DMV call centers and most offices closed

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 09/14/2020 03:11 PM PDT

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DMV call centers and most offices closed

 

Sept. 14, 2020

SALEM – All but two DMV offices were closed on Monday due to hazardous air conditions indoors, including the headquarters and call centers.

If you have an appointment at DMV this week, please check your voice and email messages, we may be attempting to contact you. You also can check to see if your office is open before you go to DMV on the office’s individual page at OregonDMV.com.

DMV2U.Oregon.gov is open 24/7 for services that can be done online. The only DMV offices able to open for Monday appointments were in Coos Bay and Coquille.

Due to heavy wildfire smoke affecting nearly every part of the state, air conditions are not safe for customers and employees inside most DMV buildings. Air quality outdoors and driving conditions are so hazardous that the safest option for Oregonians who are not evacuating is to stay indoors.

 

Road closures

A number of roads are closed throughout the state. Go to Tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 for real time road conditions. A DMV Wildfire Resources page is available for those who have experienced loss of essential driver license, identification card, or vehicle documents.

We may see additional smoky conditions in the weeks ahead. Remember to avoid driving in these conditions if at all possible. If you must drive, be alert, don’t drive distracted and remember you play a big part to help avoiding wildfires.

If you are driving and encounter heavy smoke, here are some steps you can take to help stay safe.

  • Slow down and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights. Even during daylight hours your headlights will help others on the road see you. Use low-beams as high-beams reflect off the moisture in the air and cause glare.
  • Use fog lights. If you have them, fog lights can help cut through the smoke.
  • Check your entire route before setting out. Conditions may be very different at your destination.
  • Find an alternate route. Fire is wildly unpredictable, especially in high winds. If at all possible find a route that takes you away from fires.
  • Keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Visibility, of course, decreases in smoke so maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle up front.
  • If visibility becomes too dangerous to continue, pull off to the side of the road as soon as safely possible.
  • Never stop in a travel lane. Look for a safe area completely off the road if possible and turn off all lights, including flashers, until it’s safe to continue.
  • Don’t tailgate. Keep a steady, reliable pace. Remember that everyone else on the road is in the same fix you’re in. They’re counting on you to help show the way.
  • Roll up the windows. Set your fan to recirculate.
  • Have your car ready before you go. Make sure you have a full gas tank before leaving and your vehicle is in good condition. Have water, food, and medications with you – and for any pets you bring.

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For DMV media inquiries only contact: David House at david.j.house@odot.state.or.us. or 503-945-5270 and leave a voice message.