, its director or officer,
receiver, trustee, lessee, agent or person acting for or employed by it, shall,
alone or with any other person, willfully do or cause to be done, or willingly
suffer or permit to be done, any act, matter or thing prohibited or declared to
be unlawful in ORS 823.101 to 823.107, or aid or abet therein, or willfully
omit or fail to do any act, matter or thing required to be done by ORS 823.101
to 823.107 or cause or willingly suffer or permit any act, matter or thing so
directed or required by ORS 823.101 to 823.107 to be done, or not to be so
done, or aid or abet any such omission or failure. [Formerly 771.040]
823.107 Existing remedies not affected.
Nothing in ORS 823.101 to 823.107 shall deprive any holder of a receipt or bill
of lading of any remedy or right of action which the holder has under existing
law. [Formerly 771.050]
823.110
[Formerly 485.540; renumbered 682.107 in 1995]
823.120
[Formerly 485.545; 1989 c.782 §9; 1991 c.331 §142; 1995 c.41 §8; renumbered
682.109 in 1995]
823.130
[Formerly 485.550; 1989 c.782 §10; renumbered 682.135 in 1995]
823.140
[Formerly 485.555; 1989 c.782 §11; 1991 c.909 §2; renumbered 682.145 in 1995]
823.145 [1989
c.782 §14; 1991 c.703 §42; 1991 c.909 §3; renumbered 682.155 in 1995]
823.150
[Formerly 485.560; 1987 c.90 §1; 1989 c.782 §12; 1991 c.909 §4; 1993 c.371 §7;
renumbered 682.157 in 1995]
823.160
[Formerly 485.565; 1989 c.782 §15; 1991 c.67 §227; 1993 c.371 §8; renumbered
682.175 in 1995]
823.165 [1989
c.782 §15a; 1991 c.734 §103; 1993 c.371 §9; renumbered 682.185 in 1995]
823.170
[Formerly 485.570; 1989 c.782 §16; renumbered 682.195 in 1995]
823.180
[Formerly 485.573; 1989 c.722 §3; renumbered 682.205 in 1995]
823.190
[Formerly 485.575; 1989 c.782 §18; renumbered 682.215 in 1995]
823.200
[Formerly 485.577; 1987 c.660 §26; 1989 c.782 §19; 1993 c.371 §10; renumbered
682.225 in 1995]
823.204 [1989
c.782 §27; renumbered 682.235 in 1995]
823.205 [1989
c.782 §28; 1991 c.909 §5; renumbered 682.245 in 1995]
823.210
[Formerly 485.580; 1989 c.782 §20; 1991 c.909 §6; 1993 c.371 §11; renumbered
682.255 in 1995]
823.215
[Formerly 677.675; 1991 c.67 §228; 1991 c.909 §7; renumbered 682.265 in 1995]
823.220
[Formerly 485.585; 1989 c.722 §2; 1989 c.782 §21; renumbered 682.275 in 1995]
823.230
[Formerly 485.590; 1989 c.782 §22; renumbered 682.285 in 1995]
823.240
[Formerly 485.595; 1989 c.782 §23; renumbered 682.295 in 1995]
823.250 [1987
c.845 §1; 1989 c.782 §24; renumbered 682.305 in 1995]
823.300 [1989
c.722 §8; renumbered 682.315 in 1995]
823.305 [1989
c.722 §5; renumbered 682.325 in 1995]
823.310 [1989
c.722 §7; renumbered 682.335 in 1995]
823.315 [1989
c.722 §6; renumbered 682.345 in 1995]
823.320 [1991
c.958 §1; renumbered 682.355 in 1995]
PENALTIES
823.990
[Formerly 485.992; 1989 c.782 §25; 1993 c.371 §12; renumbered 682.991 in 1995]
823.991 Penalties.
(1) Any motor carrier or railroad that fails to comply with an order or
subpoena issued pursuant to ORS 823.025 shall pay a civil penalty, for each day
it so fails, of not less than $50 nor more than $500.
(2)
Except where a penalty is otherwise provided by law, any motor carrier or
railroad shall pay a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $10,000
for each time that the motor carrier or railroad:
(a)
Violates any statute regarding motor carriers or railroads, as appropriate,
administered by the Department of Transportation;
(b)
Does any act prohibited, or fails to perform any duty enjoined upon the motor
carrier or railroad;
(c)
Fails to obey any lawful requirement or order made by the department; or
(d)
Fails to obey any judgment made by any court upon the application of the
department.
(3)
Violation of ORS 823.029 is punishable after issuance of a final order by the
department, by a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 for each offense. A
penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 shall be recovered from the
motor carrier or railroad for each such offense when such officer, agent or
employee acted in obedience to the direction, instruction or request of the
motor carrier or railroad, or any general officer thereof.
(4)
Violation of ORS 823.029 is a Class A violation.
(5)
Violation of ORS 823.051 is a Class C misdemeanor. Any motor carrier or
railroad that knowingly permits the violation of ORS 823.051 shall forfeit,
upon conviction, not more than $1,000 for each offense.
(6)
In construing and enforcing this section, the act, omission or failure of any
officer, agent or other person acting for or employed by any motor carrier or
railroad shall in every case be deemed to be the act, omission or failure of
such motor carrier or railroad. With respect to any violation of any statute
administered by the department regarding motor carriers or railroads, any
penalty provision applying to such a violation by a motor carrier or railroad
shall apply to such a violation by any other person.
(7)
Except as provided in ORS 824.019 and 825.326, and except when provided by law
that a penalty, forfeiture or other sum be paid to the aggrieved party, all
penalties or forfeitures collected from persons subject to the regulatory
authority of the department under ORS chapters 823, 824, 825 and 826 shall be
paid into the General Fund and credited to the Motor Carrier Account if
collected from a motor carrier and to the Railroad Fund created under ORS
824.014 (1) if collected from a railroad.
(8)
Violation of ORS 823.105 is punishable, after issuance of a final order by the
department, by a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each offense.
(9)
Violation of ORS 823.105 is a specific fine violation punishable by a fine of
not more than $5,000 for each offense.
(10)
Civil penalties under this section shall be imposed in the manner provided by
ORS 183.745. [Subsections (1) to (6) of 1995 Edition enacted as 1995 c.733 §38;
subsection (7) of 1995 Edition formerly 771.990; 1997 c.249 §243; 1997 c.275 §11;
1999 c.1051 §230; 2001 c.909 §5; 2003 c.576 §567; 2003 c.754 §11; 2011 c.597 §306]
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