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2006 Oklahoma Code - Title 47. — Motor Vehicles

OKLAHOMA STATUTES

TITLE 47.

MOTOR VEHICLES

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§471101.  Definition of words and phrases.

The following words and phrases when used in this title shall, for the purpose of this title, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this chapter, except when the context otherwise requires or other definitions are provided.  Section captions are a part of this chapter.


§471101.1.  Ancient vehicle.

Ancient vehicle.

A motor vehicle owned by a resident of this state, which is thirty (30) years of age or older, based upon the date of manufacture thereof, and which travels on highways of this state primarily incidental to historical or exhibition purposes only.


Added by Laws 1985, c. 305, § 12, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985.  

§471102.  Arterial street.

Any U.S. or statenumbered route, controlledaccess highway, or other major radial or circumferential street or highway designated by local authorities within their respective jurisdictions as part of a major arterial system of streets or highways.


Laws 1961, p. 315, § 1102.  

§471103.  Authorized emergency vehicles - Equipment.

A.  When equipped as prescribed in subsection B of this section:

1.  Vehicles of fire departments;

2.  Ambulances or vehicles specified pursuant to subsection B of Section 1-2512 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes of licensed ambulance service providers;

3.  State vehicles of law enforcement agencies;

4.  County vehicles of sheriffs and full-time commissioned deputies;

5.  Municipal vehicles of police departments;

6.  Vehicles owned and operated by the United States Marshals Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

7.  Vehicles of Oklahoma National Guard units designated by the Adjutant General for support to civil authorities; or

8.  Vehicles owned and operated by any local organization for emergency management as defined by Section 683.3 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes,

are authorized emergency vehicles.

B.  All vehicles prescribed in subsection A of this section shall be equipped with sirens capable of giving audible signals as required by the provisions of Section 12-218 of this title and flashing red lights as authorized by the provisions of Section 12-218 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 315, § 1-103, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1976, c. 284, § 1, emerg. eff. June 17, 1976; Laws 1983, c. 220, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1983; Laws 1984, c. 29, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1987, c. 74, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1991, c. 167, § 1, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 2003, c. 329, § 58, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 190, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.


§471103.1.  Automobile.

Automobile.

Every motor vehicle of the type constructed and used for the transportation of persons for purposes other than for hire or compensation.  This shall include all vehicles of the station wagon type whether the same are called station wagons, or ranch wagons, van wagons, except those used for commercial purposes, suburbans, town and country, or by any other name, except when owned and used as a school bus or motor bus by a school district or a religious corporation or society as elsewhere provided by law.


Added by Laws 1985, c. 305, § 13, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985.  

§47-1-104.  Bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, and motorized bicycle.

Bicycle, Electric-assisted Bicycle, and Motorized Bicycle.

A.  A bicycle is any device propelled solely by human power upon which any person or persons may ride, having a seat or saddle for the use of each rider and:

1.  On a bicycle, two tandem wheels, either of which is twenty (20) inches or more in diameter;

2.  On a tricycle, three wheels in any configuration, of which at least one is twenty (20) inches or more in diameter; or

3.  On a quadcycle, four wheels in any configuration, of which at least two are twenty (20) inches or more in diameter.

The wheel diameter provisions of this subsection shall not apply to recumbent bicycles.

B.  An electric-assisted bicycle is any bicycle with:

1.  Two or three wheels;

2.  Fully operative pedals for human propulsion and equipped with an electric motor:

a. with a power output not to exceed one thousand (1,000) watts,

b. incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than twenty (20) miles per hour on level ground, and

c. incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device at a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour or more.

An electric-assisted bicycle shall meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as set forth in federal regulations and shall operate in such a manner that the electric motor disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied.

C.  A motorized bicycle is any bicycle having:   

1.  Fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power;

2.  An automatic transmission; and

3.  A combustion engine with a piston or rotor displacement of fifty cubic centimeters (50 cu cm) or less, regardless of the number of chambers in the engine, which is capable of propelling the bicycle at a maximum design speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground.

D.  As used in this title, the term "bicycle" shall include tricycles, quadcycles, or similar human-powered devices, electric-assisted bicycles, and motorized bicycles unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 315, § 1-104.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§471105.  Bus.

Every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than ten passengers and used for the transportation of persons; and every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1105.  

§47-1-105.1.  Church bus.

Church bus.

A "church bus" is any bus operated by a nonprofit religious organization which transports persons including school-age children to and from religious activities.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§471106.  Business district.

The territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred (600) feet along such highway there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes, including but not limited to hotels, banks, or office buildings, railroad stations and public buildings which occupy at least three hundred (300) feet of frontage on one side or three hundred (300) feet collectively on both sides of the highway.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1106.  

§471107.  Cancellation of driver's license.

The annulment or termination by formal action of the Department of a person's driver's license because of some error or defect in the license or because the licensee is no longer entitled to such license, but the cancellation of a license is without prejudice and application for a new license may be made at any time after such cancellation.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1107.  

§47-1-107.1.  Class A commercial motor vehicle.

Class A Commercial Motor Vehicle.

Any combination of vehicles, except a Class D motor vehicle, with a gross combined weight rating of twentysix thousand one (26,001) or more pounds provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.

Added by laws 1990, c. 219, § 1, eff. Jan 1, 1991.


§47-1-107.2.  Class B commercial motor vehicle.

Class B Commercial Motor Vehicle.

Any single vehicle, except a Class D motor vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of twentysix thousand one (26,001) or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds gross vehicle weight rating.  This class shall apply to a bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of twentysix thousand one (26,001) or more pounds and designed to transport sixteen or more persons, including the driver.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§47-1-107.3.  Class C commercial motor vehicle.

Class C Commercial Motor Vehicle.

Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles, other than a Class A or Class B vehicle as defined in this title, which is:

1.  Required to be placarded for hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F; or

2.  Designed by the manufacturer to transport sixteen or more persons, including the driver.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.


§47-1-107.4.  Class D Motor Vehicle.

CLASS D MOTOR VEHICLE

A.  A Class D motor vehicle is any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles which:

1.  Regardless of weight:

a. is marked and used as an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 1-103 of this title, or

b. is designed and used solely as a recreational vehicle;

2.  Is a single or combination vehicle with a gross combined weight rating of less than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds; or

3.  Is a single or combination farm vehicle with a gross combined weight rating of more than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds if:

a. it is entitled to be registered with a farm tag and has a farm tag attached thereto,

b. it is controlled and operated by a farmer, his family or his employees,

c. it is used to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies or any combination of those materials to or from a farm,

d. it is not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier, and

e. it is used within one hundred fifty (150) air miles of the person's farm or as otherwise provided by federal law.

B.  A Class D Motor Vehicle shall not include any vehicle which is:

1.  Designed to carry sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; or

2.  Required to be placarded for hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F; provided, a farm vehicle, as defined in paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section, which is required to be placarded for hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F, shall be considered to be a Class D motor vehicle.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 162, § 1, emerg. eff. May 7, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 335, § 12, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991; Laws 1997, c. 193, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


NOTE:  Laws 1991, c. 63, § 1 repealed by Laws 1991, c. 335, § 37, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991.


§47-1-108.  Commercial operator or driver.

Commercial Operator or Driver.

Every person who operates, drives or is in actual physical control of a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Sections 1-107.1, 1-107.2 and 1-107.3 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1-108, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 123, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1969; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§471109.  Commissioner.

The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Oklahoma.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1109.  

§471110.  Controlled  Access highway.

Every highway, street or roadway in respect to which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street or roadway.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1110.  

§471111.  Cross walk.

(a) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway;

(b) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1111.  

§471112.  Dealer.

Every person engaged in the business of buying, selling or exchanging vehicles of a type to be registered hereunder and who has an established place of business for such purpose in this state.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1112.  

§471113.  Department.

The Department of Public Safety of this state, acting directly or through its duly authorized officers and agents.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1113.  

§471114.  Driver.

Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1114.  

§47-1-114A.  Electric personal assistive mobility device.

Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device.

"Electric personal assistive mobility device" means a self-balancing, two nontandem-wheeled device, designed to transport only one person, having an electric propulsion system with an average of seven hundred fifty (750) watts (1 h.p.), and a maximum speed of less than twenty (20) miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by such a propulsion system while ridden by an operator who weighs one hundred seventy (170) pounds.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 58, § 1, emerg. eff. April 11, 2002.


§47-1-115.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§471116.  Established place of business.

The place actually occupied either continuously or at regular periods by a dealer or manufacturer where his books and records are kept and a large share of his business is transacted.


Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1116.  

§471117.  Explosives.

Explosives shall have the same meaning as defined in 49 C.F.R., Part 173.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1117, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 192, § 5, emerg. eff. May 11, 1992; Laws 2004, c. 390, § 2, eff. July 1, 2004.


§471118.  Farm tractor.

Every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines and other implements of husbandry.


Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1118. d

§471119.  Flammable substance.

Flammable substance shall include any liquid, gas, or other material as defined in 49 C.F.R., Part 173.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1119, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 390, § 3, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-1-120.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§47-1-120.1.  Gross combination weight rating (GCWR).

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination or articulated vehicle.  In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, the gross combination weight rating shall be determined by adding the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit and any load thereon.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§47-1-121.  Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§471122.  Highway.

The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.


Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1122.  

§471123.  Manufactured home.

"Manufactured home" means and includes every vehicle defined as a manufactured home in paragraph 14 of Section 1102 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1123, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1981, c. 118, § 4; Laws 2005, c. 50, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§471124.  Identifying number.

The numbers, and letters if any, on a vehicle designated by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for the purpose of identifying the vehicle.


Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1124.  

§47-1-125.  Implement of husbandry.

Implement of Husbandry.  Every device, whether it is self-propelled, designed and adapted so as to be used exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or livestock-raising operations or for lifting or carrying an implement of husbandry and, in either case, not subject to registration if operated upon the highways.

1.  Farm wagon type tank trailers of not over one thousand two hundred (1,200) gallons capacity, used during the liquid fertilizer season as field storage "nurse tanks" supplying the fertilizer to a field applicator and moved on highways only for bringing the fertilizer from a local source of supply to farms or field or from one farm or field to another, shall be considered implements of husbandry for purposes of this title.

2.  Trailers or semitrailers owned by a person engaged in the business of farming and used exclusively for the purpose of transporting farm products to market or for the purpose of transporting to the farm material or things to be used thereon shall also be considered implements of husbandry for purposes of this title.  Provided, no truck or semitrailer with an axle weight of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds or more, which is used to haul manure and operated on the public roads or highways of this state shall be considered an implement of husbandry for the purposes of this title.

3.  Utility-type, all-terrain vehicles with a maximum curb weight of one thousand five hundred (1,500) pounds which are equipped with metal front or rear carrying racks when used for agricultural, horticultural or livestock-raising operations shall be considered implements of husbandry for purposes of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1-125, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1970, c. 163, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1970; Laws 1993, c. 211, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1995, c. 27, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 2001, c. 112, § 1, emerg. eff. April 18, 2001.


§471126.  Intersection.

(a) The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

(b) Where a highway includes two roadways thirty (30) feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting highway also includes two roadways thirty feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate intersection.


Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1126.  

§47-1-127.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§47-1-128.  License to operate a motor vehicle.

License to operate a motor vehicle.

A.  Any valid driver license or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of this state including any temporary license or instruction permit, the lawful possession of which by a resident of this state shall be evidence that the resident has been granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle.

B.  Any nonresident's operating privilege as defined in Section 1-138 of this title, which is evidenced by the lawful possession of a valid driver license or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of another state.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 317, § 1-128, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§471129.  Lienholder.

A person holding a security interest in a vehicle.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1129.  

§471130.  Local authorities.

Every county, municipal and other local board or body having authority to enact laws relating to traffic under the Constitution and laws of this state.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1130.  

§471131.  Mail.

To deposit in the United States mails properly addressed and with postage prepaid.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1131.  

§471132.  Manufacturer.

Every person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder at an established place of business in this state.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1132.  

§471133.  Metal tire.

Every tire the surface of which in contact with the highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard, nonresilient material.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1133.  

§47-1-133.1.  Repealed by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 20, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§47-1-133.2.  Moped.

Moped.

A "moped" is any motor-driven cycle with a motor which produces not to exceed two brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground.  If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed fifty (50) cubic centimeters, and the moped shall have a power drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-1-133.3.  Motorized scooter.

Motorized scooter.

A.  A "motorized scooter" is any vehicle having:

1.  Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground;

2.  Handlebars and a foot support or seat for the use of the operator;

3.  A power source that is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum design speed of not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour on level ground, and:

a. if the power source is a combustion engine, has a piston or rotor displacement of thirty-five cubic centimeters (35 cu cm) or less regardless of the number of chambers in the power source,

b. if the power source is electric, has a power output of not more than one thousand (1,000) watts.

B.  For purposes of this section, an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in Section 1-114A of this title, bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, or motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 1-104 of this title, shall not be considered a motorized scooter.

C.  A motorized scooter shall not be required to be registered under the laws of this state.  The operator of a motorized scooter shall not be required to possess a driver license or to comply with the vehicle insurance or financial responsibility laws of this state.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-1-134.  Motor vehicle.

Motor vehicle.

A.  A motor vehicle is:

1.  Any vehicle which is self-propelled; or

2.  Any vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.

B.  As used in this title, the term "motor vehicle" shall not include:

1.  Implements of husbandry, as defined in Section 1-125 of this title;

2.  Electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in Section 1-114A of this title;

3.  Motorized wheelchairs, as defined in Section 1-136.3 of this title; or

4.  Vehicles moved solely by human or animal power.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1-134, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 304, § 1; Laws 1981, c. 103, § 1; Laws 2002, c. 58, § 2, emerg. eff. April 11, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 50, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-1-134.1.  Low-speed electrical vehicle.

"Low-speed electrical vehicle" means any four-wheeled electrical vehicle that is powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries or other sources of electrical current and whose top speed is greater than twenty (20) miles per hour but not greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour and is manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for low-speed vehicles in 49 C.F.R. 571.500.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 243, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.


§471135.  Motorcycle.

Motorcycle.

A motorcycle is any motor vehicle having:

1.  A seat or saddle for the use of each rider;

2.  Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor; and

3.  A combustion engine with a piston or rotor displacement of greater than one hundred fifty cubic centimeters (150 cu cm).

Added by Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1135.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 304, § 2; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-1-136.  Motor-driven cycle.

Motor-driven cycle.

A motor-driven cycle is any motor vehicle having:

1.  A power source that:

a. if the power source is a combustion engine, has a piston or rotor displacement of greater than thirty-five cubic centimeters (35 cu cm) but less than one hundred fifty cubic centimeters (150 cu cm) regardless of the number of chambers in the power source,

b. if the power source is electric, has a power output of greater than one thousand (1,000) watts; and  

2.  A seat or saddle for the use of each rider; and

3.  Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1-136, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 304, § 3; Laws 1981, c. 103, § 2; Laws 1985, c. 305, § 10, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-1-136.1.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 394, § 19, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.

§47-1-136.2.  Repealed by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§47-1-136.3.  Motorized wheelchair.

Motorized wheelchair.

A motorized wheelchair is any selfpropelled vehicle, designed for and used by a person with a disability, that is incapable of a speed in excess of eight (8) miles per hour.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§471137.  Nonresident.

Every person who is not a resident of this state.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1137.  

§471138.  Nonresident's operating privilege.

The privilege conferred upon a nonresident by the laws of this state pertaining to the operation by such person of a motor vehicle, or the use of a vehicle owned by such person, in this state.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1138.  

§471139.  Official traffic  Control devices.

All signs, barricades, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this act placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1139.  

§47-1-140.  Operator or driver.

Operator or Driver.

Every person, including a commercial operator or driver, as defined in Section 1-108 of this title, who operates, drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1-140, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§47-1-140.1.  "Other intoxicating substance" defined.

For purposes of this title, "other intoxicating substance" means any controlled dangerous substance, as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, Section 2-101 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or any other substance, other than alcohol, which is capable of being ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing, or other sensory or motor function.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 106, § 1 emerg. eff. April 19, 1999.


§471141.  Owner.

A person who holds the legal title of a vehicle or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with a right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of this Code.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1141.  

§471142.  Park, parking, and public parking lot.

(a) Park or parking means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

(b) A public parking lot is any parking lot on rightofway dedicated to public use or owned by the state or a political subdivision thereof.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1142; Laws 1968, c. 148, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1968.  

§471143.  Pedestrian.

Any person afoot.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1143.  

§471144.  Person.

Every natural person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation.

Laws 1961, p. 318, § 1144.  

§471145.  Pneumatic tire.

Every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1145.  

§471146.  Pole trailer.

Every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1146.  

§471147.  Police officer.

Every sheriff, constable, policeman, highway patrolman, and any other officer who is authorized to direct or regulate traffic or make arrests for violations of state traffic laws and municipal ordinances.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1147.  

§471148.  Private road or driveway.

Every way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner, but not by other persons.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1148.  

§47-1-149.  Railroad.

Railroad.

A carrier of persons or property upon cars operated upon stationary rails.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1-149.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.


§471150.  Railroad sign or signal.

Any sign, signal or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1150.  

§47-1-151.  Railroad train.

Railroad train.

A steam engine, diesel, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1-151.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-1-152.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§47-1-152.1.  Recreational vehicle.

Recreational Vehicle.

For the sole purpose of the classification of vehicles as provided in Sections 1-107.1 through 1-107.4 of this title, a recreational vehicle shall be deemed to be a Class D motor vehicle, provided such vehicle is a self-propelled or towed vehicle that is equipped to serve as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or travel purposes and is used solely as a family or personal conveyance.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 7, eff. June 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§471153.  Registration.

The registration certificate or certificates and registration plates issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the registration of vehicles.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1153.  

§471154.  Residence district.

The territory contiguous to and including a highway not comprising a business district when the property on such highway for a distance of three hundred (300) feet or more is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1154.  

§47-1-155.  Revocation of driving privilege.

The termination by formal action of the Department of a person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways.  Such action shall include the requirement of the surrender to the Department of said person's driver license.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1155, eff. Sept. 1, 1961; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 1, eff. April 1, 1995.


§471156.  Rightofway.

The privilege of the immediate use of the roadway.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1156.  

§47-1-157.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§471158.  Roadway and shoulder.

(a) Roadway.  That portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder.  In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways the term "roadway" as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively.

(b) Shoulder.  The portion of the roadway contiguous with the traveled way for accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use, and for lateral support of base and surface courses.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1158.  

§471159.  Safety zone.

The area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1159. Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1159.  

§471160.  School bus.

Every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of children to or from school or privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school, provided, however, that this definition of school bus shall not be extended to include buses normally used in city transit which may be used part time for transportation of school children within such cities during some portion of the day.

Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1160. Laws 1961, p. 319, § 1160.  

§47-1-161.  Security.

Cash, certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions located within the state, or corporate security bond deposited with the Commissioner of Public Safety to secure payment of a judgment or judgments arising out of a motor vehicle accident which occurred prior to the demand for posting of security.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1-161, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by  Laws 1998, c. 85, § 1, eff. July 1, 1998.


§471162.  Semitrailer.

Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1162.  

§471163.  Sidewalk.

That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for use of pedestrians.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1163.  

§471164.  Solid tire.

Every tire of rubber or other resilient material which does not depend upon compressed air for the support of the load.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1164.  

§471165.  Special mobilized machinery.

Special purpose machines, either selfpropelled or drawn as trailers or semitrailers, which derive no revenue from the transportation of persons or property, whose use of the highways is only incidental, and whose useful revenue producing service is performed at destinations in an area away from the traveled surface of an established open highway, and which carry no load other than their own weight, which cannot be divided for all practical purposes. This definition shall include a truck or truck tractor when used while drawing special mobilized machinery but this shall not be construed as exempting from license and registration the pulling unit truck or truck tractor as required by the motor vehicle license and registration.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1165; Laws 1970, c. 61, § 1, emerg. eff. March 16, 1970.  

§47-1-166.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§471167.  Stand or standing.

Means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1167.  

§471168.  State.

A state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a province of the Dominion of Canada.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1168.  

§471169.  Stop.

When required means complete cessation from movement.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1169.  

§471170.  Stop or stopping.

When prohibited means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or a trafficcontrol sign or signal.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1170.  

§471171.  Street.

The entire width between boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1171.  

§47-1-172.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§47-1-173.  Suspension of driving privilege.

The temporary withdrawal by formal action of the Department of a person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways.  Such action shall include the requirement of the surrender to the Department of said person's driver license.

Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1173, eff. Sept. 1, 1961; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 2, eff. April 1, 1995.


§47-1-173.1.  Tank vehicle.

Tank Vehicle.

Any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis.  Such vehicles include but are not limited to cargo tanks and portable tanks as defined by 49 C.F.R., Part 171.  Provided however, the term "tank vehicle" shall not include a portable tank having a rated capacity of under one thousand (1,000) gallons.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 2, eff. July 1, 1992.


§471174.  Taxicab.

Taxicab shall mean and include any motor vehicle for hire, designed to carry ten persons or less, operated upon any street or highway, or on call or demand, accepting or soliciting passengers indiscriminately for transportation for hire between such points along streets or highways as may be directed by the passenger or passengers so being transported.  This classification shall not include:

1.  Motor vehicles of ten-passenger capacity or less operated by the owner where the cost of operation is shared by fellow workmen between their homes and the place of regular daily employment, when not operated for more than two trips per day;

2.  Motor vehicles operated by the owner where the cost of operation is shared by the passengers on a "share the expense plan"; or

3.  Motor vehicles transporting students from the public school system when said motor vehicle is so transporting under contract with public, private, or parochial school board or governing body.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 320, § 1174, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 11, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§471175.  Through highway.

Every highway or portion thereof on which vehicular traffic is given preferential right of way, and at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is required by law to yield right of way to vehicles on such through highway in obedience to either a stop sign or a yield sign, when such signs are erected as provided in this act.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1175.  

§47-1-176.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§47-1-177.  Traffic.

Traffic.

Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and other conveyances either singly or together, while using any highway for purposes of travel.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1-177.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 3, eff. July 1, 2001.


§471178.  Traffic control signal.

Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1178.  

§471179.  Traffic lane.

The portion of the traveled way for the movement of a single line of vehicles.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1179.  

§471180.  Trailer.

Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle, provided however, the definition of trailer herein shall not include implements of husbandry as defined in Section 1125 of this chapter.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1180.  

§47-1-181.  Transporter.

Transporter.

Every person engaged in the business of delivering vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder from a manufacturing, assembling or distributing plant to dealers or sales agents of a manufacturer or from the place of business of a dealer, sales agent or auto auction to a place of business of the same or another dealer, sales agent or auto auction.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1-181.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 125, § 1, emerg. eff. April 26, 1999.


§47-1-181.1.  Travel trailer.

Travel Trailer.

Any vehicular portable structure built on a chassis which is not propelled by its own power but is towed by another vehicle and is used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational or vacational use.  A travel trailer shall have a body width not exceeding eight (8) feet in travel mode and an overall length not exceeding forty (40) feet, including the hitch or coupling.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 9, eff. June 1, 1990.


§471182.  Truck.

Every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1182.  

§471183.  Truck tractor.

(a)  Every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn; and

(b)  For the purposes of paragraph 3 of subsection (c) of Section 14103 of this title, the term trucktractor shall also include oil field rigup trucks when towing a trailer or semitrailer.

Amended by Laws 1985, c. 290, § 1, operative July 1, 1985.  

§47-1-184.  Turnpike and turnpike authority.

Turnpike and Turnpike Authority.

A.  The words "Turnpike Authority", "Transportation Authority", or "Authority" shall mean the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, created by Section 1703 of Title 69 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or, if the Authority shall be abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by this act to the Authority shall be given by law.

B.  A turnpike is a limited access grade separated expressway financed and operated by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority upon which a toll is charged for the use thereof.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1-184.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 4, eff. July 1, 2001.


§471185.  Urban district.

The territory contiguous to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred (100) feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.

Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1185.  

§47-1-186.  Vehicle.

Vehicle.

A.  A vehicle is any device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

B.  As used in this title, the term "vehicle" shall not include:

1.  Implements of husbandry, as defined in Section 1-125 of this title;

2.  Electric personal assistive mobility devices, as defined in Section 1-114A of this title; or

3.  Motorized wheelchairs, as defined in Section 1-136.3 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 321, § 1-186, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 58, § 3, emerg. eff. April 11, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 50, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§472101.  Creation of Department of Public Safety and Office of Commissioner of Public Safety  Powers and authority  Chief officer  Services for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

(a)  A department of the government of this state to be known as the "Department of Public Safety" is hereby created, and offices for the Department shall be furnished by the Office of Public Affairs.  The Department of Public Safety shall be under the control and supervision of the Commissioner of Public Safety, which office and position is hereby created.

The Commissioner shall have such powers and authority as may be granted by the provisions of the Uniform Vehicle Code or as may otherwise be provided by law.

(b)  The Governor shall be the chief officer of the Department of Public Safety and the Commissioner of Public Safety shall execute the lawful orders of the Governor and shall be responsible to him for the operation and administration of said Department.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall provide personal security and protection, transportation, and communications capabilities for the Governor, the Governor's immediate family, and the Lieutenant Governor.  The Commissioner is authorized to provide necessary communications equipment to said persons even if said persons are not on state property or in state vehicles.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is hereby authorized to purchase or lease and equip motor vehicles for the use of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The purchase or lease price of any such motor vehicles and equipment shall be paid from any appropriation for motor vehicles made to the Department of Public Safety.


Amended by Laws 1983, c. 302, § 1, emerg. eff. June 23, 1983; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 20, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 19, § 1, emerg. eff. March 17, 1986.  

§47-2-102.  Commissioner of Public Safety - Qualifications - Appointment - Vacancy - Expenses - Bond - Oath.

A.  1.  The Department shall be under the control of an executive officer to be known as the "Commissioner of Public Safety", who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

2.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall be a professional law enforcement officer with ten (10) years' experience in the field of law enforcement or with five (5) years' experience in the field of law enforcement and a graduate of a four-year college with a degree in law enforcement administration, law, criminology or a related science.

3.  Any vacancy in the office of the Commissioner shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment is made.

4.  The Commissioner shall be allowed the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties of the Commissioner while away from the office.

B.  The Commissioner of Public Safety, after appointment and before entering upon the discharge of duties, shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required by the Constitution. Bonding of the Commissioner of Public Safety and other employees of the Department will be provided under the provisions of Section 85.26 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall be eligible to participate in either the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System or in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and shall make an irrevocable election in writing to participate in one of the two retirement systems.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 322, § 2-102, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 20, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 23, 1967; Laws 1970, c. 221, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970; Laws 1973, c. 224, § 1, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1974, c. 291, § 1, operative July 1, 1974; Laws 1975, c. 321, § 1, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 242, § 1, operative July 1, 1976; Laws 1977, c. 249, § 1, operative July 1, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 209, § 1, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1978, c. 271, § 1, operative July 1, 1978; Laws 1979, c. 267, § 1, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1980, c. 350, § 1, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 264, § 13, eff. July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 9, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 9, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 199, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 190, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.


§47-2-103.  Organization of Department.

A.  The Commissioner shall organize the Department of Public Safety as prescribed by law and in such manner as may be deemed necessary and proper to segregate and conduct the work of the Department.  The Commissioner shall appoint assistants, deputies, officers, investigators and other employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.

B.  Unless otherwise provided by law, salaries and traveling expenses of employees of the Department and the cost of equipment for the Department shall be paid from the appropriations made to the Department of Public Safety.

C.  The Commissioner is authorized to purchase and maintain motor vehicles and other equipment for use by the employees of the Department.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 322, § 2-103, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1965, c. 429, § 1, emerg. eff. July 8, 1965; Laws 1988, c. 98, § 1, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1998, c. 32, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1998; Laws 1998, c. 245, § 1, July 1, 1998.


§47-2-104.  Commissioner to appoint subordinates - Salaries.

A.  The Commissioner, subject to the Merit System laws, shall appoint an Assistant Commissioner and such other deputies, subordinates, officers, investigators, and other employees as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this title.  Any employee of the Department of Public Safety appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner shall have a right to return to the previous position of the employee without any loss of rights, privileges or benefits immediately upon completion of the duties as Assistant Commissioner, provided the employee is not otherwise disqualified.

B.  When traveling with the Governor or at his request:

1.  Those personnel assigned by the Commissioner for executive security shall be allowed their actual and necessary traveling expenses, upon claims approved by the Commissioner, and shall receive, in addition to base salary, an additional One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) per month; and

2.  Those personnel serving as noncommissioned pilots in the Department of Public Safety shall be allowed their actual and necessary traveling expenses, upon claims approved by the Commissioner.

C.  Any person appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety shall be eligible for retirement participation as a member of the Highway Patrol Division in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System if such person at the time of appointment satisfies the age qualifications of an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman as provided in subsection (g) of Section 2-105 of this title, however the Assistant Commissioner shall be eligible for participation in only one retirement system and shall elect in writing the system in which he intends to participate.

D.  The salaries of the employees of the Department of Public Safety, shall be governed by and in accordance with the procedures established by the Office of Personnel Management, unless otherwise provided by law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 323, § 2-104, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1961, p. 311, § 1; Laws 1965, c. 429, § 2; Laws 1967, c. 349, § 1, emerg. eff. May 18, 1967; Laws 1969, c. 284, § 1, emerg. eff. April 25, 1969; Laws 1970, c. 244, § 1, eff. July 1, 1970; Laws 1971, c. 354, § 1, operative July 1, 1971; Laws 1972, c. 234, § 1, operative July 1, 1972; Laws 1973, c. 224, § 2, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1974, c. 291, § 2, operative July 1, 1974; Laws 1975, c. 321, § 2, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 242, § 2, operative July 1, 1976; Laws 1977, c. 249, § 2, operative July 1, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 271, § 2, operative July 1, 1978; Laws 1979, c. 267, § 2, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1980, c. 350, § 2, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 340, § 13, eff. July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 10, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 10, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 19, § 2, emerg. eff. March 17, 1986; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 9, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 205, § 67, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1989, c. 295, § 11, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 258, § 60, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1998, c. 395, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 1, § 12, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


NOTE:  Laws 1983, c. 302, § 2 repealed by Laws 1986, c. 19, § 7, emerg. eff. March 17, 1986.  Laws 1998, c. 245, § 2 repealed by Laws 1999, c. 1, § 45, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999.


§47-2-105.  Personnel of Highway Patrol Division - Qualifications - Political activities - Probationary period - Suspension - Removal - Transfer - Grievances - Uniforms - Chief - Training schools - Age.

A.  The Commissioner of Public Safety, subject to the Oklahoma Personnel Act, shall appoint:

1.  A Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division with the rank of Colonel, Assistant Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and subordinate officers and employees of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, including Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Captains, First Lieutenants, Supervisors with the rank of Second Lieutenant, Sergeants, and Highway Patrolmen with the rank of Trooper, who shall comprise the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety; provided, any officer appointed to a commissioned position prescribed in this paragraph which is unclassified pursuant to Section 840-5.5 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall have a right of return to the highest previously held classified commissioned position within the Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety without any loss of rights, privileges or benefits immediately upon completion of the duties in the unclassified commissioned position;

2.  A First Lieutenant, Supervisors with the rank of Second Lieutenant, Sergeants, and Patrolmen who shall comprise the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety;

3.  A First Lieutenant, Supervisors with the rank of Second Lieutenant, Sergeants, and Patrolmen, who shall comprise the  Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety; and

4.  A Director of the Communications Division with the rank of Captain, Communications Coordinators with the rank of First Lieutenant, Communications Superintendents with the rank of Second Lieutenant, Communications Supervisors with the rank of Sergeant, Communications Dispatchers, Radio Technicians and Tower Maintenance Officers who shall comprise the Communications Division of the Department of Public Safety.

B.  1.  The Commissioner, when appointing commissioned officers and employees to the positions set out in subsection A of this section, shall determine, in consultation with the Administrator of the Office of Personnel Management, minimum qualifications and shall select such officers and employees only after examinations to determine their physical and mental qualifications for such positions.  The content of the examinations shall be prescribed by the Commissioner, and all such appointees shall satisfactorily complete a course of training in operations and procedures as prescribed by the Commissioner.

2.  No person shall be appointed to any position set out in subsection A of this section unless the person is a citizen of the United States of America, of good moral character, and:

a. for commissioned officer positions, shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age but less than forty-three (43) years of age, and shall possess:

(1) an associate's degree or a minimum of sixty-two (62) successfully completed semester hours from a college or university which is recognized by and accepted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and whose hours are transferable between such recognized institutions, and

(2) for any person appointed to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division on or after July 1, 2008:

(a) a bachelor's degree from a college or university which is recognized by and accepted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and whose hours are transferable between such recognized institutions, or

(b) an associate's degree or a minimum of sixty-two (62) successfully completed semester hours from a college or university which is recognized by and accepted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and whose hours are transferable between such recognized institutions, and:

i. at least two (2) years' experience as a law enforcement officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (C.L.E.E.T.) or by the equivalent state agency in another state or by any law enforcement agency of the federal government, or

ii. at least two (2) years of honorable military service in an active or reserve component of the United States Armed Forces.

Provided, such years of experience or service shall have been consecutive and shall have been completed no more than two (2) years prior to application for appointment, or

b. for any such position in the Communications Division, a person shall be at least twenty (20) years of age and shall possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development equivalency certificate; shall possess either six (6) months of previous experience as a dispatcher or fifteen (15) successfully completed semester hours from a college or university which is recognized by and accepted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and whose hours are transferable between such recognized institutions.

3.  No commissioned officer of the Department shall, while in such position, be a candidate for any political office or take part in or contribute any money or other thing of value, directly or indirectly, to any political campaign or to any candidate for public office.  Anyone convicted of violating the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided by law.

4.  The Commissioner or any employee of the Department shall not be a candidate for any political office, or in any way be active or participate in any political contest of any Primary, General, or Special Election, except to cast a ballot.  No commissioned officer of the Department, while in the performance of the officer's assigned duty of providing security and protection, shall be considered as participating in a political campaign.  The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to preclude a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety from being a candidate for a position on a local board of education.

5.  Drunkenness or being under the influence of intoxicating substances shall be sufficient grounds for the removal of any commissioned officer of the Department, in and by the manner provided for in this section.

C.  1.  Upon initial appointment to the position of Highway Patrolman, Patrolman or Communications Dispatcher, the appointed employee shall be required to serve an initial probationary period of twelve (12) months.  The Commissioner may extend the probationary period for up to three (3) additional months provided that the employee and the Office of Personnel Management are notified in writing as to such action and the reasons therefor.  During such probationary period, the employee may be terminated at any time and for any reason at the discretion of the Commissioner.  Retention in the service after expiration of the initial probationary period shall entitle such employee to be classified as a permanent employee and the employee shall be so classified.  No permanent employee may be discharged or removed except as provided for in this section.

2.  A commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division may be promoted during the initial probationary period if such officer satisfactorily completes all training requirements prescribed by the Commissioner.

D.  1.  No permanent employee, as provided for in this section, who is a commissioned officer of the Department, may be suspended without pay or dismissed unless the employee has been notified in writing by the Commissioner of such intended action and the reasons therefor.  No such notice shall be given by the Commissioner unless sworn charges or statements have been obtained to justify the action.

2.  Whenever such charges are preferred, the Commissioner may suspend the accused pending the hearing and final determination of such charges.  If the charges are not sustained in whole or in part, the accused shall be entitled to pay during the period of such suspension.  If the charges are sustained in whole or in part, the accused shall not receive any pay for the period of such suspension.

3.  Commissioned officers of the Department of Public Safety are not entitled to appeal intra-agency transfer to the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission pursuant to the Oklahoma Personnel Act unless transfer is in violation of Section 840-2.5 or 840-2.9 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

4.  The Department of Public Safety shall follow the uniform grievance procedure established and adopted by the Office of Personnel Management for permanent classified employees, except for those employees who are commissioned officers of the Department.  The Department of Public Safety shall establish and adopt a proprietary grievance procedure for commissioned officers of the Department which is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of Section 840-6.2 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

E.  1.  The Commissioner is hereby authorized to purchase and issue uniforms and necessary equipment for all commissioned officers of the Highway Patrol Division of the Department.  All uniforms and equipment shall be used only in the performance of the official duties of such officers and shall remain the property of the Department, except as provided in Section 2-150 of this title.

2.  Each commissioned officer of the Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act while away from the assigned area of the officer as designated by the Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, when such expense is incurred in the service of the state.

F.  The position of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, and Major of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division shall be filled from the body of commissioned officers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and appointment to said position shall be based on qualifications, previous record as a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, length of service, and efficiency of service performed.

1.  The position of Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division shall be filled from the body of commissioned officers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and appointment to said position shall be based on qualifications, previous record as a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, length of service, efficiency of service performed, and one of the following:

a. one (1) year of experience in any combination as Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety or Assistant Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division,

b. two (2) years of experience in any combination as Major or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division,

c. four (4) years of experience in any combination as Captain or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, or

d. six (6) years of experience in any combination as First Lieutenant or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

2.  The position of Assistant Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division shall be filled from the body of commissioned officers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and appointment to said position shall be based on qualifications, previous record as a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, length of service, efficiency of service performed, and one of the following:

a. one (1) year of experience in any combination as Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety or Major of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division,

b. two (2) years of experience in any combination as Captain or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, or

c. four (4) years of experience in any combination as First Lieutenant or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

3.  The position of Major of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division shall be filled from the body of commissioned officers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and appointment to said position shall be based on qualifications, previous record as a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, length of service, efficiency of service performed, and one of the following:

a. one (1) year of experience in any combination as Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety or Captain of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, or

b. three (3) years of experience in any combination as Highway Patrol First Lieutenant or higher rank of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

G.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is hereby authorized to send employees of the Department of Public Safety to such schools as Northwestern University Traffic Institute, Northwestern University Police Administrator's Institute, the National Police Academy conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or to any other such schools of similar training which would be conducive to improving the efficiency of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and the Department of Public Safety.

H.  1.  Any former commissioned officer of the Department whose separation from the Department was at such officer's own request and not a result of such officer's own actions contrary to the policy of the Department or was not as a result of the retirement of that officer from the Department may make application for reinstatement as a commissioned officer of the division or section of the Department in which such officer was previously employed, provided such reinstated officer will be able to complete twenty (20) years of credited service by the time the reinstated officer reaches sixty-two (62) years of age.  The Commissioner may waive the requirements of possessing the number of semester hours or degree as required in subsection B of this section for any former commissioned officer making application for reinstatement as a commissioned officer of the Department.  The Commissioner may require the applicant for reinstatement to attend selected courses of instruction, as prescribed by the Commissioner.

2.  In the event of future hostilities wherein the Congress of the United States declares this nation in a state of war with a foreign nation, including military service brought about by the Vietnam War, any period of military service served by a commissioned officer of the Department shall be considered as continued service with such Department, provided such commissioned officer returns to duty with the Department within sixty (60) days after release from military service.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 323, § 2-105, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1961, p. 311, § 2; Laws 1965, c. 108, § 1, emerg. eff. May 12, 1965; Laws 1965, c. 429, § 3, emerg. eff. July 8, 1965; Laws 1967, c. 199, §§ 1, 2; Laws 1967, c. 349, § 2, emerg. eff. May 18, 1967; Laws 1969, c. 284, § 2, emerg. eff. April 25, 1969; Laws 1970, c. 244, § 2, eff. July 1, 1970; Laws 1971, c. 354, § 2, operative July 1, 1971; Laws 1973, c. 224, § 6, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1974, c. 291, § 3, operative July 1, 1974; Laws 1975, c. 321, § 3, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 242, § 3, operative July 1, 1976; Laws 1977, c. 249, § 3, operative July 1, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 271, § 3, operative July 1, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 1, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 340, § 14, eff. July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 11, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 302, § 3, emerg. eff. June 23, 1983; Laws 1984, c. 264, § 10, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1986, c. 19, § 3, emerg. eff. March 17, 1986; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 10, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 295, § 12, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 315, § 1, eff. July 1, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 2, § 1, emerg. eff. March 18, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 3, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1998, c. 245, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 195, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 378, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 461, § 3, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 29, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 3, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 2003, c. 279, § 1 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 30, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-2-105.1.  Repealed by Laws 1988, c. 290, § 25, operative July 1, 1988.

§47-2-105.2.  Highway Patrol Academies.

The Department of Public Safety is authorized to conduct Highway Patrol Academies as may be required and within the funds available to the Department.  Provided, however, that no such academy shall be commenced nor shall any funds be expended for an academy until:

1.  The academy has been approved for implementation by the Contingency Review Board; or  

2.  The Legislature has authorized the academy.

Added by Laws 1981, c. 264, § 8, emerg. eff. June 25, 1981.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 89, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 279, § 2, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.


§47-2-105.3.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 10, eff. July 1, 1998.

§47-2-105.3a.  Executive security.

A.  Upon receipt from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation of an investigative report pursuant to paragraph 9 of Section 150.2 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Commissioner of Public Safety or a designee shall determine what, if any, executive security will be provided to the official by the Department of Public Safety.  Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the Commissioner from providing temporary executive security to an official of this state or of any political subdivision of the state, if essential, prior to the receipt of the investigative report from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

B.  The Commissioner of Public Safety may, upon the request of a state agency head, appoint and commission qualified individuals to provide executive security for that agency.  The Commissioner shall determine the qualifications of the individuals, the authority level and the time period for the appointment and commission.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall, at the direction of the Governor, provide executive security for political candidates, foreign elected or appointed officials, visiting public officials, or any other person for whom executive security is deemed necessary by the Governor.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 281, § 2, emerg. eff. June 5, 1996.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 199, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-2-105.4.  Salaries.

A. 1. a. Effective January 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety and the commissioned officers within the Highway Patrol Division shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Commissioner of Public Safety $88,400.00

Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety $82,614.00

Highway Patrol Colonel $82,614.00

Highway Patrol Lieutenant Colonel $74,127.00

Highway Patrol Major $67,118.00

Highway Patrol Captain $61,326.00

Highway Patrol First Lieutenant $56,543.00

Highway Patrol Supervisor $52,606.00

Highway Patrolman

Step 1 $36,711.00

Step 2 $38,377.00

Step 3 $40,123.00

Step 4 $41,953.00

Step 5 $43,871.00

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $49,387.00

Probationary Highway Patrolman $33,000.00

Cadet Highway Patrolman $30,000.00

b. On January 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division and the former Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on December 31, 2004.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on January 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. Beginning January 2, 2005, through June 30, 2005, inclusive, each Highway Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph which step number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division and the former Capitol Patrol Division, of the Department of Public Safety if the Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

Provided, if the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, said Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of said salary schedule.

2. a. Effective July 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety and the commissioned officers within the Highway Patrol Division shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Commissioner of Public Safety $89,100.00

Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety $83,314.00

Highway Patrol Colonel $83,314.00

Highway Patrol Lieutenant Colonel $74,827.00

Highway Patrol Major $67,818.00

Highway Patrol Captain $62,026.00

Highway Patrol First Lieutenant $57,243.00

Highway Patrol Supervisor $53,306.00

Highway Patrolman

Step 1 $36,711.00

Step 2 $38,377.00

Step 3 $40,123.00

Step 4 $41,953.00

Step 5 $43,871.00

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $50,087.00

Probationary Highway Patrolman $33,000.00

Cadet Highway Patrolman $30,000.00

b. On July 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division and the former Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on June 30, 2005.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on July 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. After July 1, 2005, each Highway Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph b of this paragraph which step number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division and the former Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety if the Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

Provided, if the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, said Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of said salary schedule.

3.  Except as provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, in any twelve-month period no Highway Patrolman shall receive:

a. a salary increase which exceeds an increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, or

b. more than one such salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, unless salary increases are authorized by the Legislature.

Provided, however, such Patrolman shall receive the salary increase which results from a promotion to another position within the Highway Patrol Division.

4.  The steps prescribed for the position of Highway Patrolman in the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection are for salary and compensation purposes only.  No Highway Patrolman shall be reassigned to another such step of said salary schedule for the purposes of demotion, discipline, promotion, incentive, reward or for any other reason other than the salary increases provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection.

5.  Upon graduation from the Highway Patrol Academy, each Cadet Highway Patrolman shall be promoted to and shall receive the salary for the position of Probationary Highway Patrolman.  Upon completion of the one-year probationary period, as required in subsection C of Section 2-105 of this title, each Probationary Highway Patrolman shall be promoted to and shall receive the salary for Step 1 of the position of Highway Patrolman, as provided for in paragraph 1 or 2 of this subsection, as applicable.  Thereafter, the salary of such Patrolman shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

B.  The provisions of this section shall supersede all existing laws covering the salaries for the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety and the commissioned officers in the Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 290, § 21, operative July 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1989, c. 295, § 13, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 258, § 59, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 118, § 1, emerg. eff. April 23, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 367, § 20, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 190, § 1, emerg. eff. May 24, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 239, § 1; Laws 1996, c. 57, § 3, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 1996, c. 300, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 201, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 245, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1999; Laws 1999, c. 120, § 1, emerg. eff. April 26, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 37, § 10, eff. Oct. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 161, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.


§47-2-105.4A.  Size and Weight Enforcement Section of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division created - Additional members of Highway Patrol - Purchase and maintenance of vehicles and equipment - Training.

There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division the Size and Weight Enforcement Section.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall employ a minimum of twentyfive additional members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, one Captain, one First Lieutenant and three Second Lieutenant Supervisors and shall assign the twentyfive members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, one Captain, one First Lieutenant and three Second Lieutenant Supervisors to the Size and Weight Enforcement Section.  The Size and Weight Enforcement Section shall have the primary duty of the enforcement of the provisions of Section 14-101 et seq. of this title.

Said Commissioner shall purchase and maintain the necessary motor vehicle equipment, portable scales and other items of equipment and supplies and shall provide proper training necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of Section 14-101 et seq. of this title.

Laws 1949, p. 321, § 11, emerg. eff. May 31, 1949; Laws 1957, p. 439, § 1, emerg. eff. June 5, 1957; Laws 1967, c. 369, § 3, emerg. eff. May 22, 1967; Laws 1971, c. 129, § 1, emerg. eff. May 5, 1971; Laws 1979, c. 267, § 4, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 17, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982; Laws 1992, c. 195, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.  Renumbered from § 116.11 of this title by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 17, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-2-105.4B.  Bomb Squad Section.

A.  There is hereby created within the Highway Patrol Division the Bomb Squad Section which shall consist of such employees the Commissioner of Public Safety deems necessary to carry out the provisions of Section 122.2 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  The Commissioner is authorized to purchase and maintain necessary equipment and supplies and shall provide proper training necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 168, § 4, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-2-105.5.  Controlled substance screenings of applicants.

All applicants, including reinstatements, for all commissioned officer positions within the Department of Public Safety shall, prior to initial appointment or reinstatement, be required to submit to and successfully pass a controlled substance screening conducted by a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) certified laboratory.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall establish the necessary procedures to implement this requirement; provided, the results of any such screening shall be considered exempt law enforcement records as prescribed in Section 24A.8 of Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to expend the funds necessary to accomplish these screenings.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 315, § 2, eff. July 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 5, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 5, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-105.6.  Lake Patrol Section - Powers, duties, responsibilities and authority - Reclassification of officers - Salaries.

A.  There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety a Lake Patrol Section which shall consist of such employees as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of Section 4001 et seq., Section 4101 et seq., and Section 4200 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  All commissioned officers of the Lake Patrol Section as designated by the Commissioner shall have the authority to stop and board any vessel subject to Section 4001 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes and make any necessary arrest for violations of Section 4001 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or the rules promulgated by the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Wildlife Conservation or take any other action within their lawful authority.  Any statutory references to the Oklahoma Lake Patrol Division shall mean the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

B.  Any officer of the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety may request reclassification to the equivalent lateral position, rank and salary within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and shall be reclassified to such position if the officer:

1.  Meets the requirements of paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 2-105 of this title.  Provided, such officer shall be exempt from the maximum age limitation;

2.  Satisfactorily completes a course of training as prescribed by the Commissioner; and

3.  Serves a twelve-month probationary period which shall commence upon entering into the course of training required by paragraph 2 of this subsection.

C.  All commissioned officers of the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall have, in addition to their primary duty as prescribed in subsection A of this section, a secondary duty to enforce all state statutes, to make arrests for violations and to perform other duties as prescribed by the Commissioner.

D. 1. a. Effective January 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the commissioned officers within the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Patrol First Lieutenant $56,543.00

Patrol Supervisor $52,606.00

Patrolman

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $49,387.00

b. On January 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on December 31, 2004.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on January 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. Beginning January 2, 2005, through June 30, 2005, inclusive, each Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph if such Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

2. a. Effective July 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the commissioned officers within the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Patrol First Lieutenant $57,243.00

Patrol Supervisor $53,306.00

Patrolman

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $50,087.00

b. On July 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Lake Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on June 30, 2005.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on July 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. After July 1, 2005, each Highway Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph if the Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

3.  Except as provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, in any twelve-month period no Patrolman shall receive:

a. a salary increase which exceeds an increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, or

b. more than one such salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, unless salary increases are authorized by the Legislature.

Provided, however, such Patrolman shall receive the salary increase which results from a promotion to another position within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

4.  The steps prescribed for the position of Patrolman in the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection are for salary and compensation purposes only.  No Patrolman shall be reassigned to another such step of said salary schedule for the purposes of demotion, discipline, promotion, incentive, reward or for any other reason other than the salary increases provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection.

E.  The provisions of this section shall supersede all existing laws covering the salaries for the commissioned Patrolmen in the Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 6, eff. July 1, 1998.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 37, § 11, eff. Oct. 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 195, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 3, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 161, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 44, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


NOTE:  Laws 2004, c. 364, § 1 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 45, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


§47-2-105.6A.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 461, § 20, eff. July 1, 2003.

§47-2-105.7.  Capitol Patrol Section - Authority - Reclassification - Salaries - Application.

A.  There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety a Capitol Patrol Section which shall consist of such employees as may be necessary to provide law enforcement services to all state buildings and properties, including grounds appurtenant thereto, within Oklahoma County and Tulsa County.  All commissioned officers of the Capitol Patrol Section as designated by the Commissioner shall have the authority to enforce all parking, traffic, and criminal laws within Oklahoma County and Tulsa County, and shall have the authority to perform other law enforcement duties within the state as prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

B.  A Patrolman shall not be promoted to the position of Capitol Patrol Sergeant.

C.  Any officer of the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division may request reclassification to the equivalent lateral position, rank, and salary within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and shall be reclassified to the position if the officer:

1.  Meets the requirements of paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 2-105 of this title.  Provided, the officer shall be exempt from the maximum age limitation;

2.  Satisfactorily completes a course of training as prescribed by the Commissioner.  Provided, the course of training shall be comparable to the course of training conducted pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 2-105.6 of this title and shall be conducted and completed within six (6) months of the effective date of this act; and

3.  Serves a twelve-month probationary period which shall commence upon entering the course of training required by paragraph 2 of this subsection.

Such reclassified officer shall be subject to reassignment as determined by the Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

D.  All commissioned officers of the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall have, in addition to their primary duty as prescribed in subsection A of this section, a secondary duty to enforce all state statutes, to make arrests for violations and to perform other duties as prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Safety in accordance with Section 2-117 of this title.

E.  The Department of Central Services and the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority shall provide office and operations space for the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

F. 1. a. Effective January 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the commissioned officers within the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Patrol First Lieutenant $56,543.00

Patrol Supervisor $52,606.00

Capitol Patrol Sergeant $50,946.00

Patrolman

Step 4 $41,953.00

Step 5 $43,871.00

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $49,387.00

b. On January 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on December 31, 2004.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on January 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. Beginning January 2, 2005, through June 30, 2005, inclusive, each Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph if such Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

2. a. Effective July 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the commissioned officers within the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Patrol First Lieutenant $57,243.00

Patrol Supervisor $53,306.00

Capitol Patrol Sergeant $51,646.00

Patrolman

Step 4 $41,953.00

Step 5 $43,871.00

Step 6 $45,881.00

Step 7 $50,087.00

b. On July 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall be assigned and the salary of such Patrolman shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Patrolman has accumulated in the Highway Patrol Division, including service in the former Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Patrolman shall receive less than the salary the Patrolman was receiving on June 30, 2005.  If the number of completed years of service of such Patrolman exceeds seven (7) years on July 1, 2005, the Patrolman shall be assigned to and the Patrolman's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. After July 1, 2005, each Patrolman shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Patrolman an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph if the Patrolman, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Patrolman is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Patrolman shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Patrolman adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

3.  Except as provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, in any twelve-month period no Patrolman shall receive:

a. a salary increase which exceeds an increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, or

b. more than one such salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, unless salary increases are authorized by the Legislature.

Provided, however, such Patrolman shall receive the salary increase which results from a promotion to another position within the Capitol Patrol Section.

4.  The steps prescribed for the position of Patrolman in the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection are for salary and compensation purposes only.  No Patrolman shall be reassigned to another such step of said salary schedule for the purposes of demotion, discipline, promotion, incentive, reward or for any other reason other than the salary increases provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection.

G.  The provisions of this section shall supersede all existing laws covering the salaries for the commissioned officers in the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 37, § 12, eff. Oct. 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 378, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 4, eff. July 1, 2001 ; Laws 2004, c. 161, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Laws 2004, c. 354, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-105.8.  Communications Division - Bureaus - Salaries.

A.  There is hereby established the Communications Division within the Department of Public Safety.  This division shall be divided into a Dispatchers Bureau and a Technicians Bureau and such other bureaus as the Commissioner may direct.

B.  Before the Department of Public Safety may add or change any communication site or dispatch office, the Commissioner of Public Safety shall submit a plan for approval by the Legislature.

C. 1. a. Effective January 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the positions of Director, Coordinator, Superintendent, Supervisor and Dispatcher within the Communications Division shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Communications Director $48,615.00

Communications Coordinator $44,505.00

Communications Superintendent $40,768.00

Communications Supervisor $37,371.00

Communications Dispatcher

Step 1 $28,631.00

Step 2 $29,297.00

Step 3 $29,979.00

Step 4 $30,678.00

Step 5 $31,395.00

Step 6 $32,130.00

Step 7 $34,283.00

Probationary Communications Dispatcher $25,000.00

b. On January 1, 2005, each Communications Dispatcher shall be assigned and the salary of such Dispatcher shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Dispatcher has accumulated in the Communications Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Dispatcher shall receive less than the salary the Dispatcher was receiving on December 31, 2004.  If the number of completed years of service of such Dispatcher exceeds seven (7) years on January 1, 2005, the Dispatcher shall be assigned to and the Dispatcher's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. Beginning January 2, 2005, through June 30, 2005, inclusive, each Communications Dispatcher shall receive upon the anniversary date of such Dispatcher an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in  subparagraph a of this paragraph if such Dispatcher, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Dispatcher is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Dispatcher shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Dispatcher adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

2. a. Effective July 1, 2005, the annual salaries for the positions of Director, Coordinator, Superintendent, Supervisor and Dispatcher within the Communications Division shall be in accordance and conformity with the following salary schedule, exclusive of longevity pay, as authorized by Section 840-2.18 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expense allowance, as authorized by Section 2-130 of this title, and irregular shift pay, as authorized by Section 2-130.1 of this title:

Communications Director $49,315.00

Communications Coordinator $45,205.00

Communications Superintendent $41,468.00

Communications Supervisor $38,071.00

Communications Dispatcher

Step 1 $28,631.00

Step 2 $29,297.00

Step 3 $29,979.00

Step 4 $30,678.00

Step 5 $31,395.00

Step 6 $32,130.00

Step 7 $34,983.00

Probationary Communications Dispatcher $25,349.00

b. On July 1, 2005, each Communications Dispatcher shall be assigned and the salary of such Dispatcher shall be adjusted to the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph.  Such initial adjustment of salaries shall be to the step whose number corresponds to the number of completed years of service the Dispatcher has accumulated in the Communications Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, however, no such Dispatcher shall receive less than the salary the Dispatcher was receiving on June 30, 2005.  If the number of completed years of service of such Dispatcher exceeds seven (7) years on July 1, 2005, the Dispatcher shall be assigned to and the Dispatcher's salary adjusted to Step 7 of the salary schedule.

c. After July 1, 2005, each Communications Dispatcher shall receive upon the anniversary date of the Dispatcher an annual salary increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in subparagraph a of this paragraph if the Dispatcher, within the preceding twelve-month period:

(1) has achieved a satisfactory Performance Rating Score,

(2) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in any suspension from the Department for a period of ten (10) or more days, and

(3) has not received any disciplinary action which has resulted in demotion.

If the number of completed years of service on the anniversary date of the Dispatcher is or exceeds seven (7) years, the Dispatcher shall be assigned to, and the salary of the Dispatcher adjusted to, Step 7 of the salary schedule.

3.  Except as provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, in any twelve-month period no Dispatcher shall receive:

a. a salary increase which exceeds an increase to the next higher step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, or

b. more than one such salary increase to the step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, unless salary increases are authorized by the Legislature.

Provided, however, such Dispatcher shall receive the salary increase which results from a promotion to another position within the Communications Division.

4.  The steps prescribed for the position of Communications Dispatcher in the salary schedule provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection are for salary and compensation purposes only.  No Communications Dispatcher shall be reassigned to another such step of said salary schedule for the purposes of demotion, discipline, promotion, incentive, reward or for any other reason other than the salary increases provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection.

5.  Upon completion of the one-year probationary period as required in subsection D of Section 840-4.13 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, each Probationary Communications Dispatcher shall be promoted to and shall receive the salary for Step 1 of the position of Communications Dispatcher, as provided for in paragraph 1 or 2 of this subsection, whichever is applicable.  Thereafter, the salary of such Dispatcher shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

D.  The provisions of this section shall supersede all existing laws covering the salaries for the positions in the Communications Division of the Department of Public Safety.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 8, eff. July 1, 1998.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 37, § 13, eff. Oct. 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 195, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2004, c. 161, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.


§47-2-105A.  Training Specialist III employees of Department - Transfer to Capitol Patrol Section of Highway of Patrol Division - Salary.

A.  On July 1, 2003, each employee of the Department of Public Safety who is classified as a Training Specialist III, who is certified as a full-time law enforcement officer by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, and who is commissioned by the Commissioner of Public Safety as a police officer of the Department shall be reclassified and transferred to the Capitol Patrol Section of the Highway Patrol Division of the Department as provided in this section.

B.  On July 1, 2003, each employee described in subsection A of this section shall be reclassified as a Patrolman in the Capitol Patrol Section of the Highway Patrol Division of the Department and assigned to the salary schedule provided in paragraph 1 of subsection F of Section 2-105.7 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes to the step which is nearest, but not more than, the salary the employee was earning on June 30, 2003.  The sole purpose of this subsection is to reclassify and assign each of the employees specified in subsection A of this section to a position and step in conformity with the salary schedule.  It is not the intent of this subsection to modify in any way the salary that the employee was earning on June 30, 2003.  Therefore, the annual salary of the employee shall not be changed as a result of being reclassified and assigned to said salary schedule, and if the salary of the employee as of June 30, 2003, does not correspond to one of the steps, then the salary shall remain off step until the provisions of subsection C of this section are applicable.

C.  After July 1, 2003, each reclassified and transferred employee described in subsection A of this section shall receive upon the anniversary date of the reclassified and transferred employee, an annual salary increase to the next step of the salary schedule provided for in paragraph 1 of subsection F of Section 2-105.7 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and shall for each fiscal year thereafter receive an annual salary increase to the subsequent step of the salary schedule until that reclassified and transferred employee reaches Step 14 of the schedule.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 461, § 4, eff. July 1, 2003.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 418, § 4, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-105B.  Position of Chaplain.

Subject to the availability of funds, the Commissioner of Public Safety or the Chief of the Highway Patrol Division is authorized to employ a Chaplain within the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of providing counseling services to employees or immediate family members thereof when such counseling services are needed as a direct result of such employee's performance of official duties and to carry out any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Commissioner or the Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.  The position of Chaplain shall be an unclassified position with salary and benefits set by the Commissioner not to exceed the salary of a Highway Patrolmen at the rank of Trooper with fifteen (15) years of service to the Department of Public Safety.  "Chaplain" means an ordained or authorized pastor, minister, priest or other ecclesiastical dignitary of any denomination who has been duly ordained or authorized by the church to which such person belongs.  

Added by Laws 2003, c. 461, § 5, eff. July 1, 2003.


§472106.  Driver License Administration.

A.  There is hereby established in the Department of Public Safety an administrative unit to be known as the Driver License Administration, which shall be divided into the Driver License Examining Division, the Driver License Services Division, the Driver Improvement Division, the Financial Responsibility Division, and such other divisions as the Commissioner of Public Safety may direct.

B.  The Driver License Examining Division shall consist of noncommissioned classified employees of the Department who may administer tests for the purpose of issuing driver licenses pursuant to Chapter 6 of this title.

C.  Any employee appointed to the position of Driver License Examiner shall be not less than twentyone (21) nor more than sixtyfive (65) years of age and any person appointed to the position of Senior Driver License Examiner shall have held the position of Driver License Examiner with the Department for not less than three (3) years immediately preceding such appointment.

D.  1.  Any person appointed to any position created pursuant to this section shall:

a. be a citizen of the State of Oklahoma,

b. be of good moral character,

c. possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development equivalency certificate, and

d. meet physical and mental standards as the Commissioner may prescribe.  The scope of the physical and mental examinations for persons appointed as a Driver License Examiner or Senior Driver License Examiner shall be as prescribed by the Commissioner.

2.  Any person appointed to the position of Driver License Examiner shall be required to complete satisfactorily a course of training as prescribed by the Commissioner.

E.  Drunkenness, being under the influence of an intoxicating substance or any conduct not becoming an officer or public employee shall be sufficient grounds for the removal of any employee appointed pursuant to this section.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 325, § 2-106, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1961, p. 313, § 3, emerg. eff. Aug. 7, 1961; Laws 1965, c. 429, § 4, emerg. eff. July 8, 1965; Laws 1967, c. 199, § 3; Laws 1967, c. 349, §§ 3, 4, emerg. eff. May 18, 1967; Laws 1969, c. 284, § 3, emerg. eff. April 25, 1969; Laws 1970, c. 244, § 3, eff. July 1, 1970; Laws 1971, c. 354, § 3, operative July 1, 1971; Laws 1972, c. 234, § 2, operative July 1, 1972; Laws 1973, c. 224, § 3, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1974, c. 291, § 4, operative July 1, 1974; Laws 1975, c. 321, § 4, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 242, § 4, operative July 1, 1976; Laws 1977, c. 249, § 4, operative July 1, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 271, § 4, operative July 1, 1978; Laws 1979, c. 267, § 3, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1980, c. 350, § 3, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 340, § 15, eff. July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 12, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1987, c. 205, § 68, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-2-106.1.  Permit clerks and supervisor.

Subject to the Merit System laws, the Commissioner of Public Safety is hereby authorized to employ a supervisor of permit clerks, headquarters permit clerks and additional permit clerks, who shall have the duty to issue oversize and/or overweight permits in accordance with the terms of Chapter 14 of this title and to collect the fees therefor and to remit the same to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Laws 1949, p. 321, § 12; Laws 1957, p. 439, § 2; Laws 1971, c. 129, § 2, emerg. eff. May 5, 1971; Laws 1972, c. 234, § 3, operative July 1, 1972; Laws 1974, c. 291, § 7, operative July 1, 1974; Laws 1975, c. 321, § 7, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 242, § 7, operative July 1, 1976; Laws 1977, c. 249, § 7, operative July 1, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 271, § 5, operative July 1, 1978; Laws 1979, c. 267, § 5, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1980, c. 350, § 4, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 340, § 16, eff. July 1, 1981.  Renumbered from Section 116.12 of this title by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 17, eff. July 1, 2001.


§472107.  Traveling expenses of assistants and other employees  Equipment.

In addition to the salaries or wages of assistants or other employees in the Department of Public Safety when deemed necessary in connection with the discharge of their duties respectively assigned or delegated to them, such assistants or employees shall be allowed and paid traveling expenses incurred in the discharge of their respective duties, in accordance with the provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act, Sections 500.1 through 500.19 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which shall be paid from the same fund and in the same manner as the payment of all other salaries and expenses of the Department; provided, however, when deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Public Safety, it shall be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to purchase motor vehicles and other equipment for use by said Department.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall prepare and deliver to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a current vehicle fleet management and replacement plan and a complete inventory of all vehicles in use by the Department on the first legislative day of each year.  The provisions of this act are to supersede all existing law; provided only that all provisions of this section are subject to provisions of general law governing appropriation, expenditure and availability of funds.

Laws 1961, p. 326, § 2-107, eff. Sept. 1, 1961; Laws 1970, c. 96, § 1, emerg. eff. March 30, 1970; Laws 1971, c. 19, § 1, emerg. eff. March 16, 1971; Laws 1973, c. 220, § 5, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1975, c. 231, § 6, emerg. eff. May 30, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 241, § 7, emerg. eff. June 15, 1976; Laws 1979, c. 243, § 11, emerg. eff. June 1, 1979; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 13, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982; Laws 1993, c. 181, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§472108.  Powers and duties of commissioner.

A.  The Commissioner is hereby vested with the power and is charged with the duty of observing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of this title and of all laws regulating the operation of vehicles or the use of the highways, the enforcement and administration of which are now or hereafter vested in the Department.  The Commissioner may appoint any employee of the Department to serve as the personal representative of the Commissioner for the purpose of fulfilling any such duty or combination of duties.

B.  The Commissioner is hereby authorized to adopt and enforce such rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and any other laws the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the Department.

C.  The Commissioner may adopt an official seal for the use of the Department.

D.  The Commissioner may adopt an authorized facsimile signature of the Commissioner, and may appoint any employee of the Department to serve as the personal representative of the Commissioner for the purpose of affixing the authorized facsimile signature of the Commissioner to administrative letters, notices, and orders to enforce the provisions of the law.  Provided, however, it shall be unlawful and shall constitute the crime of forgery to affix or endorse the facsimile signature of the Commissioner, as herein provided, to any instrument, voucher, check, claim, or draft for the payment of money due and owing to the State of Oklahoma.  In lieu of the signature of the Commissioner or the authorized facsimile signature of the Commissioner, the Commissioner may direct and authorize any employee of the Department to affix the signature of the employee to administrative letters, notices, and orders to enforce the provisions of the law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 327, § 2108, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 130, § 6, emerg. eff. April 20, 2004.


§47-2-109.  Commissioner to prescribe forms.

The Commissioner shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, driver licenses and all other forms requisite or deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this title and any other laws the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the Department.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 327, § 2-109, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§47-2-109.1.  Charging and collection of fees - Forms of payment.

A.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall charge and collect the fees required to be paid to the Department of Public Safety.

B.  Payments for any fees required to be paid by any person to the Department of Public Safety, except as otherwise provided by law, may be made by:

1.  The person's personal or company check, as prescribed by rules of the Department;

2.  Cash, if paid in person;

3.  Money order or certified check; or

4.  A nationally recognized credit card issued to the person.  The Commissioner may add an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the amount of such payment as a convenience fee for credit card payments.  Such convenience fee shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.  For purposes of this paragraph, "nationally recognized credit card" means any instrument or device, whether known as a credit card, credit plate, charge plate or by any other name, issued with or without fee by the issuer for the use of the cardholder in obtaining goods, services, or anything else of value on credit which is accepted by more than one thousand merchants in this state.  The Commissioner shall determine which nationally recognized credit cards will be accepted; provided, however, the Commissioner must ensure that no loss of state revenue will occur by the use of such card.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 100, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§472110.  Authority to administer oaths and acknowledge signatures - Release of records - Confidentiality of certain information.

A.  Officers and employees of the Department of Public Safety designated by the Commissioner, for the purpose of administering the motor vehicle laws, are authorized to administer oaths and acknowledge signatures and shall do so without fee.

B.  The Commissioner and such officers of the Department as the Commissioner may designate are hereby authorized to prepare under the seal of the Department and deliver upon request a certified copy of any record of the Department, charging a fee of Three Dollars ($3.00) for each record so certified, and every such certified copy shall be admissible in any proceeding in any court in like manner as the original thereof.  A certification fee shall be charged:

1.  Only if the person requesting the record specifically requests that the record be certified; and

2.  In addition to the copying and reproduction fees provided by the Oklahoma Open Records Act or any other applicable law.

C.  The Commissioner and any other officers of the Department as the Commissioner may designate are hereby authorized to provide a copy of any record required to be maintained by the Department at no charge to any of the following government agencies when requested in the performance of official governmental duties:

1.  The driver license agency of any other state;

2.  Any court, district attorney or municipal prosecutor in this state or any other state;

3.  Any law enforcement agency in this state or any other state or any federal agency empowered by law to make arrests for public offenses;

4.  Any public school district in this state for purposes of verifying the driving record of a currently employed school bus driver or person making application for employment as a school bus driver; or

5.  Any state agency in this state.

D.  Any record required to be maintained by the Department may be released to any other entity free of charge when the release of the record would be for the benefit of the public, as determined by the Commissioner or a designee of the Commissioner.

E.  The following records shall be provided by the Department to any authorized recipient, pursuant to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 United States Code, Sections 2721 through 2725, upon payment of the appropriate fees for the records:

1.  A Motor Vehicle Report, as defined in Section 6-117 of this title; and

2.  A copy of any driving record related to the Motor Vehicle Report.

F.  1.  The provisions of subsections B, D, and E of this section and the Open Records Act shall not apply to the release of personal information from any driving record of any person.  Such personal information shall be confidential except as provided for in this subsection or in the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 United States Code, Sections 2721 through 2725.  Upon written request to the Commissioner of Public Safety by a law enforcement agency or another state's or country's driver licensing agency for personal information on a specific individual, as named or otherwise identified in the written request, to be used in the official capacity of the agency, the Commissioner may release such personal information to the agency pursuant to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 United States Code, Sections 2721 through 2725.

2.  For the purposes of this subsection, "personal information" means information which identifies a person, including but not limited to a photograph or image in computerized format of the person, fingerprint image in computerized format, signature or signature in computerized format, social security number, residence address, mailing address, and medical or disability information.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 327, § 2-110, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 11, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1999, c. 80, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 86, § 2, emerg. eff. April 17, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 130, § 7, emerg. eff. April 20, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 199, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§472111.  Records of Department.

A.  All records of the Department, other than those declared by law to be confidential for the use of the Department, shall be open to public inspection during office hours.

B.  The Commissioner shall supervise the maintaining of all records of the Department and shall adopt rules concerning the destruction and retention of records.  Records of the Department shall not be subject to the provisions of:

1.  Sections 305 through 317 of Title 67 of the Oklahoma Statutes or be transferred to the custody or control of the State Archives Commission;

2.  Section 590 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes; or

3.  The Records Management Act, Sections 201 through 215 of Title 67 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

The Commissioner may, pursuant to an adopted rule, order destruction of records deemed to be no longer of value to the Department in carrying out the powers and duties of the Department.

C.  1.  The Commissioner may cause any or all records kept by the Department of Public Safety to be photographed, microphotographed, photostated, reproduced on film, or stored on computer storage medium.  The film or reproducing material shall be of durable material, and the device used to reproduce the records on the film or reproducing material shall accurately reproduce and perpetuate the original records in all detail.

2.  The photostatic copy, photograph, microphotograph, photographic film or computerized image of the original records shall be deemed to be an original record for all purposes and shall be admissible as evidence in all courts or administrative agencies.  A facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy thereof shall be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of the original.

3.  The photostatic copies, photographs, microphotographs, reproductions on film, or computerized images shall be placed in conveniently accessible files and provisions made for preserving, examining, and using the copies, photographs, microphotographs, reproductions on film and computerized images.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is empowered to authorize the disposal, archival storage, or destruction of the original records or papers.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 327, § 2111, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 342, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2005, c. 199, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-2-112.  Authority to grant or refuse applications - Confiscation of documents.

The Department shall examine and determine the genuineness, regularity and legality of every application, driver license and any other application lawfully made to the Department, and may in all cases make investigation as may be deemed necessary or require additional information, and shall reject any such application if not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity or legality thereof or the truth of any statement contained therein, or for any other reason, when authorized by law.  If a person making application to the Department presents any document to the Department which the Department has reason to believe is false, fraudulent, or being used by a person not authorized to use such document, the Department shall confiscate the document until such time it is determined by the Department whether the document is false, fraudulent, or being used by a person not authorized to use such document.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 327, § 2-112, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2003, c. 461, § 6, eff. July 1, 2003.


§472113.  Seizure of documents and plates.

The Department is hereby authorized to take possession of any certificate of title, registration card, permit, license or registration plate issued by the State of Oklahoma upon expiration, revocation, cancellation or suspension thereof, or which is fictitious, or which has been unlawfully or erroneously issued.


Laws 1961, p. 328, § 2113.  

§47-2-114.  Distribution of synopsis of laws.

The Department may publish a synopsis or summary of the laws of this state regulating the operation of vehicles and may deliver a copy thereof to any person.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 328, § 2-114, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§472115.  Department may summon witnesses and take testimony.

(a) The Commissioner and officers of the Department designated by him shall have authority to summon witnesses to give testimony under oath or to give written deposition upon any matter under the jurisdiction of the Department.  Such summons may require the production of relevant books, papers and records.

(b) Every such summons shall be served at least five (5) days before the return date, either by personal service made by any person over eighteen (18) years of age or by registered mail, but return acknowledgement is required to prove such latter service. Failure to obey such a summons so served shall constitute a misdemeanor. The fees for the attendance and travel of witnesses shall be the same as for witnesses before the district court and shall be paid from the Public Safety Fund.

(c) The district court, where not otherwise provided, shall have jurisdiction, upon application by the Commissioner, to enforce all lawful orders of the Commissioner under this section.


Laws 1961, p. 328, § 2115.  

§472116.  Giving of notice.

Whenever the Department is authorized or required to give any notice under this act or other law regulating the operation of vehicles, unless a different method of giving such notice is otherwise expressly prescribed, such notice shall be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be so notified or by deposit in the United States mail of such notice in an envelope with first class postage prepaid, addressed to such person at the address as shown by the records of the Department.  The giving of notice by mail is complete upon the expiration of ten (10) days after such deposit of said notice. Proof of the giving of notice in either such manner may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the Department or affidavit of any person over eighteen (18) years of age, naming the person to whom such notice was given and specifying the time, place and manner of the giving thereof.


Amended by Laws 1986, c. 279, § 11, operative July 1, 1986.  

§47-2-117.  Police authority of Department - Traffic-related enforcement authority on National System of Interstate and Defense Highways - Special traffic-related enforcement in municipalities.

A.  The Commissioner of Public Safety and each officer of the Department of Public Safety, as designated and commissioned by the Commissioner, are hereby declared to be peace officers of the State of Oklahoma and shall be so deemed and taken in all courts having jurisdiction of offenses against the laws of the state.  Such officers shall have the powers and authority now and hereafter vested by law in other peace officers, including the right and power of search and seizure, except the serving or execution of civil process, and the right and power to investigate and prevent crime and to enforce the criminal laws of this state.

B.  The officers of the Department shall have the following authority, responsibilities, powers and duties:

1.  To enforce the provisions of this title and any other law regulating the operation of vehicles or the use of the highways, including, but not limited to, the Motor Carriers Act of this state, or any other laws of this state by the direction of the Governor;

2.  To arrest without writ, rule, order or process any person detected by them in the act of violating any law of the state;  

3.  When the officer is in pursuit of a violator or suspected violator and is unable to arrest such violator or suspected violator within the limits of the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, to continue in pursuit of such violator or suspected violator into whatever part of the state may be reasonably necessary to effect the apprehension and arrest of the same, and to arrest such violator or suspected violator wherever the violator may be overtaken;

4.  To assist in the location of stolen property, including livestock and poultry or the carcasses thereof, and to make any inspection necessary of any truck, trailer or contents thereof in connection therewith;

5.  At all times to direct all traffic in conformance with law and, in the event of a fire, or other emergency, or to expedite traffic, or to insure safety, to direct traffic as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of law;

6.  To require satisfactory proof of ownership of the contents of any motor vehicle, including livestock, poultry or the carcasses thereof.  In the event that the proof of ownership is not satisfactory, it shall be the duty of the officer to take the motor vehicle, driver, and the contents of the motor vehicle into custody and deliver the same to the sheriff of the county wherein the cargo, motor vehicle and driver are taken into custody;

7.  When on duty, upon reasonable belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation of any provisions of this title, or any other law regulating the operation of vehicles, to require the driver thereof to stop and exhibit his or her driver license and the certificate of registration issued for the vehicle, if required to be carried in the vehicle pursuant to paragraph 3 of subsection A of Section 1113 of this title, and submit to an inspection of such vehicle, the license plates and certificate of registration thereon, if applicable, or to any inspection and test of the equipment of such vehicle;

8.  To inspect any vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder in any public garage or repair shop or in any place where such vehicles are held for sale or wrecking, for the purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating the title and registration thereof;

9.  To serve all warrants relating to the enforcement of the laws regulating the operation of vehicles or the use of the highways and bench warrants issued for nonpayment of fines and costs for moving traffic violations;

10.  To investigate and report traffic collisions on all interstate and defense highways and on all highways outside of incorporated municipalities, and may investigate traffic collisions within any incorporated municipality upon request of the local law enforcement agency, and to secure testimony of witnesses or of persons involved;

11.  To investigate reported thefts of motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers;

12.  To stop and inspect any motor vehicle or trailer for such mechanical tests as may be prescribed by the Commissioner to determine the roadworthiness of the vehicle.  Any vehicle which may be found to be unsafe for use on the highways may be ordered removed from said highway until such alterations or repairs have been made that will render said vehicle serviceable for use on the highway;

13.  To stop and inspect the contents of all motor vehicles to ascertain whether or not the provisions of all general laws are being observed;

14.  To enforce the laws of the state relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles;

15.  To enforce the laws relating to the operation and use of vehicles on the highway;

16.  To enforce and prevent, on the roads of the state highway system, the violation of the laws relating to the size, weight, and speed of commercial motor vehicles and all laws designed for the protection of the highway pavements and structures on such highways;

17.  To investigate and report to the Corporation Commission and the Oklahoma Tax Commission violation of their rules and the laws governing the transportation of persons and property by motor transportation companies and all other motor carriers for hire;

18.  To investigate and report violations of all laws relating to the collection of excise taxes on motor vehicle fuels;

19.  To regulate the movement of traffic on the roads of the state highway system;

20.  Whenever possible, to determine persons causing or responsible for the breaking, damaging, or destruction of any improved surfaced roadway, structure, sign, marker, guardrail, or any other appurtenance constructed or maintained by the Department of Transportation, and to arrest persons responsible therefor and to bring them before the proper officials for prosecution;

21.  To investigate incidents involving an employee of the Department, when such incidents are related to the performance of the duties of the employee; and

22.  To initiate or assist in manhunts and fugitive apprehensions.

C.  Whenever any person is arrested by a patrol officer for a traffic violation the provisions of Sections 16101 through 16114 of this title shall apply.

D.  1.  Except as provided in this subsection, the powers and duties conferred on the Commissioner and officers of the Department of Public Safety shall not limit the powers and duties of sheriffs or other peace officers of the state or any political subdivision of the state.

2.  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division shall have primary law enforcement authority respecting trafficrelated offenses upon the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, and may have special law enforcement authority on those portions of the federal-aid primary highways and the state highway system which are located within the boundaries and on the outskirts of a municipality, and designated by the Commissioner of Public Safety for such special law enforcement authority.  As used in this subsection "outskirts of a municipality" means and shall be determined by presence of the following factors:

a. low land use density,

b. absence of any school or residential subdivision requiring direct ingress or egress from the highway, and

c. a scarcity of retail or commercial business abutting the highway.

3.  The Commissioner may designate any portion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, and those portions of the federal-aid primary highways and the state highway system which are located within the boundaries of and on the outskirts of a municipality for special traffic-related enforcement by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and issue a written notice to any other law enforcement agency affected thereby.  Upon receipt of such notice, the affected law enforcement agency shall not regulate traffic nor enforce trafficrelated statutes or ordinances upon such designated portion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or such designated portions of the federal-aid primary highways and the state highway system without prior coordination and written approval of the Commissioner.

4.  Any person may request the Commissioner to investigate the traffic-related enforcement practices of a municipal law enforcement agency whose jurisdiction includes portions of the federal-aid primary highways, the state highway system, or both located within the boundaries of and on the outskirts of the municipality.  Such request shall state that the requester believes the enforcement practices are being conducted:

a. within the boundaries of and on the outskirts of the municipality, and

b. for the purpose of generating more than fifty percent (50%) of the revenue needed for the operation of the municipality.

5.  Upon receipt of a request pursuant to paragraph 4 of this subsection, the Commissioner shall investigate the traffic-related enforcement practices of the municipal law enforcement agency and the receipts and expenditures of the municipality.  Both the law enforcement agency and the municipality shall cooperate fully with the Commissioner in such an investigation.  Upon the completion of the investigation, the Commissioner shall submit a report of the results of the investigation to the Attorney General, who shall make a determination within sixty (60) days of receipt of the report as to whether the enforcement practices of the municipal law enforcement agency are being conducted as provided in subparagraphs a, b and c of paragraph 4 of this subsection.  Upon a determination that the enforcement practices are not being conducted in such a manner, the Attorney General shall notify the Commissioner in writing, and the Commissioner shall take no action to make a designation as provided in paragraph 3 of this subsection.  Upon a determination that the enforcement practices are being conducted as provided in subparagraphs a, b and c of paragraph 4 of this subsection, the Attorney General shall notify the Commissioner in writing, and the Commissioner shall make the designation of special traffic-related enforcement as provided in paragraph 3 of this subsection, which shall stay in force for such time as determined by the Commissioner.

E.  Nothing in this section shall limit a member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division from requesting assistance from any other law enforcement agency nor limit officers of such agency from rendering the requested assistance.  The officer and the law enforcement agency responding to the request of the member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division or sheriff's department shall have the same rights and immunities as are possessed by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

F.  No state official shall have any power, right, or authority to command, order, or direct any commissioned law enforcement officer of the Department of Public Safety to perform any duty or service contrary to the provisions of this title or any other laws of this state.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 328, § 2-117, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1982, c. 16, § 1, emerg. eff. March 23, 1982; Laws 1987, c. 6, § 15, emerg. eff. March 16, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 259, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1996, c. 324, § 4; Laws 2003, c. 404, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 6, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 190, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.


§472117.1.  Investigation and report of violation of rules and regulations governing transportation of persons and property.

A.  It shall be the duty of the Oklahoma Tax Commission to investigate and report to the Corporation Commission and the Department of Public Safety violations of their rules and regulations and the laws governing the transportation of persons and property by motor transportation companies and all other motor carriers for hire.

B.  It shall be the duty of the Corporation Commission to investigate and report to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Department of Public Safety violations of their rules and regulations and the laws governing the transportation of persons and property by motor transportation companies and all other motor carriers for hire.


Added by Laws 1987, c. 6, § 16, emerg. eff. March 16, 1987.  

§472118.  Administration of Division of Highway Patrol.

(a) The Commissioner shall require that the Division of Highway Patrol properly patrol the highways of this state and cooperate with sheriffs and police officers in enforcing the laws regulating the operation of vehicles and the use of highways.

(b) The Commissioner may establish a school for the training and education of the members of said Division in traffic regulation, the promotion of traffic safety and enforcement of the laws regulating the operation of vehicles and the use of the highways.

(c) All members of said Division when on duty shall be dressed in distinctive uniform and display a badge of office.


Laws 1961, p. 330, § 2118.  

§472119.  Badge of authority  Penalties.

The Commissioner shall issue to each member of the Division of Highway Patrol a badge of authority with the seal of this state in the center thereof, with the words "Oklahoma Highway Patrol" encircling said seal and below the designation of the position held by the member to whom issued.  Every such badge shall be numbered or each number shall otherwise display a distinctive serial number.

1.  Neither the Commissioner nor any other person shall issue any such badge to any person who is not a duly appointed and acting member of said Division.

2.  Any person who without authority wears the badge of a member of said Division, or a badge of similar design which would tend to deceive anyone, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

3.  Any person who impersonates a member of said Division or other officer or employee of the Department with intent to deceive anyone, or who without authority wears a uniform likely to be confused with the official uniform of any such officer, is guilty of a misdemeanor.


Laws 1961, p. 330, § 2119.  

§472120.  Transportation for Attorney General.

The Department of Public Safety is authorized to provide radioequipped transportation for the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma.


Laws 1971, c. 227, § 4, emerg. eff. June 12, 1971.  

§472121.  Legal division.

The Department of Public Safety shall establish or provide for a Legal Division and the Commissioner may employ attorneys as needed, which may be on fulltime or parttime basis, which attorneys, in addition to advising the Commissioner, Highway Patrol and other Department personnel on legal matters, may appear for and represent the Commissioner, Highway Patrol and Department in administrative hearings and other legal actions and proceedings. Provided, that it shall continue to be the duty of the Attorney General to give his official opinion to the Commissioner and to prosecute and defend actions therefor, if requested to do so.


Laws 1971, c. 354, § 7, operative July 1, 1971.  

§47-2-122.  Receipt of funds - Law enforcement training academy facilities - Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program - Petty cash fund.

A.  The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety is authorized to receive funds from gifts, federal agency sources, tuition and fees for room and meals from users of the Robert R. Lester Law Enforcement Training Academy facilities.  All amounts collected shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.

B.  The Commissioner or designee is authorized to receive contributions, gifts and donations for the sole benefit and operation of the education programs of the Department including, but not limited to, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program.  All monies received by the Commissioner or designee pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund and shall be expended by the Department solely for the purposes of the operation of the education programs of the Department.  All other property received by the Commissioner or designee pursuant to this subsection shall be held by the Department in trust under the terms and conditions imposed by the donors, and title to any and all property acquired, granted or donated to the Department shall be taken in the name of the state to be held for the use and benefit of such education programs of the Department under the conditions of the grants or donations.  Provided, however, no real property shall be accepted by the Commissioner or designee for the purposes of this subsection.

C.  There is hereby created a petty cash fund for the Department of Public Safety.  Said fund shall be used by the Department to operate cash drawers as necessary.  The amount of the petty cash fund shall be determined by the Director of State Finance and the Commissioner of Public Safety.  Purchases from the petty cash fund shall be prohibited.  The Director of State Finance shall be authorized to prescribe forms, systems and procedures for the administration of the petty cash fund.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 84, § 4, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 12, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 148, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 290, § 11, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 258, § 62, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 4, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 211, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§472122.1.  Acquisition of federal funds.

All funds appropriated to the Department of Public Safety may be used and expended in conjunction or cooperation with any federal agency or instrumentality under such terms and conditions considered appropriate or necessary by the Commissioner of Public Safety to obtain grants or federal aid assistance in accordance with state law.  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to collect, receive and use any and all grants, reimbursements, or courtordered forfeitures made available through any agency or instrumentality of the federal government, provided, however, such funds shall be deposited in the State Treasury and disbursed in accordance with the agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the applicable federal agency or instrumentality.


Added by Laws 1988, c. 290, § 23, operative July 1, 1988.  

§47-2-122.2.  Employee performance program - Recognition awards.

A.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to establish an employee performance recognition program that encourages outstanding job performance and productivity within the Department of Public Safety.  The Commissioner is authorized to expend funds for:

1.  The purchase of recognition awards to be presented to work units or individual employees having exceptional job performance records or other significant contributions to the operation of the Department; and

2.  A formal ceremony or banquet where the awards may be presented.

B.  Recognition awards may consist of distinctive wearing apparel, service pins, plaques, writing pens, or other distinguished awards of a value not exceeding One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per award to recognize the achievement of the work unit or individual employee.  In addition to recognition awards, the Commissioner may establish an employee benefit program not exceeding Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) each fiscal year for cash awards to recognize outstanding performance in the workplace by Department employees.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 146, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.


§472123.  Sale and auction of used vehicles, used emergency vehicle equipment, and forfeited property.

A.  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to make available for sale used vehicles and used emergency vehicle equipment to any federal, state, county or municipal agency or public school district.

B.  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to make available for sale at public auction any used vehicles, used emergency vehicle equipment, and any property forfeited to the Department.

C.  The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules for the sale and auction of used vehicles, used emergency vehicle equipment, and forfeited property.

Added by Laws 1974, c. 283, § 5, emerg. eff. May 29, 1974.  Amended by Laws 1979, c. 45, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 21, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 1995, c. 47, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2001, c. 90, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.


§472124.  Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems Division  Creation.

A.  There is hereby created within the Department of Public Safety an Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems Division.

B.  The Division shall:

1.  Operate and maintain an online, realtime computer system and a statewide law enforcement data communication network;

2.  Utilize and distribute information on vehicle registration, driver records, criminals and the commission of crimes;

3.  Be responsible for the coordination of user agencies with the National Crime Information Center in Washington, D.C., and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System, or its successor;

4.  Be the central access and control point for Oklahoma's input, retrieval and exchange of law enforcement information in the National Crime Information Center and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System; and

5.  Provide user agencies a data communication network, in order to exchange and distribute law enforcement data rapidly, and training in the use of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems.

C.  The statewide law enforcement data communications network shall be a part of the Oklahoma Government Telecommunications Network (OGTN) created in Section 41.5m of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes; provided, however, the Department of Public Safety may continue to operate, maintain and enhance the statewide law enforcement data communications network; provided, however, the Department of Public Safety shall submit all plans for the enhancement of the statewide law enforcement communications network to the Office of State Finance for review and approval.  The Department of Public Safety shall participate with the Office of State Finance in joint efforts to provide services for the OGTN.

D.  All criminal justice agencies disseminating criminal history information derived from the National Crime Information Center's criminal history file shall maintain a record of dissemination in accordance with federal law as well as rules promulgated by the National Crime Information Center and the Commissioner of Public Safety.

E.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems Division shall have the authority to audit state and local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to ensure compliance with federal laws as well as rules of the Department of Public Safety which pertain to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems.

Added by Laws 1975, c. 324, § 1, emerg. eff. June 12, 1975.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 268, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-2-124.1.  Arrest warrant identification information - Dissemination.

A.  The Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts shall provide to the Department of Public Safety current computerized arrest warrant identification information for dissemination to the users of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems.

B.  The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to audit state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws pertaining to the dissemination of arrest warrant identification information.

C.  No cause of action shall arise, nor shall any liability be imposed against any personnel within the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts, the district courts, the offices of the district court clerks or any personnel of the Department of Public Safety for communicating or delivering information or data pursuant to the provisions of this section, if such communication or delivery was performed in good faith and without fraudulent intent and in accordance with the established standards and guidelines.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 181, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§472125.  Deposit of funds.

The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall deposit in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund any monies that are derived from user fees and installation costs paid by subscribers for terminals that are a part of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems.  In addition to other purposes authorized by law, expenditures from said Fund shall be used for purchases of terminal equipment, installation costs, personnel, and other operating expenses of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication Systems.


Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 13, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 149, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 290, § 12, operative July 1, 1988.  

§472126.  Rules.

The Commissioner of Public Safety may promulgate rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Sections 2-124 through 2-129 of this title.

Added by Laws 1975, c. 324, § 3, emerg. eff. June 12, 1975.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-2-127.  Repealed by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 182, eff. July 1, 1983.

§472128.  Transfer of personnel and assets.

All personnel employed by the Commission on Criminal and Traffic Law Enforcement System and all funds, records, equipment, furniture, fixtures, files and supplies of whatsoever kind and character now under the jurisdiction and control of the Commission are hereby transferred to the Department of Public Safety.  All employees so transferred shall be in the classified service of the Merit System of Personnel Administration and shall be transferred at present salaries with all accrued annual and sick leave.


Laws 1975, c. 324, § 5, emerg. eff. June 12, 1975.  

§472129.  Custody and dissemination of confidential and privileged information.

A.  Any person charged with the custody and dissemination of confidential and privileged information or in receipt of such information from the statewide law enforcement data communications network provided for in Section 2-124 of this title shall neither divulge nor disclose any such information except to federal, state, county or city law enforcement or criminal justice agencies.

B.  Any person charged with the custody and dissemination of confidential and privileged information shall not without authorization utilize the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunication System for any reason.

C.  Any person violating the provisions of this section upon conviction shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year.

Added by Laws 1975, c. 324, § 6, emerg. eff. June 12, 1975.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 268, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 25, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§472130.  Expense allowance for certain employees.

A.  An expense allowance of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per month for maintenance and cleaning of uniforms, continuing law enforcement education, purchase of practice ammunition, and other related expenses shall be paid to all commissioned law enforcement officers of the Department of Public Safety.

B.  An expense allowance of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month for maintenance and cleaning of uniforms, continuing law enforcement education, purchase of practice ammunition, and other related expenses shall be paid to each of the following employees:

1.  Cadets while members of a patrol academy or during employment while on provisional or probationary status; and

2.  Law enforcement personnel on provisional or probationary status.

C.  An expense allowance of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month for maintenance and cleaning of uniforms and other related expenses shall be paid to all other uniformed employees of the Department of Public Safety.

Laws 1978, c. 270, § 5, emerg. eff. May 10, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 350, § 6, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1982, c. 352, § 14, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 14, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1988, c. 290, § 13, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1992, c. 302, § 2, eff. July 1, 1992.


§472130.1.  Additional compensation for irregular shift hours and twentyfourhour call employees.

Subject to the availability of funds, the Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to pay up to an additional Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per month to any employee of the Department who works irregular shift hours or who is subject to twentyfourhour call.


Added by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 15, operative July 1, 1983.  

§47-2-131.  Repealed by Laws 1995, c. 294, § 4, eff. July 1, 1995.

§47-2-132.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§472133.  Psychological Services Division  Director  Internship program.

A.  There is hereby established in the Department of Public Safety a Division to be known as the Psychological Services Division.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to appoint a Director of Psychological Services and to employ such clerical, support personnel and interns on a fulltime or parttime basis as may be necessary to perform the duties imposed upon the Division.

B.  The Director of Psychological Services shall possess a doctorate in psychology, shall be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and shall have not less than five (5) years' experience in law enforcement.

C.  Prior to the establishment of any psychology internship program, the Director of Psychological Services shall submit a plan for such program to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for approval.  Such program shall meet all requirements of the rules and regulations of the Board.



§47-2-134.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 10, eff. July 1, 1998.

§47-2-135.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 10, eff. July 1, 1998.

§47-2-136.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 10, eff. July 1, 1998.

§47-2-140.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.

§47-2-140.1.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.2.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.3.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.4.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.5.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.6.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.7.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.8.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.9.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.10.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-140.11.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-2-141.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 245, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.

§47-2-142.  Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, to be designated the "Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund".  The Fund shall be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations.  All monies accruing to the credit of said Fund are hereby appropriated and shall be budgeted and expended by the Department for the exclusive purpose of implementing, developing, administering, and maintaining the computer imaging system of the Department of Public Safety.  Expenditures from said Fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 8, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-2-143.  Department of Public Safety Patrol Vehicle Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, to be designated the "Department of Public Safety Patrol Vehicle Revolving Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations.  All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and shall be budgeted and expended by the Department for the exclusive purpose of the purchase of patrol vehicles, patrol aircraft, and the equipping of those vehicles.  No monies shall be expended from this fund without expressed authorization by the Legislature.  Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 179, § 3, emerg. eff. May 12, 1997.  Renumbered from Title 47, § 854.1 by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 15, eff. July 1, 2001.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 461, § 7, eff. July 1, 2003.


NOTE:  Editorially renumbered from § 2-142 of this title to avoid duplication in numbering.


§47-2-144.1.  Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.

Laws 2002, c. 397, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2002;  


§47-2-144.1.  Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.

A.  There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Department of Public Safety to be designated the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all money received by the Department of Public Safety from:

1.  Sale of surplus property;

2.  Insurance and other reimbursements for damaged, lost or stolen property;

3.  Reimbursement for services of Department personnel as approved by the Department if such personnel are representing the Department or are in any uniform of the Department;

4.  Reimbursement for turnpike enforcement;

5.  Reimbursement for supplies or facsimile or data transmissions or for contractual services or products not otherwise provided by law;

6.  Fees and costs paid by subscribers to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems;

7.  Refund of federal gasoline tax;

8.  Court-ordered forfeitures and the sale of forfeited property;

9.  Reimbursements by federal, state and municipal government agencies for the use of Department of Public Safety airplanes;

10.  Fees from users of the Robert R. Lester Law Enforcement Training Academy facilities;  

11.  Federal funds, unless otherwise provided by federal law or regulation; and

12.  Fines received pursuant to the provisions of subsection G of Section 11-1112 of this title.

B.  All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department of Public Safety for the operating expenses of the Department and for vehicles, equipment, personnel and other operating expenses for turnpike enforcement; provided, monies accruing pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 12 of subsection A of this section shall be used exclusively by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to promote the use of child passenger restraint systems as provided in Section 11-1113 of this title.

C.  The Director of State Finance shall provide a distinct numbering system for the identification and tracking of the expenditures of the various programs budgeted from the revolving fund.

D.  Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 361, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-2-150.  Weapons, badges and official license plates - Retention after retirement.

A.  A commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety, including the Capitol Patrol Section and the Lake Patrol Section, shall be entitled to receive upon retirement, by reason of length of service, the continued custody and possession of the sidearm and badge carried by the retired officer immediately prior to retirement.  In addition to the sidearm carried by the retired officer immediately prior to retirement, the retired officer may purchase the rifle or shotgun issued to the retired officer immediately prior to retirement.  The cost of purchasing the weapon shall be the replacement value for a new weapon and upon payment of that price, the retired officer shall be entitled to ownership of the weapon.  Any records regarding the ownership of the weapon shall be modified to reflect the transfer to the retired officer.  Proceeds from the purchase of the weapon shall be deposited in the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.

B.  In the event a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety, including the Capitol Patrol Section and the Lake Patrol Section, retires by reason of disability, the retired officer shall be entitled to receive the continued custody and possession of the sidearm issued to the retired officer immediately prior to retirement upon written approval of the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

C.  A commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety, including the Capitol Patrol Section and the Lake Patrol Section, shall be entitled to receive, upon retirement by reason of length of service or disability, the continued custody and possession of the official license plate issued for the vehicle that was assigned to the  retired officer immediately prior to retirement, provided the license plate shall not be placed on any motor vehicle.  The provisions of this subsection shall apply to any officer retiring on or after April 1, 1993, if the official license plate is available.

D.  Custody and possession of the sidearm, badge and official license plate of a commissioned officer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety, including the Capitol Patrol Section and the Lake Patrol Section, who dies during his or her appointment may be awarded by the Commissioner to the spouse or next-of-kin of the deceased officer, provided the license plate shall not be placed on any motor vehicle.  The authority of the Commissioner to award the license plate to the spouse or next-of-kin shall apply if the deceased officer died on or after January 1, 2001, if the official license plate is available.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 2, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 1, 1967.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 357, § 22, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 12, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1988, c. 267, § 27, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1993, c. 277, § 3, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 194, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 16, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 181, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2000, c. 378, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.  Renumbered from § 2-313 of this title by Laws 2000, c. 378, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.


§47-2-201.  Repealed by Laws 2000, c. 189, § 14, eff. July 1, 2000.

§472204.  Commissioner to appoint subordinates  Salaries  Additional employees to enforce financial responsibility.

(a)  The Commissioner, subject to the Merit System laws, shall appoint an Assistant Commissioner, whose salary shall not exceed Twentyone Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Dollars ($21,920.00) per annum, payable monthly, and such other deputies, subordinates, officers, investigators and other employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and, subject to the Merit System laws, shall appoint a Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division with the rank of Colonel, Assistant Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and subordinate officers and employees thereof, including majors, captains, first lieutenants, supervisors with the rank of second lieutenant and troopers, who shall comprise the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.

The annual salaries for the number of positions hereinafter set out shall be in the minimum and maximum amounts shown as follows, exclusive of longevity pay that is authorized by law:

     MINIMUM   MAXIMUM

  1 Chief of the Patrol  . . $13,860.00  $19,680.00

  1 Assistant Chief of

the Patrol . . . . . . .   11,880.00  17,640.00

  2 Highway Patrol Majors. .   11,220.00  16,920.00

  8 Highway Patrol Captains   10,560.00  16,200.00

  2 Executive Officers  

Headquarters  . . . . .   9,900.00   15,540.00

25 Highway Patrol

Lieutenants   . . . . .   9,900.00  15,540.00

58 Highway Patrol

Supervisors   . . . . .   9,900.00  14,160.00

516 Highway Patrolmen . . .   9,900.00  13,500.00

The provisions of this act are to supersede all existing laws covering the number and salaries of the positions in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division.  It is provided that the entrance salary of any highway patrolman shall be Eight Hundred Twentyfive Dollars ($825.00) per month, or Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($9,900.00) per annum as above set out, which salary shall continue during the probationary period of twelve (12) months following his employment, as provided for in Section 2105(b) of this title. Thereafter, salaries will be based upon the above schedule, and increases will be granted on merit, subject to recommendation of superiors, and concurrence of the Commissioner.  Provided, that not more than five Highway Patrol personnel assigned by the Commissioner to the Governor's Office shall be allowed their actual and necessary traveling expenses, upon claims approved by the Commissioner, when traveling with the Governor or at his request and shall receive, in addition to base salary, an additional One Hundred Twentyfive Dollars ($125.00) per month.

Any person appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety shall be eligible for longevity and retirement participation as a member of the Highway Patrol Division in the Department of Public Safety Pension and Retirement Plan if such person at the time of appointment satisfies the minimum physical and age qualifications of an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman as provided in subsections (g) and (h) of Section 2105 of this title, provided the Assistant Commissioner shall be eligible for participation in only one retirement system and shall elect in writing the system in which he intends to participate.

The salaries of the subordinates, officers and other nonuniformed employees, in all divisions of the Department of Public Safety, shall be governed by and in accordance with the Merit System of Personnel Administration.

(b)  The Commissioner of Public Safety, in order to administer and enforce the provisions of Chapter 7 (Financial Responsibility) of the Highway Safety Code, is hereby authorized to hire sufficient employees, to fix the salaries, except as designated and provided herein, and to pay the traveling expenses thereof, and to purchase necessary supplies and equipment.  Subject to the Merit System laws, there are hereby created in such Financial Responsibility Division the following positions, to be filled by appointment of the Commissioner, with the minimum and maximum salaries per year, in accordance and conformity with the Merit System of Personnel Administration Salary Schedule, effective July 1, 1977, as follows:

MINIMUM  MAXIMUM

1 Director, Financial

Responsibility Division . . . $9,180.00 $13,740.00

2 Assistant Directors. . . . . . 8,340.00  13,260.00

1 Chief Enforcement Officer. . . 6,360.00  10,020.00

18 Enforcement Officers . . . . . 5,580.00   9,660.00

The provisions of this act shall supersede all existing laws governing the number and salaries of the positions in the Financial Responsibility Division.  The salaries and traveling expenses of said employees and the cost of equipment shall be paid from the appropriation made to the Department of Public Safety, unless otherwise provided by law.



§47-2-300.  Definitions.

As used in Section 2-300 et seq. of this title:

1.  "System" means the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  "Act" means Section 2-300 et seq. of this title;

3.  "Board" means the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board of the System;

4.  "Executive Director" means the managing officer of the System employed by the Board;

5.  "Fund" means the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund;

6.  "Member" means all law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the State Capitol Division of the Department of Public Safety who have obtained certification from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, law enforcement officers and criminalists of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission designated to perform duties in the investigation and prevention of crime and the enforcement of the criminal laws of this state, and members of the Communications Division to include radio technicians, tower technicians and commissioned officers of the Lake Patrol Division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, park rangers of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and inspectors of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy, and any park manager or park supervisor of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department who was employed in such a position prior to July 1, 1985, and who elects on or before September 1, 1996, to participate in the System.  Effective July 1, 1987, a member does not include a "leased employee" as defined under Section 414(n)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Effective July 1, 1999, any individual who agrees with the participating employer that the individual's services are to be performed as a leased employee or an independent contractor shall not be a member regardless of any classification as a common-law employee by the Internal Revenue Service or any other governmental agency, or any court of competent jurisdiction, provided that all persons who shall be offered a position of a law enforcement officer shall participate in the System upon the person meeting the requisite post-offer-pre-employment physical examination standards which shall be subject to the following requirements:

a. all such persons shall be of good moral character, free from deformities, mental or physical conditions, or disease and alcohol or drug addiction which would prohibit the person from performing the duties of a law enforcement officer,

b. said physical-medical examination shall pertain to age, sight, hearing, agility and other conditions the requirements of which shall be established by the Board,

c. the person shall be required to meet the conditions of this subsection prior to the beginning of actual employment but after an offer of employment has been tendered by a participating employer,

d. the Board shall have authority to deny or revoke membership of any person submitting false information in such person's membership application, and

e. the Board shall have final authority in determining eligibility for membership in the System, pursuant to the provisions of this subsection;

7.  "Normal retirement date" means the date at which the member is eligible to receive the unreduced payments of the member's accrued retirement benefit.  Such date shall be the first day of the month coinciding with or following the date the member:

a. completes twenty (20) years of vesting service, or

b. attains sixty-two (62) years of age with ten (10) years of vesting service, or

c. attains sixty-two (62) years of age, if:

(1) the member has been transferred to this System from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System on or after July 1, 1981, and

(2) the member would have been vested had the member continued to be a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

With respect to distributions under the System made for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, the System shall apply the minimum distribution incidental benefit requirements, incidental benefit requirements, and minimum distribution requirements of Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in accordance with the final regulations under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which were issued in April 2002 and June 2004, notwithstanding any provision of the System to the contrary.  With respect to distributions under the System made for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004, the System shall apply the minimum distribution requirements and incidental benefit requirements of Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in accordance with the regulations under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which were proposed in January 2001, notwithstanding any provision of the System to the contrary.

Effective July 1, 1989, notwithstanding any other provision contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall commencement of distribution of the accrued retirement benefit of a member be delayed beyond April 1 of the calendar year following the later of:  (1) the calendar year in which the member reaches seventy and one-half (70 1/2) years of age; or (2) the actual retirement date of the member.  The preceding sentence does not allow deferral of benefit commencement beyond the age of sixty-five (65).

A member who was required to join the System effective July 1, 1980, because of the transfer of the employing agency from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the System, and was not a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System on the date of such transfer shall be allowed to receive credit for prior law enforcement service rendered to this state, if the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement credit or benefits for such service in any other public retirement system, upon payment to the System of the employee contribution the member would have been subject to had the member been a member of the System at the time, plus five percent (5%) interest.  Service credit received pursuant to this paragraph shall be used in determining the member's retirement benefit, and shall be used in determining years of service for retirement or vesting purposes;

8.  "Actual paid base salary" means the salary received by a member, excluding payment for any accumulated leave or uniform allowance.  Salary shall include any amount of nonelective salary reduction under Section 414(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

9.  "Final average salary" means the average of the highest thirty (30) consecutive complete months of actual paid gross salary.  Gross salary shall include any amount of elective salary reduction under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any amount of nonelective salary reduction under Section 414(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Effective July 1, 1992, gross salary shall include any amount of elective salary reduction under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Effective July 1, 1998, gross salary shall include any amount of elective salary reduction not includable in the gross income of the member under Section 132(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Effective July 1, 1998, for purposes of determining a member's compensation, any contribution by the member to reduce his or her regular cash remuneration under Section 132(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be treated as if the member did not make such an election.  Only salary on which required contributions have been made may be used in computing the final average salary.

In addition to other applicable limitations, and notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, for plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2002, the annual gross salary of each "Noneligible Member" taken into account under the System shall not exceed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ("EGTRRA") annual salary limit.  The EGTRRA annual salary limit is Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00), as adjusted by the Commissioner for increases in the cost of living in accordance with Section 401(a)(17)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The annual salary limit in effect for a calendar year applies to any period, not exceeding twelve (12) months, over which salary is determined ("determination period") beginning in such calendar year.  If a determination period consists of fewer than twelve (12) months, the EGTRRA salary limit will be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in the determination period, and the denominator of which is twelve (12).  For purposes of this section, a "Noneligible Member" is any member who first became a member during a plan year commencing on or after July 1, 1996.

For plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2002, any reference in the System to the annual salary limit under Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall mean the EGTRRA salary limit set forth in this provision;

10.  "Credited service" means the period of service used to determine the amount of benefits payable to a member.  Credited service shall consist of the period during which the member participated in the System or the predecessor Plan as an active employee in an eligible membership classification, plus any service prior to the establishment of the predecessor Plan which was credited under the predecessor Plan and for law enforcement officers and criminalists of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control who became members of the System on July 1, 1980, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1980, and for members of the Communications and Lake Patrol Divisions of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, who became members of the System on July 1, 1981, any service credited under the predecessor Plan or the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1981, and for law enforcement officers of the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission who became members of the System on July 1, 1982, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1982, and for park rangers of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department who became members of the System on July 1, 1985, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1985, and for inspectors of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy who became members of the System on July 1, 1986, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1986, for law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety who became members of the System effective July 1, 1993, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1993, and for all commissioned officers in the Gunsmith/Ammunition Reloader Division of the Department of Public Safety who became members of the System effective July 1, 1994, any service credited under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of June 30, 1994, and for the park managers or park supervisors of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department who were employed in such a position prior to July 1, 1985, and who elect to become members of the System effective September 1, 1996, any service transferred pursuant to subsection C of Section 2-309.6 of this title.  Effective August 5, 1993, an authorized leave of absence shall include a period of absence pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;

11.  "Disability" means a physical or mental condition which, in the judgment of the Board, totally and presumably permanently prevents the member from engaging in the usual and customary duties of the occupation of the member and thereafter prevents the member from performing the duties of any occupation or service for which the member is qualified by reason of training, education or experience.  A person is not under a disability when capable of performing a service to the employer, regardless of occupation, providing the salary of the employee is not diminished thereby;

12.  "Limitation year" means the year used in applying the limitations of Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which year shall be the calendar year;

13.  "Line of duty" means any action which a member whose primary function is crime control or reduction or enforcement of the criminal law is obligated or authorized by rule, regulations, condition of employment or service, or law to perform, including those social, ceremonial, or athletic functions to which the member is assigned, or for which the member is compensated, by the agency the member serves;

14.  "Personal injury" or "injury" means any traumatic injury as well as diseases which are caused by or result from such an injury, but not occupational diseases;

15.  "Catastrophic nature" means consequences of an injury that permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work;

16.  "Traumatic injury" means a wound or a condition of the body caused by external force, including injuries inflicted by bullets, explosives, sharp instruments, blunt objects or other physical blows, chemicals, electricity, climatic conditions, infectious diseases, radiation, and bacteria, but excluding stress and strain; and

17.  "Beneficiary" means the individual designated by the member on a beneficiary designation form supplied by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, or if there is no designated beneficiary or if the designated beneficiary predeceases the member, the estate of the member.  If the member's spouse is not designated as the sole primary beneficiary, the member's spouse must sign a consent.

Added by Laws 1980, c. 357, § 4, eff. July 1, 1980.  Amended by Laws 1981, c. 227, § 1, operative July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 328, § 1, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1985, c. 296, § 1, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985; Laws 1986, c. 253, § 1, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 160, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 267, § 20, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 209, § 1, eff. July 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 337, § 8; Laws 1991, c. 323, § 4, emerg. eff. June 12, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 390, § 5, emerg. eff. June 9, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 277, § 1, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 44, § 1, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 1, § 15, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 294, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 1999, c. 257, § 22, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 377, § 5, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 5, § 14, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 1, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 27, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 3, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 31, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 142, § 1, emerg. eff. May 5, 2005.


NOTE:  Laws 1987, c. 231, § 6 repealed by Laws 1989, c. 136, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1990, and by Laws 1990, c. 337, § 26.  Laws 1989, c. 136, § 1 repealed by Laws 1990, c. 337, § 26.  Laws 1993, c. 157, § 1 repealed by Laws 1994, c. 2, § 34, emerg. eff. March 2, 1994.  Laws 1994, c. 2, § 13 repealed by Laws 1995, c. 1, § 40, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995.  Laws 2000, c. 287, § 13 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 15, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.  Laws 2002, c. 238, § 1 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 28, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.  Laws 2003, c. 456, § 1 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 32, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-2-301.  Establishment - Law Enforcement Retirement Fund - Retirement Medical Benefit Fund - Right to benefits.

There is hereby established a System for the payment of retirement benefits and certain medical and hospital expenses of members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Such System shall constitute an amendment and continuation of the Retirement and Pension Plan of the Department of Public Safety and members in the Retirement and Pension Plan on June 30, 1980, shall continue as members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  There is established in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the "Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund" for the benefit of members of the System and certain dependents of deceased members of the System.  Such fund shall be a continuation, under a new name, of the Retirement and Pension Fund of the Department of Public Safety.

There is hereby created the Retirement Medical Benefit Fund.  The fund shall be maintained as a subaccount of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund.  The Retirement Medical Benefit Fund is composed of all assets which may be contributed to this subaccount to pay the retirement system's portion of the monthly retiree health insurance premium benefit described by Section 1316.2 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Such monthly retiree health insurance premium benefit is in addition to, and subordinate to, the retirement benefits provided by this System.  All such allocated assets and any earnings thereon in the Retirement Medical Benefit Fund shall be held for the exclusive purpose of providing retiree medical benefits.  The Retirement Medical Benefit Fund is to be administered in accordance with the requirements of Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.  It shall be impossible, at any time prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities for these benefits, for any part of this subaccount to be used for or diverted to, any purpose other than the providing of the retiree health insurance premium benefit and the payment of necessary and appropriate related expenses.  The Board of Trustees may promulgate such rules as are necessary to implement the funding and administration of the fund pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.  All contributions to fund the retiree health insurance benefit shall be made on the basis of a generally accepted actuarial method.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the aggregate of contributions to provide retiree health insurance benefits and life insurance, if any, shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate contributions made to fund all benefits under this System, other than contributions to fund past service costs.  For this purpose, "life insurance" means, as to any member, the in-service death benefit that would be payable upon the member's death, but only to the extent that the lump-sum value of such death benefit would exceed the lump-sum value of the member's accrued benefit at the date of the member's death.

Appointment to any position within a covered agency which comes under this System shall not jeopardize the rights of any person who has previously qualified for membership under this System, provided, that the individual contributions are continued, and such person remains a member of this System.  Any person who has previously qualified for membership under the System who voluntarily seeks and accepts appointment to any position within a covered agency which is not a covered position excludes the member from further participation in this System; provided, this provision shall not apply to any person who is a member of the System and who, on or before June 30, 2002, has already accepted appointment to a position which is not a covered position of the System nor shall it apply if that person seeks and accepts any other position within a covered agency which is not a covered position of the System.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 330, § 2-301, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 56, § 1, emerg. eff. April 14, 1967; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 3, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 227, § 2, operative July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 328, § 2, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1988, c. 267, § 21, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1992, c. 376, § 4, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1996, c. 55, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 2, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 29, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.


NOTE:  Laws 2002, c. 238, § 2 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 30, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.


§472301.1.  Termination or partial termination of System.

(1)  In the event the System is terminated or partially terminated the right of all participants or in the event of partial termination the rights of the affected participants, whether retired or otherwise, shall become fully vested.

(2)  In the event of termination of the System, the Board shall distribute the net assets of the fund, allowing a period of not less than six (6) nor more than nine (9) months for dissolution of disability claims, as follows:

(a)  First, accumulated contributions shall be allocated to each respective participant, former participant, retired member joint annuitant or beneficiary then receiving payments.  If these assets are insufficient for this purpose, they shall be allocated to each such person in the proportion which his accumulated contributions bear to the total of all such participants' accumulated contributions.  For purposes of this section, contribution means payment into the System by an employer or employee for the benefit of an individual employee.

(b)  The balance of such assets, if any, remaining after making the allocations provided in subparagraph (a) of this section shall be disposed of by allocating to each person then having an interest in the fund the excess of his retirement income under the System less the retirement income which is equal to the actuarial equivalent of the amount allocated to him under subparagraph (a) of this section.  Such allocation shall be made with the full amount of the remaining assets to be allocated to the persons in each group in the following order of precedence:

(i)  those retired members, joint annuitants or beneficiaries receiving benefits,

(ii)  those members eligible to retire,

(iii)  those members eligible for early retirement,

(iv)  former participants electing to receive a vested benefit, and

(v)  all other members.

In the event the balance of the fund remaining after all allocations have been made with respect to all retirement income in a preceding group is insufficient to allocate the full actuarial equivalent of such retirement income to all persons in the group for which it is then being applied, such balance of the fund shall be allocated to each person in such group in the proportion which the actuarial equivalent of the retirement income allocable to him pursuant to such group bears to the total actuarial equivalent of the retirement income so allocable to all persons in such group.

Provided no discrimination in value results, the Board shall distribute the amounts so allocated in one of the following manners as the Board in their discretion may determine:

(i)  by continuing payment of benefits as they become due, or

(ii)  by paying, in cash, the amount allocated to any such person.


Laws 1978, c. 310, § 1, emerg. eff. May 11, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 5, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§472302.  Application for membership  Assistant Commissioner as member of System  Makeup contributions by certain employees.

A.  Any person eligible to become a member of the System shall file a written application therefor with the Board, and shall continue thereafter as a member of the System so long as the employee meets membership requirements.  For the purposes of computing contributions, employee contributions, pensions and annuities, the Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall be classified and categorized as a member of the System.

B.  The Board may, after a hearing held for such purpose, allow employees of the Department of Public Safety who were hired by the Department after September 30, 1939, and prior to July 1, 1981, to pay to the System an amount equal to what the employee would have paid to the System if the employee had been enrolled in the System from the time of first employment.  The Board shall determine any interest due on the amount paid pursuant to this subsection.  Any payments allowed pursuant to this subsection shall be made prior to January 1, 1982.


Laws 1961, p. 331, § 2302; Laws 1975, c. 365, § 1, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 6, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 227, § 3, operative July 1, 1981.  

§472303.  Law Enforcement Retirement Board.

A.  There shall be an "Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board" to administer the fund of the System.  The Board shall be composed of the Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety, the Director of State Finance or his designee, three (3) members to be appointed by the Governor one of whom shall be a retired member of the System, one (1) member to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one (1) member to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, two (2) members of the Highway Patrol Division and one (1) member of the Communication Division of the Department of Public Safety, one (1) member of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, one (1) member of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and one (1) member of the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, elected by and from the membership of the System.  The terms of elected members of the Board now serving shall expire on June 30, 1980.  The present Board shall conduct an election for the selection of elected members of the Board, prior to the operative date of this act.  One member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the member of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, initially elected, shall serve through June 30, 1982, the member of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, initially elected, shall serve through June 30, 1984, and the remaining elected members shall serve through June 30, 1983.  Members subsequently elected shall serve for terms of three (3) years.

B.  1.  The initial term of office of the member appointed to the Board by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the member appointed to the Board by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall expire on January 3, 1989.  The members thereafter appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall serve terms of office of four (4) years.

2.  The member appointed by the Governor serving on the Board on the operative date of this act shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the member.  The member appointed by the Governor to fill that position after the expiration of the term of office of the member serving on the operative date of this act shall serve through January 13, 1991.  The members thereafter appointed by the Governor shall serve a term of office of four (4) years which is coterminous with the term of office of the office of the appointing authority.

3.  The initial term of office of the two additional appointments to the Board by the Governor shall expire on January 14, 1991.  The members thereafter appointed by the Governor shall serve terms of office of four (4) years which are coterminous with the term of office of the office of the appointing authority.

4.  Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of office in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

C.  The members appointed to the Board by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and by the Governor or a member who is a designee of an ex officio member of the Board shall:

1.  Have demonstrated professional experience in investment or funds management, public funds management, public or private pension fund management or retirement system management; or

2.  Have demonstrated experience in the banking profession and have demonstrated professional experience in investment or funds management; or

3.  Be licensed to practice law in this state and have demonstrated professional experience in commercial matters; or

4.  Be licensed by the Oklahoma State Board of Public Accountancy to practice in this state as a public accountant or a certified public accountant.

The appointing authorities, in making appointments that conform to the requirements of this subsection, shall give due consideration to balancing the appointments among the criteria specified in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this subsection.

D.  No member of the Board shall be a lobbyist registered in this state as provided by law.

E.  Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this section to the contrary, any person serving as an appointed member of the Board on the operative date of this act shall be eligible for reappointment when the term of office of the member expires.

F.  Every two (2) years, one of the members of the Board shall be selected by the Board as president and another member as secretary of the Board.

G.  Any member of the Board elected by the membership of the System may be recalled for cause at a special election held for that purpose by the members of the System.  Such an election shall be called and held by the president and secretary of the Board upon a written request therefor signed by not less than onethird (1/3) of the members of the System and shall be held pursuant to notice given to all members of the System stating the date for such election which shall not be less than ten (10) days from the date of the issuance of such notice.  All members of the System shall be entitled to vote by secret ballot and, if twothirds (2/3) or more of the membership of the System vote for his recall, the elected member of the Board designated in such request, notice and secret ballot shall cease to be a member of the Board and the president and secretary of the Board shall call and hold a special election by the members of the System to fill the remainder of the term of the member so recalled.

H.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall retain an Executive Director and shall establish the Executive Director's compensation.  The Executive Director shall be the managing and administrative officer of the System and as such shall have charge of the office, records and supervision and direction of the employees of the System.  The Executive Director shall be responsible for the overall operations and to perform duties specified in Section 2-300 of this title and as specified by the Board.  The Executive Director shall be subject to the policy directions of the Board and may employ such persons as are deemed necessary to administer the System.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 331, § 2-303, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 365, § 2, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1979, c. 241, § 4, operative July 1, 1979; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 7, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1982, c. 328, § 3, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1986, c. 11, § 1, eff. July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 161, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 321, § 20, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1995, c. 294, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995.


§47-2-303.1.  Duties of board - Investments - Liability insurance - Investment managers - Custodial services - Reports - Legal services - Confidentiality.

A.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board shall discharge its duties with respect to the System solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries and:

1.  For the exclusive purpose of:

a. providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries, and

b. defraying reasonable expenses of administering the System;

2.  With the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims;

3.  By diversifying the investments of the System so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so; and

4.  In accordance with the laws, documents and instruments governing the System.

B.  The Board may procure insurance indemnifying the members of the Board from personal loss or accountability from liability resulting from a member's action or inaction as a member of the Board.

C.  The Board may establish an investment committee.  The investment committee shall be composed of not more than five (5) members of the Board appointed by the president of the Board.  The committee shall make recommendations to the full Board on all matters related to the choice of custodians and managers of the assets of the System, on the establishment of investment and fund management guidelines, and in planning future investment policy.  The committee shall have no authority to act on behalf of the Board in any circumstances whatsoever.  No recommendation of the committee shall have effect as an action of the Board nor take effect without the approval of the Board as provided by law.

D.  The Board shall retain qualified investment managers to provide for the investment of the monies of the System.  The investment managers shall be chosen by a solicitation of proposals on a competitive bid basis pursuant to standards set by the Board.  Subject to the overall investment guidelines set by the Board, the investment managers shall have full discretion in the management of those monies of the System allocated to the investment managers.  The Board shall manage those monies not specifically allocated to the investment managers.  The monies of the System allocated to the investment managers shall be actively managed by the investment managers, which may include selling investments and realizing losses if such action is considered advantageous to longer term return maximization.  Because of the total return objective, no distinction shall be made for management and performance evaluation purposes between realized and unrealized capital gains and losses.

E.  All assets of the System shall be held in trust for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits for the members and beneficiaries of the System, including defraying reasonable expenses of administering the System, and shall not be encumbered for or diverted to any other purposes.  Funds and revenues for investment by the investment managers or the Board shall be placed with a custodian selected by the Board.  The custodian shall be a bank or trust company offering pension fund master trustee and master custodial services.  The custodian shall be chosen by a solicitation of proposals on a competitive bid basis pursuant to standards set by the Board.  In compliance with the investment policy guidelines of the Board, the custodian bank or trust company shall be contractually responsible for ensuring that all monies of the System are invested in income-producing investment vehicles at all times.  If a custodian bank or trust company has not received direction from the investment managers of the System as to the investment of the monies of the System in specific investment vehicles, the custodian bank or trust company shall be contractually responsible to the Board for investing the monies in appropriately collateralized short-term interest-bearing investment vehicles.

F.  Prior to August 1 of each year, the Board shall develop a written investment plan for the System.

G.  The Board shall compile a quarterly financial report of all the funds of the System on a fiscal year basis.  The report shall be compiled pursuant to uniform reporting standards prescribed by the Oklahoma State Pension Commission for all state retirement systems.  The report shall include several relevant measures of investment value, including acquisition cost and current fair market value with appropriate summaries of total holdings and returns.  The report shall contain combined and individual rate of returns of the investment managers by category of investment, over periods of time.  The Board shall include in the quarterly reports all commissions, fees or payments for investment services performed on behalf of the Board.  The report shall be distributed to the Governor, the Oklahoma State Pension Commission, the Legislative Service Bureau, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

H.  After July 1 and before October 31 of each year, the Board shall publish widely an annual report presented in simple and easily understood language pursuant to uniform reporting standards prescribed by the Oklahoma State Pension Commission for all state retirement systems.  The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Oklahoma State Pension Commission and the members of the System.  The annual report shall cover the operation of the System during the past fiscal year, including income, disbursements, and the financial condition of the System at the end of the fiscal year.  The annual report shall also contain the information issued in the quarterly reports required pursuant to subsection G of this section as well as a summary of the results of the most recent actuarial valuation to include total assets, total liabilities, unfunded liability or over funded status, contributions and any other information deemed relevant by the Board.  The annual report shall be written in such a manner as to permit a readily understandable means for analyzing the financial condition and performance of the System for the fiscal year.  The annual financial statements must be audited and filed in accordance with the requirements set forth for financial statement audits in Section 212A of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  In order to standardize the information and analysis of the financial condition of the System, the Board shall provide information regarding the financial and actuarial condition of the System using assumptions or requirements as hereinafter required for the report stating the condition of the System as of July 1, 2002, and for each subsequent reporting date, which information shall be contained in an appendix or addendum to the annual report.  For purposes other than the reporting requirements contained in the appendix or addendum, all actuarial and economic assumptions shall be those assumptions adopted by the System in its annual actuarial valuation.  The appendix or addendum shall contain a statement of the financial condition of the System:

1.  Using an assumed rate of return of seven and one-half percent (7.5%), net of investment expenses, per annum, compounded annually;

2.  Using an actuarial assumption regarding cost-of-living adjustments for the System of two percent (2%) annually;

3.  That relies upon the use of appropriate preretirement, postretirement and disability retirement information using generational projections taken from the RP-2000 Mortality Tables, published by the Society of Actuaries;

4.  Which accurately and completely summarizes all sources of system assets, other than employee contributions, which shall include, but not be limited to, the total of all employer contributions, any dedicated tax or fee revenue of whatever kind or however denominated, and the total amount of any other source of revenue which accrues to the System, other than return on investments, such as federal monies used for the purpose of making employer contributions; and

5.  Using an assumption that the unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities of the System are amortized over a period of thirty (30) years, in a manner consistent with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement Number 25.

I.  The Board may retain an attorney licensed to practice law in this state.  The attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the Board for such compensation as set by the Board.  The Attorney General shall furnish such legal services as may be requested by the Board.

J.  All information, documents and copies thereof contained in a member's retirement file shall be given confidential treatment and shall not be made public by the System without the prior written consent of the member to which it pertains, but shall be subject only to court order.  Provided, the System, its employees or attorneys, may use such records in defense of any action brought against the System.

K.  Effective July 1, 1999, the Board is hereby authorized to do all acts and things necessary and proper to carry out the purpose of the System and to make the least costly amendments and changes, if any, as may be necessary to qualify the System under the applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

L.  The Board shall adopt a cost of living adjustment actuarial assumption in its annual actuarial valuation report.

M.  The Executive Director and such employees of the System as the Executive Director may designate are hereby authorized to prepare certified copies of records of the System and every such certified copy shall be admissible in any proceeding in any court in like manner as the original thereof.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 321, § 21, operative July 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 354, § 3; Laws 1995, c. 81, § 5, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 290, § 4, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2000, c. 377, § 6, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 5, § 16, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 391, § 6, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 31, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 536, § 14, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 142, § 2, emerg. eff. May 5, 2005.


NOTE:  Laws 2000, c. 287, § 14 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 17, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.  Laws 2002, c. 399, § 3 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 32, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.


§472303.2.  Duties of fiduciaries.

A.  A fiduciary with respect to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall not cause the System to engage in a transaction if the fiduciary knows or should know that such transaction constitutes a direct or indirect:

1.  sale or exchange, or leasing of any property from the System to a party in interest for less than adequate consideration or from a party in interest to the System for more than adequate consideration;

2.  lending of money or other extension of credit from the System to a party in interest without the receipt of adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest, or from a party in interest to the System with provision of excessive security or an unreasonably high rate of interest;

3.  furnishing of goods, services or facilities from the System to a party in interest for less than adequate consideration, or from a party in interest to the System for more than adequate consideration; or

4.  transfer to, or use by or for the benefit of, a party in interest of any assets of the System for less than adequate consideration.

B.  A fiduciary with respect to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall not:

1.  deal with the assets of the System in the fiduciary's own interest or for the fiduciary's own account;

2.  in the fiduciary's individual or any other capacity act in any transaction involving the System on behalf of a party whose interests are adverse to the interests of the System or the interests of its participants or beneficiaries; or

3.  receive any consideration for the fiduciary's own personal account from any party dealing with the System in connection with a transaction involving the assets of the System.

C.  A fiduciary with respect to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System may:

1.  invest all or part of the assets of the System in deposits which bear a reasonable interest rate in a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a state, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; or

2.  provide any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a state, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan.

D.  A person or a financial institution is a fiduciary with respect to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System to the extent that the person or the financial institution:

1.  exercises any discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting management of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System or exercises any authority or controlrespecting management or disposition of the assets of the System;

2.  renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation, direct or indirect, with respect to any monies or other property of the System, or has any authority or responsibility to do so; or

3.  has any discretionary authority or discretionary responsibility in the administration of the System.


Added by Laws 1988, c. 321, § 22, operative July 1, 1988.  

§47-2-303.3.  Certain benefits exempt from legal process.

A.  Except as otherwise provided by this section, any annuity, benefits, fund, property, or rights created by or accruing to any person pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2-300 through 2-313 of this title shall not be subject to execution, garnishment or attachment, and shall be unassignable, except as specifically provided by Sections 2-300 through 2-313 of this title. Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective August 5, 1997, the Board may approve any offset of a member's benefit to pay a judgment or settlement against the member for a crime involving the System or for a breach of the member's fiduciary duty to the System, provided such offset is in accordance with the requirements of Section 401(a)(13) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

B.  1.  The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to a qualified domestic order as provided pursuant to this subsection.

2.  The term "qualified domestic order" means an order issued by a district court of this state pursuant to the domestic relation laws of the State of Oklahoma which relates to the provision of marital property rights to a spouse or former spouse of a member or provision of support for a minor child or children and which creates or recognizes the existence of the right of an alternate payee, or assigns to an alternate payee the right, to receive a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a member of the System.

3.  For purposes of the payment of marital property, to qualify as an alternate payee, a spouse or former spouse must have been married to the related member for a period of not less than thirty (30) continuous months immediately preceding the commencement of the proceedings from which the qualified domestic order issues.

4.  A qualified domestic order is valid and binding on the Board and the related member only if it meets the requirements of this subsection.

5.  A qualified domestic order shall clearly specify:

a. the name and last-known mailing address (if any) of the member and the name and mailing address of the alternate payee covered by the order,

b. the amount or percentage of the member's benefits to be paid by the System to the alternate payee,

c. the number of payments or period to which such order applies,

d. the characterization of the benefit as to marital property rights or child support, and

e. each plan to which such order applies.

6.  A qualified domestic order meets the requirements of this subsection only if such order:

a. does not require the System to provide any type or form of benefit, or any option not otherwise provided under state law as relates to the System,

b. does not require the System to provide increased benefits, and

c. does not require the payment of benefits to an alternate payee which are required to be paid to another alternate payee pursuant to another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic order or an order recognized by the System as a valid order prior to the effective date of this act.

7.  A qualified domestic order shall not require payment of benefits to an alternate payee prior to the actual retirement date of the related member.

8.  The obligation of the System to pay an alternate payee pursuant to a qualified domestic order shall cease upon the death of the related member.

9.  This subsection shall not be subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C.A. Section 1001, et seq., as amended from time to time, or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and court cases interpreting said act.

10.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board shall promulgate such rules as are necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.

11.  An alternate payee who has acquired beneficiary rights pursuant to a valid qualified domestic order must fully comply with all provisions of the rules promulgated by the Board pursuant to this subsection in order to continue receiving his or her benefit.

  Added by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 2, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1989, c. 249, § 42, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Laws 1993, c. 322, § 12, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1998, c. 198, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 257, § 23, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 287, § 15, eff. July 1, 2000.


§472303.4.  Deposits of contributions and dedicated revenues  Warrants and vouchers.

A.  All employee and employer contributions and dedicated revenues shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund in the State Treasury.  The Board shallhave the responsibility for the management of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund, and may transfer monies used for investment purposes by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund in the State Treasury to the custodian bank or trust company of the System.

B.  All benefits payable pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, refunds of contribution and overpayments, and all administrative expenses in connection with the System shall be paid from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund upon warrants or vouchers signed by two persons designated by the Board.  The Board may transfer monies from the custodian bank or trust company of the System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Fund in the State Treasury for the purposes specified in this subsection.


Added by Laws 1988, c. 321, § 23, operative July 1, 1988.  

§472303.5.  Acceptance of gifts or gratuities.

The members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board, the chief administrative officer and the employees of the System shall not accept gifts or gratuities from an individual organization with a value in excesss of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per year.  The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the members of the Board, the chief administrative officer or the employees of the System from attending educational seminars, conferences, meetings or similar functions which are paid for, directly or indirectly, by more than one organization.


Added by Laws 1988, c. 321, § 24, operative July 1, 1988.  

§472304.  Contributions to fund  Amount  Deduction by employer  Pickup of member contributions.

A.  The Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation,the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy shall make contributions to the fund as follows:

The Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy shall contribute to the fund an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the actual paid base salary of each member.

B.  Each member of the System shall make contributions to the fund in an amount equal to eight percent (8%) of the actual paid base salary of the member.

Member contributions shall be deducted by each participating employer for such benefits as the Board is by law authorized to administer and shall be remitted monthly, or as the Board may otherwise provide, for deposit in the fund.

C.  Each employer shall pick up under the provisions of Section 414(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and pay the contribution which the member is required by law to make to the System for all compensation earned after December 31, 1989. Although the contributions so picked up are designated as member contributions, such contributions shall be treated as contributions being paid by the employer in lieu of contributions by the member in determining tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and such picked up contributions shall not be includable in the gross income of the member until such amounts are distributed or made available to the member or the beneficiary of the member.  The member, by the terms of this System, shall not have any option to choose to receive the contributions so picked up directly and the picked up contributions must be paid by the employer to the System.

Member contributions which are picked up shall be treated in the same manner and to the same extent as member contributions made prior to the date on which member contributions were picked up by the participating employer.  Member contributions so picked up shall be included in gross salary for purposes of determining benefits and contributions under the System.

The employer shall pay the member contributions from the same source of funds used in paying salary to the member, by effecting an equal cash reduction in gross salary of the member.


Amended by Laws 1982, c. 328, § 4, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1986, c. 253, § 2, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1988, c. 321, § 25, operative July 1, 1988.  

§47-2-304.1.  Mobilization for state or national emergencies - Reduction of employer contribution prohibited.

Members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System responding to mobilization for state or national emergencies may not have the employer contribution reduced during their period of service in the Oklahoma National Guard or Reserve.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 332, § 1, eff. July 1, 2002.


§47-2-305.  Retirement and retirement pay - Disability benefits - Mandatory return to duty.

A.  Except as otherwise provided in this title, at any time after attaining normal retirement date, any member of the System upon application for unreduced retirement benefits made and approved, may retire, and, during the remainder of the member's lifetime, receive annual retirement pay, payable in equal monthly payments, equal to two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of the final average salary times years of credited service.  If such retired member is reemployed by a state agency in a position which is not covered by the System, such retired member shall continue to receive in-service distributions from the System.  Prior to September 19, 2002, if such retired member was reemployed by a state agency in a position which is covered by the System, such member shall continue to receive in-service distributions from the System and shall not accrue any further credited service.  If such a member is reemployed by a state agency in a position which is covered by the System on or after September 19, 2002, such member's monthly retirement payments shall be suspended until such member retires and is not reemployed by a state agency in a position which is covered by the System.  No member shall be required to retire for length of service unless and until the member shall have reached the age of sixty (60) years, but any member of the System who shall have reached the age of sixty (60) years and who shall also have completed twenty (20) years or more of credited service shall be retired by the Board unless, after application to the Board and such examination and showing as the Board may deem proper, the Board shall determine that such member of the System is physically and mentally able to continue to perform duties or service as required of a member.  Unless such application be made by a member of the System within thirty (30) days after reaching the age of sixty (60) years and completing twenty (20) years or more of credited service or if, after such application and examination, the Board shall determine that such member of the System is not physically or mentally able to continue to perform services as required of the employer, the Board shall by resolution order his or her retirement with retirement pay for length of service as provided herein.

B.  Beginning July 1, 1994, members who retired or were eligible to retire prior to July 1, 1980 or their surviving spouses shall receive annual retirement pay, payable in equal monthly payments, equal to the greater of their current retirement pay, or two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of the actual paid gross salary being currently paid to a highway patrol officer, at the time each such monthly retirement payment is made, multiplied by the retired member's years of credited service.

C.  Members of the System whose salary is set by statute who have retired after completion of the mandatory twenty (20) years of service, and those members with statutory salaries who retire after reaching the mandatory twenty-year retirement, shall receive an annual retirement pay, payable in equal monthly installments, based upon the greater of either:

1.  The top base pay currently paid to an active member, at the time each such monthly retirement payment is made, multiplied by two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) multiplied by the number of years of credited service and fraction thereof for the following positions:

a. Oklahoma Highway Patrolman,

b. Communications Dispatcher,

c. Capitol Patrolman,

d. Lake Patrolman,

e. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation—Special Agent; or

2.  The member's final average salary as set forth in paragraph 9 of Section 2-300 of this title, multiplied by two and one-half percent (2 1/2%), and multiplied by the number of years of credited service and fraction thereof.

No member of the System retired prior to July 1, 2002, shall receive a benefit less than the amount the member is receiving as of June 30, 2002.

D.  Other members of the System whose retirement benefit is not otherwise prescribed by this section who have retired after completion of the mandatory twenty (20) years of service, and those members who retire after reaching the mandatory twenty-year retirement, shall receive an annual retirement pay, payable in equal monthly payments, based upon the greater of either:

1.  The actual average salary currently paid to the highest nonsupervisory position in the participating agency, at the time each such monthly payment is made, multiplied by two and one-half percent (2 1/2%), multiplied by the number of years of credited service and fraction thereof for the following positions:

a. Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission—ABLE Commission Agent III,

b. Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control—Narcotics Agent III,

c. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department—Park Ranger II,

d. Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy—Pharmacy Inspector,

e. University of Oklahoma—Police Officer,

f. Oklahoma State University—Police Officer; or

2.  The other member's final average salary as set forth in paragraph 9 of Section 2-300 of this title, multiplied by two and one-half percent (2 1/2%), multiplied by the number of years of credited service and fraction thereof.

No member of the System retired prior to July 1, 2002, shall receive a benefit less than the amount the member is receiving as of June 30, 2002.  The participating employer must certify to the System in writing the actual average gross salary currently paid to the highest nonsupervisory position.  The Board of Trustees shall promulgate such rules as are necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

E.  A member who meets the definition of disability as defined in paragraph 11 of Section 2-300 of this title by direct reason of the performance of the member's duties as an officer shall receive a monthly benefit equal to the greater of fifty percent (50%) of final average salary or two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of final average salary multiplied by the number of years of the member's credited service.  If such member participates in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to Section 2-305.2 of this title, then such member's disability pension provided pursuant to this subsection shall be reduced to account for such member's participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan.

F.  A member who meets the definition of disability as defined in paragraph 11 of Section 2-300 of this title and whose disability is by means of personal and traumatic injury of a catastrophic nature and in the line of duty, shall receive a monthly benefit equal to:

1.  Two and one-half percent (2 1/2%);

2.  Multiplied by:

a. twenty (20) years of service, regardless of the actual number of years of credited service performed by the member prior to the date of disability, if the member had performed less than twenty (20) years of service, or

b. the actual number of years of service performed by the member if the member had performed twenty (20) or more years of service;

3.  Multiplied by a final average salary equal to:

a. the salary which the member would have received pursuant to statutory salary schedules in effect upon the date of the disability for twenty (20) years of service prior to disability.  The final average salary for a member who performed less than twenty (20) years of service prior to disability shall be computed assuming that the member was paid the highest salary allowable pursuant to the law in effect at the time of the member's disability based upon twenty (20) years of service and with an assumption that the member was eligible for any and all increases in pay based upon rank during the entire period.  If the salary of a member is not prescribed by a specific salary schedule upon the date of the member's disability, the final average salary for the member shall be computed by the member's actual final average salary or the highest median salary amount for a member whose salary was prescribed by a specific salary schedule upon the date of the member's disability, whichever final average salary amount would be greater, or

b. the actual final average salary of the member if the member had performed twenty (20) or more years of service prior to disability.

If such member participates in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to Section 2-305.2 of this title, such member's disability pension provided pursuant to this subsection shall be adjusted as provided in Section 2-305.2 of this title to account for such member's participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan.

G.  A member who meets the definition of disability as defined in Section 2-300 of this title and whose disability occurred prior to the member's normal retirement date but after completing three (3) years of vesting service and not by reason of the performance of the member's duties as an officer or as a result of the member's willful negligence shall receive a monthly benefit equal to two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of final average salary multiplied by the number of years of the member's credited service.

H.  Payment of a disability pension shall commence as of the first day of the month coinciding or next following the date of retirement and shall continue as long as the member meets the definition of total and permanent disability provided in this section.

I.  For the purpose of determining the member's disability under subsection E, F or G of this section, the member shall be required by the Board to be examined by a minimum of two recognized physicians selected by the Board to determine the extent of the member's injury or illness.  The examining physicians shall furnish the Board a detailed written report of the injury or illness of the examined member establishing the extent of disability and the possibilities of the disabled member being returned to his or her regular duties or an alternate occupation or service covered by the System after a normal recuperation period.  The Board shall require all retired disabled members who have not attained their normal retirement date to submit to a physical examination once each year for a minimum of three (3) years following retirement.  The Board shall select a minimum of two physicians to examine the retired members and pay for their services from the fund.  Any retired disabled member found no longer disabled by the examining physicians to perform the occupation of the member or an alternate occupation or service covered by the System shall be required to return to duty and complete twenty (20) years of service as provided in subsection A of this section, or forfeit all his or her rights and claims under this act.

J.  The disability benefit under this section shall be for the lifetime of the member unless such member is found no longer disabled pursuant to subsection I of this section.  Such member shall not be entitled to the retirement benefit pursuant to subsection A of this section unless such member returns to active duty and is eligible for a retirement benefit as provided in subsection A of this section.

K.  At the postoffer, preemployment physical examination required under paragraph 6 of Section 2-300 of this title, the physician selected by the Board shall determine the extent to which a new member is disabled.  If a member is determined to be partially disabled, the physician shall assign a percentage of disability to such partial disability.  If such member then becomes entitled to a disability benefit under either subsection E or subsection G of this section, the benefit payable shall be reduced by the percentage which such member was determined to be disabled at the postoffer, preemployment physical unless the Board makes a determination that the initially determined percentage of disability at the preemployment physical examination is unrelated to the reason for the disability currently sought pursuant to subsection E or subsection G of this section.  Upon employment, the member shall disclose to the Board any disability payments received from any source.  The amount of disability to be paid to any member cannot exceed one hundred percent (100%) disability from all sources.  The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to members whose effective date of membership is on or after July 1, 2000.

L.  In addition to the pension provided for under subsection F of this section, if said member has one or more children under the age of eighteen (18) years or under the age of twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education, Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) a month shall be paid from said Fund for the support of each surviving child to the member or person having the care and custody of such children until each child reaches the age of eighteen (18) years or reaches the age of twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 332, § 2-305, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 199, § 4; Laws 1975, c. 365, § 4, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 9, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 227, § 4, operative July 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 328, § 5, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1985, c. 296, § 3, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985; Laws 1988, c. 267, § 22, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1994, c. 351, § 5, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1996, c. 315, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2000, c. 377, § 7, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 4, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 33, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 4, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 2, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 2002, c. 332, § 2 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 34, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.


§472305.1.  Computation of benefits  Increase in benefits.

A.  On July 1, 1988, a member who retired prior to July 1, 1985, or the surviving spouse of such a member or the surviving spouse of a member who became deceased prior to July 1, 1985, shall receive retirement benefits computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2305 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. For the purpose of the computation, the final average salary shall be Two Thousand Two Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($2,217.00).

B.  Except for those persons specified in subsection A of this section, any person receiving benefits from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System as of June 30, 1988, shall receive a three percent (3%) increase in said benefits on July 1, 1988.


Added by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 4, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 267, § 23, operative July 1, 1988.  

§47-2-305.1A.  Direct rollover of distribution - Definitions - Notice - Election.

A.  This section applies to distributions made on or after January 1, 1993.  Notwithstanding any provision of the System to the contrary that would otherwise limit a Distributee's election hereunder, a Distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Board, to have any portion of an Eligible Rollover Distribution paid directly to an Eligible Retirement Plan specified by the Distributee in a Direct Rollover.

B.  As used in this section:

1.  "Eligible Rollover Distribution" means any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the Distributee, except that an Eligible Rollover Distribution does not include: any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of the Distributee or the joint lives (or life expectancies) of the Distributee and the Distributee's designated beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten (10) years or more, any distribution to the extent such distribution is required under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and the portion of any distribution that is not includable in gross income; provided, however, that effective January 1, 2002, a portion of a distribution shall not fail to be an Eligible Rollover Distribution merely because the portion consists of after-tax member contributions which are not includable in gross income.  However, such portion may be paid only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in Section 408(a) or (b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or to a qualified defined contribution plan described in Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that agrees to separately account for amounts so transferred, including separate accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includable in gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so includable.

2.  "Eligible Retirement Plan" means an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, an annuity plan described in Section 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or a qualified trust described in Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that accepts the Distributee's Eligible Rollover Distribution.  Effective January 1, 2002, an Eligible Retirement Plan shall also mean an annuity contract described in Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and an eligible plan under Section 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state and which agrees to separately account for amounts transferred into such plan from the System.  Effective January 1, 2002, the definition of Eligible Retirement Plan shall also apply in the case of a distribution to a surviving spouse, or to a spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee pursuant to a qualified domestic order as defined in subsection B of Section 2-303.3 of this title.  An Eligible Retirement Plan does not include a Roth IRA under Section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

3.  "Distributee" means an employee or former employee.  In addition, effective June 7, 1993, the employee's or former employee's surviving spouse and the employee's or former employee's spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified domestic order, as defined in subsection B of Section 2-303.3 of this title, are Distributees with regard to the interest of the spouse or the former spouse.

4.  "Direct Rollover" means a payment by the System to the Eligible Retirement Plan specified by the Distributee.

C.  At least thirty (30) days and not more than ninety (90) days before the date of distribution, the Distributee must be provided with a notice of rights which satisfies Section 402(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as to rollover options and tax effects.  Such distribution may commence less than thirty (30) days after the notice is given, provided that:

1.  The Board clearly informs the Distributee that the Distributee has a right to a period of at least thirty (30) days after receiving the notice to consider the decision of whether or not to elect a distribution; and

2.  The Distributee, after receiving the notice, affirmatively elects a distribution.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 257, § 25, eff. July 1, 1999.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 287, § 16, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 5, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-2-305.2.  Deferred option plans.

A.  In lieu of terminating employment and accepting a service retirement pension pursuant to Section 2-305 of this title, any member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System who has not less than twenty (20) years of participating service and who is eligible to receive a service retirement pension may elect to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan and defer the receipts of benefits in accordance with the provisions of this section.

B.  For purposes of this section, participating service shall include service credit recognized pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (d) of Section 2-307, and Sections 2-309.1, 2-309.2, 2-309.3, 2-309.4, 2-309.5, 2-309.6 and 2-309.7 of this title but for eligibility purposes only.

C.  The duration of participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan for a member shall not exceed five (5) years.  Participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan must begin the first day of a month and end on the last day of the month.  At the conclusion of a member's participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan, the member shall terminate employment as a member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, and shall start receiving the member's accrued monthly retirement benefit from the System.  Such a member may continue to receive in-service distributions of such member's accrued monthly retirement benefit from the System if the member is reemployed by a state agency only if such reemployment is in a position not covered under the System.

D.  When a member begins participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan, the contribution of the member shall cease.  The employer contributions shall continue to be paid in accordance with Section 2-304 of this title.  Employer contributions for members who elect the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan shall be credited equally to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and to the member's Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan account.  The monthly retirement benefits that would have been payable had the member elected to cease employment and receive a service retirement shall be paid into the member's Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan account.

E.  1.  A member who participates in this plan shall be eligible to receive cost of living increases.

2.  A member who participates in this plan shall earn interest at a rate of two percentage points below the rate of return of the investment portfolio of the System, but no less than the actuarial assumed interest rate as certified by the actuary in the yearly evaluation report of the actuary.  The interest shall be credited to the individual account balance of the member on an annual basis.

F.  A member in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan shall receive, at the option of the member:

1.  A lump-sum payment from the account equal to the option account balance of the member, payable to the member;

2.  A lump-sum payment from the account equal to the option account balance of the member, payable to the annuity provider which shall be selected by the member as a result of the research and investigation of the member; or

3.  Any other method of payment if approved by the Board.

If a member meets the definition of disability as defined in paragraph 11 of Section 2-300 of this title by direct reason of the performance of the member's duties, the payment from the account shall be an in-line-of-duty disability payment.

G.  If the member dies during the period of participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan, a lump-sum payment equal to the account balance of the member shall be paid to the designated beneficiary as defined in paragraph 17 of Section 2-300 of this title, or if there is no designated beneficiary or the designated beneficiary predeceases the member, to the estate of the member.  If such member was receiving, or eligible to receive, an in-line-of-duty disability pension pursuant to subsection E or F of Section 2-305 of this title at the time of death, payment of the account balance shall be an in-line-of-duty disability payment.

H.  In lieu of participating in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to subsections A, B, C, D, E and F of this section, a member may elect to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to this subsection as follows:

1.  For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:

a. "back drop date" means the date selected by the member which is up to five (5) years before the member elects to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan, but not before the date at which the member completes twenty (20) years of participating service,

b. "termination date" means the date the member elects to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to this subsection and the date the member terminates employment and starts receiving the member's accrued monthly retirement benefit from the System.  Such termination has at all times included reemployment of a member by a state agency, but only in a position not covered under the System,

c. "earlier attained participating service" means the participating service earned by a member as of the back drop date.  Earlier attained participating service cannot be reduced to less than twenty (20) years of participating service, and

d. "deferred benefit balance" means all retirement benefits that would have been paid from the back drop date to the termination date, and one half (1/2) of the employer contributions from the back drop date to the termination date, with interest based on how the benefit would have accumulated on a compound annual basis as if the member had participated in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to subsections A, B, C, D and E of this section from the back drop date to the termination date;

2.  At the termination date, a member's monthly pension benefit shall be determined based on the earlier attained participating service and on the final average salary as of the back drop date.  The member's individual deferred option account shall be credited with an amount equal to the deferred benefit balance; the member shall terminate employment and shall start receiving the member's accrued monthly retirement benefit from the System.  The member shall, upon application filed with the Board, be refunded from the fund an amount equal to the accumulated contributions the member made to the fund from the back drop date to the termination date, but excluding any interest.  Such termination has at all times included reemployment of a member by a state agency, but only in a position not covered under the System.  The provisions of subsections B, C, E, F and G of this section shall apply to this subsection; and

3.  A member may participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to this subsection even if the member has elected to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan pursuant to subsections A, B, C, D, E and F of this section.  Such a member may select a back drop date which is up to five (5) years prior to the termination date, but not before the date at which the member completes twenty (20) years of participating service.  Such a member's participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan may not exceed five (5) years when combined with such a member's prior period of participation in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Deferred Option Plan.  The provisions of subsections B, C, E, F and G of this section shall apply to this subsection.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 247, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 334, § 3, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1993, c. 157, § 2, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 2003, c. 343, § 2, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 33, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 3, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 2003, c. 406, § 6 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 34, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.  Laws 2003, c. 456, § 2 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 35, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-2-305.3.  Increase in benefits.

Any person receiving benefits from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System as of June 30, 1993, shall receive a two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) increase in said benefits on July 1, 1994.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 340, § 21, eff. July 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 383, § 6, eff. July 1, 1994.


§47-2-305.4.  Limitations on benefits relating to section 415 of Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

A.  Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein to the contrary, the benefits payable to a member in the System shall be subject to the limitations of Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in accordance with the provisions of subsections B and C of this section.

B.  Except as provided in paragraphs 3 through 7 of this subsection, any accrued retirement benefit payable to a member shall not exceed the lesser of:

1.  One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000.00), effective January 1, 2002, adjusted for increases in the cost of living, as prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, effective January 1 of each calendar year and applicable to the limitation year ending with or within such calendar year; or

2.  For limitation years beginning prior to January 1, 1995, one hundred percent (100%) of the average earnings of the member for the three (3) consecutive calendar years, while a member in the System, in which the member's earnings were the highest.  For purposes of this paragraph, earnings for any limitation year shall be the earned income of the member, wages, salaries, fees for professional services, and other amounts received for personal services actually rendered in the course of employment with a participating employer, provided such amounts are actually paid or includable in gross income during such year.  Earnings shall exclude the following:

a. contributions by a participating employer to a plan of deferred compensation which are not included in the gross income of the member for the taxable year in which contributed or any distributions from a funded plan of deferred compensation, and

b. other amounts which received special tax benefits, or contributions made by a participating employer, whether or not under a salary reduction agreement, towards the purchase of an annuity described in Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, whether or not the amounts are actually excludable from the gross income of the member;

3.  Except as provided in paragraph 5 of this subsection, the limitations specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection shall not be applicable with respect to any member whose total annual accrued retirement benefit payable from the System is less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and who has not at any time participated in any contribution plan, within the meaning of Section 415(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, maintained by a participating employer;

4.  If a member has less than ten (10) years of participation in the System and all predecessor pension and retirement systems, the dollar limitation otherwise applicable under paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be reduced by multiplying such limitation by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of the years of participation in the System of the member, but never less than one (1), and the denominator of which is ten (10).  This paragraph, to the extent required by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be applied separately to each change in benefit structure hereunder;

5.  Effective for limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 1995, if a member has been credited with less than ten (10) years of credited service, the dollar amount otherwise applicable under paragraph 3 of this subsection shall be reduced by multiplying such dollar amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of the years of credited service of the member, but never less than one (1), and the denominator of which is ten (10);

6.  The limitations specified in this section shall apply to a straight life annuity with no ancillary benefits and to an annuity that constitutes a qualified joint and survivor annuity.  If payment is in a different form, the amount thereof shall be adjusted to be the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity and the limitations shall be applied to such adjusted amount.  Such adjustment shall be based on the mortality tables and interest rates described in divisions (1), (2) and (3) of subparagraph a and subparagraph c of this paragraph.

a. If payment begins before the member reaches sixty-two (62) years of age, the limitation in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be reduced on an actuarially equivalent basis; provided however, prior to January 1, 2002, if such payment begins after the member reaches fifty-five (55) years of age, the reduced limit shall not be less than Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) and, if payment begins prior to the member reaching fifty-five (55) years of age, the reduced limit shall not be less than the actuarial equivalent of the Seventy-five Thousand Dollar ($75,000.00) limit for age fifty-five (55); provided further, that in no event shall such amount be reduced below Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), adjusted for increases in the cost of living, as prescribed by the Secretary of Treasury, or his delegate.

(1) For limitation years beginning before January 1, 1999, the interest rate to be used to determine such actuarial equivalent amount in this subparagraph shall be the rate specified in the actuarial tables adopted by the Board as described in subparagraph c of this paragraph; however, the interest rate used in determining an actuarially equivalent pre-age-sixty-two (62) amount shall not be less than five percent (5%).

(2) Effective for limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 1999, the actuarial equivalent adjustments in this subparagraph shall be determined using the prevailing Commissioner's standard table (described in Section 807(d)(5)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), without regard to any other subparagraph of Section 807(d)(5), used to determine reserves for group annuity contracts issued on the date as of which the payment is being determined.  Notwithstanding any other System provisions to the contrary, for distributions with annuity starting dates on or after December 31, 2002, the applicable mortality table used for purposes of adjusting any benefit or limitation under Sections 415(b)(2)(B), (C) or (D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, is the table described in Rev. Rul. 2001-62.  The interest rate shall be five percent (5%).

(3) For limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 1997, if payment begins before the member reached age sixty-two (62), the reductions in the limitations in this subparagraph shall not apply to a member who is a "qualified participant" as defined in Section 415(b)(2)(H) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

b. If payment begins after the member reaches sixty-five (65) years of age, the limitation in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be the actuarial equivalent of such amount otherwise applicable at the member reaching sixty-five (65) years of age.

(1) For limitation years beginning before January 1, 1999, the interest rate to be used to determine such actuarial equivalent amount in this subparagraph shall be the rate specified in the actuarial tables adopted by the Board as described in subparagraph c of this paragraph; however, the interest rate used in determining an actuarially equivalent post-age-sixty-five (65) amount shall not be greater than five percent (5%).

(2) Effective for limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 1999, the actuarial equivalent adjustments in this subparagraph shall use the mortality and interest rate basis provided in division (2) of subparagraph a of this paragraph.

c. The actuarial tables adopted by the Board for limitation years beginning before January 1, 1999, for purposes of adjusting any benefit under Sections 415(b)(2)(B), (C) or (D) shall be based on an interest rate of seven percent (7%) and the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality Table.

7.  In no event shall the maximum annual accrued retirement benefit of a member allowable under this section be less than the annual amount of such accrued retirement benefit, including early pension and qualified joint and survivor annuity amounts, duly accrued by the member as of the last day of the limitation year beginning in 1982, or as of the last day of the limitation year beginning in 1986, whichever is greater, disregarding any plan changes or cost-of-living adjustments occurring after July 1, 1982, as to the 1982 accrued amount, and May 5, 1986, as to the 1986 accrued amount.

8.  Effective for years beginning after December 31, 1997, if a member purchases service under Section 2-307.5 and/or Section 2-307.7 of this title, which qualifies as "permissive service credit" pursuant to Section 415(n) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the limitations of Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may be met by either:

a. treating the accrued benefit derived from such contributions as an annual benefit under this section, or

b. treating all such contributions as annual additions for purposes of Section 415(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

9.  Effective for years beginning after December 31, 1997, if a member repays to the System any amounts received because of his prior termination pursuant to paragraph 3 of subsection (b) of Section 2-307 of this title, such repayment shall not be taken into account for purposes of Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pursuant to Section 415(k)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

For limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 1995, paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of this subsection shall not apply to a benefit paid under the System as a result of the member becoming disabled by reason of personal injuries or sickness, or amounts received by the beneficiaries, survivors or estate of the member as the result of the death of the member.

C.  For distributions made in limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 2000, the combined limit of repealed Section 415(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall not apply.

D.  The Board is hereby authorized to revoke the special election previously made under Internal Revenue Code Section 415(b)(10).

Added by Laws 1991, c. 323, § 5, emerg. eff. June 12, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 257, § 24, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 287, § 17, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 7, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 142, § 3, emerg. eff. May 5, 2005.


§47-2-305.5.  Additional retirement benefit.

A.  Except as provided by subsection B of this section, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall pay to its retirees, who retire not later than June 30, 1997, or their beneficiaries, from assets of the retirement system, an additional amount, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, based upon the number of years of credited service upon which the retirement benefit of the member was computed as follows:

1.  One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for at least ten (10), but no more than fourteen (14) years of service;

2.  Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for at least fifteen (15), but no more than nineteen (19) years of service;

3.  Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) for at least twenty (20), but no more than twenty-four (24) years of service; and

4.  Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) for twenty-five (25) or more years of service.

B.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall pay to retirees, who retire not later than June 30, 1997, with a disability retirement benefit and having less than ten (10) years of service, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).

C.  For purposes of subsection A or B of this section, months of credited service in excess of a whole number of years shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the applicable payment amount.

D.  The payment authorized by this section shall be distributed not later than August 1, 1997.

E.  The payment authorized by this section shall not be a recurring benefit and shall only be made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, and for no other fiscal year.

F.  If a retiree has multiple beneficiaries, the amount prescribed by subsection A of this section shall be divided equally among the beneficiaries on a per capita basis.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 384, § 21, eff. July 1, 1997.


§47-2-305.6.  Benefit adjustment - Restoration of Initial COLA Benefit.

A.  For purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply:

1.  "Initial COLA Benefit Date" means the later of the member's date of benefit commencement or January 1, 1981.  This date is used in the definition of Initial COLA Benefit and Target COLA Benefit;

2.  "Initial COLA Benefit" means the accrued retirement benefit which will be used as the base benefit for determining the Target COLA Benefit.  The Initial COLA Benefit equals the benefit in payment status as of the Initial COLA Benefit Date.  Furthermore, this benefit will reflect adjustment for military service credits, if any, granted after the Initial COLA Benefit Date;

3.  "CPI-U" means the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for all goods and services, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.  This is used as a measure of price inflation for the development of the Target COLA Benefit defined below; and

4.  "Target COLA Benefit" is the Initial COLA Benefit adjusted to reflect price inflation as measured by CPI-U.  The Target COLA Benefit is calculated for each eligible member to equal the member's Initial COLA Benefit multiplied by a ratio of (A) divided by (B) as follows:

(A)  is the CPI-U as of July 1, 1997.

(B)  is the CPI-U as of July 1 of the calendar year of the  Initial COLA Benefit Date.

B.  The Board shall, effective July 1, 1998, implement a benefit adjustment, to increase, if necessary, the retirement benefit for any person receiving benefits from the System as of June 30, 1997.  This benefit adjustment is intended to restore one hundred percent (100%) of the loss of the Initial COLA Benefit, if any, due to price inflation, as measured by CPI-U.  The benefit adjustment shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the amount by which the Target COLA Benefit is in excess, if any, of the June 1998 retirement benefit.

Persons who retired after December 31, 1996 and before July 1, 1997, shall receive a benefit increase based on one-half (1/2) of the CPI-U change for the period beginning January 1, 1997 and before July 1, 1997.

C.  Any increase in benefits a person is eligible to receive pursuant to subsection B of Section 2-305 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, after June 30, 1998, shall be offset by the increase in benefits, if any, provided by this section.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 317, § 4, eff. July 1, 1998.


§47-2-305.7.  Benefit increase - Offset.

A.  Except as provided in subsection B of this section, any person receiving benefits from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System as of June 30, 1999, who continues to receive benefits on or after July 1, 2000, shall receive a three percent (3%) increase in said benefits on July 1, 2000.

B.  Any increase in benefits a person is eligible to receive pursuant to subsection B of Section 2-305 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, after June 30, 1998, shall be offset by the increase in benefits, if any, provided by this section.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 377, § 8, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-2-305.8.  Increase in benefits - Amount - Offset.

A.  Except as provided in subsection B of this section, any person receiving benefits from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System as of June 30, 2001, who continues to receive benefits on or after July 1, 2002, shall receive a five percent (5%) increase in said benefits on July 1, 2002.

B.  Any increase in benefits a person is eligible to receive pursuant to Section 2-305 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, after June 30, 2002, shall be offset by the increase in benefits, if any, provided by this section.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 394, § 4, eff. July 1, 2002.


§47-2-305.9.  Law Enforcement Retirement System - Increase in benefits.

A.  Except as provided in subsection B of this section, any person receiving benefits from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System as of June 30, 2003, who continues to receive benefits on or after July 1, 2004, shall receive a four-percent increase in said benefits beginning in July 2004.

B.  Any increase in benefits a person is eligible to receive pursuant to subsection B, C or D of Section 2-305 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, after June 30, 2004, shall be offset by the increase in benefits, if any, provided by this section.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 536, § 15, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-306.  Payments in case of death.

A.  Upon the death of a retired member or upon the death of any member prior to retirement or other termination of covered employment, a monthly pension shall be paid which shall be in an amount as provided below:

1.  If the member was not retired and death occurred as the direct result of the performance of the member's duties as an officer, an amount:

a. equal to two and one-half percent (2 1/2%),

b. multiplied by:

(1) twenty (20) years of service, regardless of the actual number of years of credited service performed by the member prior to the date of death if the member had performed less than twenty (20) years of service, or

(2) the actual number of years of service performed by the member if the member had performed twenty (20) or more years of service,

c. multiplied by a final average salary equal to:

(1) the salary which the member would have received pursuant to statutory salary schedules in effect upon the date of death for twenty (20) years of service if the member did not actually perform twenty (20) years of service prior to death.  The final average salary for a member who performed less than twenty (20) years of service prior to death shall be computed assuming that the member was paid the highest salary allowable pursuant to the law in effect at the time of the member's death based upon twenty (20) years of service and with an assumption that the member was eligible for any and all increases in pay based upon rank during the entire period.  If the salary of a member is not prescribed by a specific salary schedule upon the date of the member's death, the final average salary for the member shall be computed by the member's actual final average salary or the highest median salary amount for a member whose salary was prescribed by a specific salary schedule upon the date of the member's death, whichever final average salary amount would be greater, or

(2) the actual final average salary of the member if the member had performed twenty (20) or more years of service prior to death; or

2.  If the member was not retired and death occurred other than as the direct result of the performance of the member's duties as an officer, an amount equal to the monthly payments which would have been received by the member under subsection E of Section 2-305 of this title had the member been totally disabled; or

3.  If said member was retired for length of service, an amount equal to the member's monthly payments; or

4.  If said member was receiving, or eligible to receive, a disability benefit pursuant to subsection E or F of Section 2-305 of this title, an amount equal to the member's monthly payments pursuant to subsection E or F of Section 2-305 of this title; or

5.  If said member was receiving, or eligible to receive, a disability benefit pursuant to subsection G of Section 2-305 of this title, an amount equal to the member's monthly payments pursuant to subsection G of Section 2-305 of this title; or

6.  If said member was retired for partial disability, an amount equal to the monthly payments which would have been received by said member had the member been totally disabled.

B.  The pension provided for in subsection A of this section shall be paid:

1.  Except as provided in paragraph 4 of this subsection, to the surviving spouse, provided the surviving spouse was married to the member at the time of the member's death, and continuously for the thirty (30) months immediately preceding the member's death, provided a surviving spouse of a member who died while in, or as a consequence of, the performance of the member's duty for the employer, shall not be subject to the thirty-month marriage requirement for survivor benefits; or

2.  If there is no surviving spouse or upon the death of a spouse:

a. to the person having the care and custody of any surviving child or children of said member for such time as such child or children are under the age of eighteen (18) years, or

b. to the surviving child or children between the age of eighteen (18) and twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education;

3.  If there is no surviving spouse or children under the age of eighteen (18) years or under the age of twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education, to the dependent parent or parents of said member, for life; or

4.  In the event a surviving spouse remarried prior to June 7, 1993, and was a surviving spouse of a member who died while in, or as a consequence of, the performance of the member's duty for the employer, the surviving spouse shall be eligible to receive the pension benefits provided for in subsection A of this section.

To receive the pension benefits provided for in subsection A of this section the surviving spouse falling within this paragraph shall submit a written request for such benefits to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall approve requests by surviving spouses meeting the requirements of this paragraph.  Upon approval by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, the surviving spouse shall be entitled to the pension benefits provided for in subsection A of this section beginning from the date of approval forward.  Pension benefits provided to surviving spouses falling within this paragraph shall not apply to alter any amount of pension benefits paid or due prior to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System's approval of the remarried surviving spouse's written request for benefits.

No surviving spouse shall receive benefits from this section, Section 49-113 of Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or Section 50-117 of Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes as the surviving spouse of more than one member of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, or the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  The surviving spouse of more than one member shall elect which member's benefits he or she will receive.

C.  In addition to the pension above provided for, if said member leaves a surviving spouse and one or more children under the age of eighteen (18) years or under the age of twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education, Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) a month shall be paid from said Fund for the support of each surviving child to the person having the care and custody of such children during such time as said spouse remains alive and until each child reaches the age of eighteen (18) years or reaches the age of twenty-two (22) years if the child is enrolled full time in and is regularly attending a public or private school or any institution of higher education.

D.  Upon the death of a retired member, the benefit payment for the month in which the retired member died, if not previously paid, shall be made to the beneficiary of the member or to the member's estate if there is no beneficiary.  Such benefit payment shall be made in an amount equal to a full monthly benefit payment regardless of the day of the month in which the retired member died.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 333, § 2-306, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 365, § 5, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 10, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1985, c. 296, § 5, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985; Laws 1986, c. 253, § 3, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 340, § 22, eff. July 1, 1990; Laws 1993, c. 157, § 3, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1993, c. 322, § 14, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 84, § 5, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1994, c. 351, § 6, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 100, § 1, emerg. eff. April 13, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 333, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 1998, c. 419, § 7, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 377, § 9, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 5, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 4, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 1993, c. 126, § 7 repealed by Laws 1993, c. 322, § 31, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993.  Laws 2000, c. 287, § 18 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 18, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.


§47-2-306.1.  Repealed by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 8, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985.

§472306.2.  Unpaid accumulated contributions  Payment to beneficiary or next of kin.

In the event the total retirement payments made to the member and his joint annuitant, if any, are less than the member's accumulated contributions, the difference shall be paid to the member's designated beneficiary or if no designated beneficiary survives, then to the member's nearest surviving next of kin as determined by law.


Laws 1980, c. 357, § 12, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§47-2-306.3.  Death benefit.

Upon the death of an active or retired member, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall pay to the designated beneficiary of the member as defined in paragraph 17 of Section 2-300 of this title or if there is no such designated beneficiary or if such designated beneficiary predeceases the member, to the estate of the member, the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) as a death benefit for those active or retired members who died prior to July 1, 1999.  For those active or retired members who die on or after July 1, 1999, the sum shall be Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).  The benefit payable pursuant to this section shall be deemed, for purposes of federal income taxation, as life insurance proceeds and not as a death benefit if the Internal Revenue Service approves this provision pursuant to a private letter ruling request which shall be submitted by the board of trustees of the System for that purpose.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 236, § 162, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 167, § 5, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2002, c. 352, § 4, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 5, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-307.  Leaves of absence - Termination of employment - Reinstatement - Service in Armed Forces - Involuntary furloughs.

(a)  In the event a member of the System obtains a leave of absence, of not to exceed ninety (90) days at any one time, because of injury or illness or for any personal reason other than the acceptance of other employment, his membership in the System shall not terminate and the period of such leave shall be counted toward retirement for length of service if, during such leave of absence or at the end thereof, he shall pay to the Fund an amount equal to the contributions which would have been deducted from his salary during such period if such leave of absence had not been obtained, but if such contributions are not paid during such leave or made up within thirty (30) days after the end of such leave, or if such leave of absence extends for more than ninety (90) days at any one time, the period of such leave shall not be counted toward length of service for retirement nor in computing the amount of any pension or any retirement pay or any other benefits hereunder.

(b)  In the event a member of the System obtains a leave of absence for the purpose of accepting other employment, or if a member resigns and during such resignation accepts other employment, his membership in the System shall terminate as of the date of the beginning of such leave.  Provided, that if the membership of a member of the System shall have been terminated either by such leave of absence or by termination of employment, and such former member is reemployed, the Board, upon application therefor made in the same manner as an original application for membership in the System, may reinstate such membership.  Such reinstated member shall be allowed full credit toward retirement for all service credit accrued up to the time of termination of membership if, but only if:

1.  Such application for reinstatement is made within three (3) years from the date of such termination of such membership; and

2.  Such reinstated member remains a member of the System for a period of five (5) consecutive years after reinstatement of membership; and

3.  Such reinstated member reimburses the Fund, at the time application for reinstatement is made, with the amount of any portion of his membership contribution which has been refunded to him under the provisions of Section 2-308 of this title; and

4.  Effective January 1, 2002, a lump-sum payment for repayment of any amount received because of a member's prior termination may be repaid by trustee-to-trustee transfers from a Section 403(b) annuity, an eligible Section 457(b) plan, and/or a Section 401(a) qualified plan.

The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to absences caused by such military service as may be considered as service for retirement for length of service under the provisions of subsection (c) of this section.

(c)  In determining the eligibility of a member for retirement based upon length of service, any service in the Armed Forces of the United States or any component thereof between the 16th day of September, 1940, and the 30th day of June, 1954, and any service in the Armed Forces of the United States or any component thereof upon call of the President of the United States or of the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, together with such prior service, as would have been otherwise considered as service for retirement for length of service, shall be considered as service for length of service, provided that the member returns and files application for reinstatement as a member of the System within ninety (90) days after his release, or opportunity for release, from such Armed Forces or component thereof.  If such member shall have been refunded any portion of his membership contributions as provided in Section 2-308 of this title, he shall be required to reimburse the Fund with the same amount at the time of his application for reinstatement in the System, before the reinstated member is given credit for accrued prior service.  Provided, that in no event shall a member of the System who has entered such Armed Forces or component thereof prior to retirement be or become eligible for retirement for length of service unless he shall thereafter have been reinstated as a member of the System as provided for herein, and thereafter remained a member for at least one (1) year after such reinstatement.

(d)  Time spent on involuntary furlough by members pursuant to the rules of the Office of Personnel Management shall be credited.

(e)  Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to qualified military service shall be provided in accordance with Section 414(u) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is in accordance with the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended (USERRA).  The employer's contributions to the System for a member covered by USERRA are due when such a member makes up his or her contributions that were missed due to his or her qualified military service.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 333, § 2-307, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 357, § 13, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1986, c. 253, § 4, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1999, c. 257, § 26, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 8, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 142, § 4, emerg. eff. May 5, 2005.


§47-2-307.1.  Service credit for membership in Public Employees Retirement System - Time of application.

A.  A member may receive service credit for not to exceed five (5) years of participating service accumulated by the member while an employee of a state agency if the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement benefits or credit for said service from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.  To receive credit for said service prior to January 1, 1991, the employee and employer contributions for those years of service and interest of not to exceed five percent (5%) as determined by the Board shall be paid to the Board.  Effective January 1, 1991, to receive credit for said service, the member shall pay the amount determined by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 19 of Enrolled Senate Bill No. 810 of the 2nd Session of the 42nd Oklahoma Legislature.  Such service credit shall not be used in determining the eligibility of the member for retirement based upon length of service.

B.  To receive credit for such service:

1.  A member who became a member of the system prior to July 1, 1988, shall make application to the Board for such service prior to January 1, 1989; and

2.  A member who becomes a member of the system after June 30, 1988, shall make application to the Board for such service within two (2) years of the date the member became a member of the system.

C.  Effective January 1, 2002, such service credit may be paid for through trustee-to-trustee transfers from a Section 403(b) annuity, an eligible Section 457(b) plan, and/or a Section 401(a) qualified plan.

Added by Laws 1986, c. 253, § 5, operative July 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 236, § 163, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 267, § 24, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 334, § 4, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 9, eff. July 1, 2003.


§472307.2.  Service credit for unused sick leave.

The total service credit of a member who retires or terminates employment and elects a vested benefit shall include not to exceed one hundred thirty (130) days of unused sick leave accumulated while a member of the System.  Such credit shall be added in terms of whole months.  Twenty (20) days of unused sick leave shall equal one (1) month for purposes of service credit.  If unused sick leave entitles a member to an additional year or fraction thereof of service credit, the member's employer shall reimburse the System for the cost of funding the additional reserve by paying the amount determined by the Board pursuant to Section 25 of this act.  Each employer shall provide the System with adequate and timely information necessary to determine additional benefits and its cost under this section.  This section shall apply to members retiring or vesting on or after July 1, 1985, and shall not be retroactive.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 6, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985. Added by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 6, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985; Laws 1990, c. 340, § 23, eff. July 1, 1990.


§47-2-307.3.  Prior law enforcement service credit - Time of application.

A.  Prior to January 1, 1991, upon payment to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System of the employee contribution the member would have been subject to had the member been a member of the system at the time, plus five percent (5%) interest, any member of the System shall receive credit for not to exceed five (5) years of prior law enforcement service rendered in this state, if the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement credit or benefits for such service in any other public retirement system.  Effective January 1, 1991, to receive credit for not to exceed five (5) years of prior law enforcement service rendered in this state, if the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement credit or benefits for such service in any other public retirement system, the member shall pay the amount determined by the Board pursuant to Section 2-307.5 of this title.  Service credit received pursuant to this section shall be used in determining the member's retirement benefit but shall not be used in determining years of service for retirement or vesting purposes.

To receive credit for such service:

1.  A member who became a member of the system prior to July 1, 1988, shall make application to the Board for such service prior to January 1, 1989; and

2.  A member who becomes a member of the system after June 30, 1988, shall make application to the Board for such service within two (2) years of the date the member became a member of the system.

B.  Upon payment to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System of a sum equal to the employee contribution the member would have been subject to had the member been a member of the system at the time, plus five percent (5%) interest prior to January 1, 1991, or effective January 1, 1991, upon payment to the System of the amount determined by the Board pursuant to Section 2-307.5 of this title, any member of the system shall receive credit for not to exceed five (5) years of prior law enforcement service rendered in another state or with a federal law enforcement agency, either as a commissioned law enforcement officer or in a scientific or technical field, if the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement credit or benefits for such service in any other public retirement system.  Service credit received pursuant to this section shall be used in determining the member's retirement benefit but shall not be used in determining years of service for retirement or vesting purposes.

To receive credit for such service:

1.  A member who became a member of the system prior to July 1, 1990, shall make application to the Board for such service prior to January 1, 1991; and

2.  A member who became a member of the system after June 30, 1990, shall make application to the Board for such services within two (2) years of the date the member became a member of the system.

C.  Effective January 1, 2002, such service credit may be paid for through trustee-to-trustee transfers from a Section 403(b) annuity, an eligible Section 457(b) plan, and/or a Section 401(a) qualified plan.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 236, § 164, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 267, § 25, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 340, § 24, eff. July 1, 1990; Laws 1990, c. 334, § 5, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 10, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-2-307.4.  Military service credit.

A.  Any member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be entitled to prior service credit, not to exceed five (5) years, for those periods of military service on active duty prior to membership in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Any active member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System whose initial membership in the System began on or after July 1, 2000, may receive up to five (5) years of prior military service credit as otherwise provided in this section, only upon payment of the amount determined by the Board in the manner as provided in Section 2-307.5 of this title.  For members of the System hired on or after July 1, 2003, if the military service credit authorized by this subsection is used to compute the retirement benefit of the member and the member retires from the System, such military service credit shall not be used to compute the retirement benefit in any other retirement system created pursuant to the Oklahoma Statutes and the member may receive credit for such service only in the retirement system from which the member first retires.

B.  For purposes of this section, "military service" means service in the Armed Forces of the United States by honorably discharged persons during the following time periods, as reflected on such person's Defense Department Form 214, as follows:

1.  During the following periods, including the beginning and ending dates, and only for the periods served, from:

a. April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918, commonly referred to as World War I,

b. September 16, 1940, to December 7, 1941, as a member of the 45th Division,

c. December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, commonly referred to as World War II,

d. June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, commonly referred to as the Korean Conflict or the Korean War,

e. February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, commonly referred to as the Vietnam era, except that:

(1) for the period from February 28, 1961, to August 4, 1964, military service shall only include service in the Republic of Vietnam during that period, and

(2) for purposes of determining eligibility for education and training benefits, such period shall end on December 31, 1976, or

f. August 1, 1990, to December 31, 1991, commonly referred to as the Gulf War, the Persian Gulf War, or Operation Desert Storm, but excluding any person who served on active duty for training only, unless discharged from such active duty for a service-connected disability;

2.  During a period of war or combat military operation other than a conflict, war or era listed in paragraph 1 of this subsection, beginning on the date of Congressional authorization, Congressional resolution, or Executive Order of the President of the United States, for the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in a war or combat military operation, if such war or combat military operation lasted for a period of ninety (90) days or more, for a person who served, and only for the period served, in the area of responsibility of the war or combat military operation, but excluding a person who served on active duty for training only, unless discharged from such active duty for a service-connected disability, and provided that the burden of proof of military service during this period shall be with the member, who must present appropriate documentation establishing such service.

C.  An eligible member under subsection B of this section shall include only those persons who shall have served during the times or in the areas prescribed in subsection B of this section, and only if such person provides appropriate documentation in such time and manner as required by the System to establish such military service prescribed in this section, or for service pursuant to division (1) of subparagraph e of paragraph 1 of subsection B of this section, those persons who were awarded service medals, as authorized by the United States Department of Defense as reflected in the veteran's Defense Department Form 214, related to the Vietnam Conflict for service prior to August 5, 1964.

D.  Service credit received pursuant to this section shall be used in determining the member's retirement benefit but shall not be used in determining years of service for retirement or vesting purposes.

E.  Effective January 1, 2002, such service credit may be paid for through trustee-to-trustee transfers from a Section 403(b) annuity, an eligible Section 457(b) plan and/or a Section 401(a) qualified plan.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 236, § 165, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 334, § 6, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1998, c. 192, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 311, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 11, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 302, § 3, emerg. eff. May 13, 2004.


§47-2-307.5.  Transferred credited service - Computation of purchase price.

A.  The Board shall adopt rules for computation of the purchase price for transferred credited service.  These rules shall base the purchase price for each year purchased on the actuarial cost of the incremental projected benefits to be purchased.  The purchase price shall represent the present value of the incremental projected benefits discounted according to the member's age at the time of purchase.  Incremental projected benefits shall be the difference between the projected benefit said member would receive without purchasing the transferred credited service and the projected benefit after purchase of the transferred credited service computed as of the earliest age at which the member would be able to retire.  Said computation shall assume an unreduced benefit and be computed using interest and mortality assumptions consistent with the actuarial assumptions adopted by the Board for purposes of preparing the annual actuarial evaluation.

B.  In the event that the member is unable to pay the purchase price provided for in this section by the due date, the Board shall permit the members to amortize the purchase price over a period not to exceed sixty (60) months.  Said payments shall be made by payroll deductions unless the Board permits an alternate payment source.  The amortization shall include interest in an amount not to exceed the actuarially assumed interest rate adopted by the Board for investment earnings each year.  Any member who ceases to make payment, terminates, retires or dies before completing the payments provided for in this section shall receive prorated service credit for only those payments made, unless the unpaid balance is paid by said member, his or her estate or successor in interest within six (6) months after said member's death, termination of employment or retirement, provided no retirement benefits shall be payable until the unpaid balance is paid, unless said member or beneficiary affirmatively waives the additional six-month period in which to pay the unpaid balance.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, lump-sum payments for a transferred credited service purchase may be made by a trustee-to-trustee transfer from a Code Section 403(b) annuity or custodial account, an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by an eligible employer described in Code Section 457(e)(1)(A), and/or a Code Section 401(a) qualified plan; or a direct rollover of tax-deferred funds from a Code Section 403(b) annuity or custodial account, an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by an eligible employer described in Code Section 457(e)(1)(A), a Code Section 401(a) qualified plan, and/or a Code Section 408(a) or 408(b) traditional or conduit Individual Retirement Account or Annuity (IRA).  Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts shall not be used to purchase transferred credited service.

A member making installment payments shall have the option of making a cash lump-sum payment for the balance of the actuarial purchase price with interest due through the date of payment by a trustee-to-trustee transfer from a Code Section 403(b) annuity or custodial account, an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by an eligible employer described in Code Section 457(e)(1)(A), and/or a Code Section 401(a) qualified plan; or a direct rollover of tax-deferred funds from a Code Section 403(b) annuity or custodial account, an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by an eligible employer described in Code Section 457(e)(1)(A), a Code Section 401(a) qualified plan, and/or a Code Section 408(a) or 408(b) traditional or conduit Individual Retirement Account or Annuity (IRA).  Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts shall not be used to purchase transferred credited service.  The Board shall promulgate such rules as are necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 340, § 25, eff. July 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 322, § 13, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 2003, c. 406, § 12, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 6, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 142, § 5, emerg. eff. May 5, 2005.


§47-2-307.6.  Repealed by Laws 1998, c. 256, § 11, eff. July 1, 1998.

§47-2-307.7.  Reduction-in-force termination credit.

A.  A member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System who has ten (10) or more years of full-time-equivalent employment with a participating employer, and who is terminated by a state agency or other state governmental entity because the member's position is eliminated through a reduction-in-force after July 1, 1998, and is within three (3) years of a normal retirement date as defined in paragraph 7 of Section 2-300 of this title may purchase termination credit of a period not to exceed the lesser of three (3) years or the number of years or months or both years and months required in order for the member to reach normal retirement date in the same period of time and with the same service credit which would have otherwise accrued if the termination had not occurred.

B.  In order to receive the termination credit authorized by this section, the member shall be required to file an election with the System indicating an intent to purchase the credit.  The member shall have a period of six (6) months from the date the member is terminated as described in subsection A of this section within which to file the election.

C.  To purchase the termination credit, the member shall be required to make payment to the System of an amount equal to both the employer and employee contributions which would have been paid to the System based upon the actual paid base salary as defined in paragraph 8 of Section 2-300 of this title, which was received by the member in the last full month that the member was employed by the state agency or other state governmental entity multiplied by the number of months required in order for the combination of the participating service and member's age to equal the amount required for the member to reach normal retirement date with an unreduced benefit as if the member had not been terminated.

D.  The member must make full payment to the System of all required contribution amounts within sixty (60) days of filing the election to purchase the credit.  The member must vest his or her benefits with a declared future retirement date as of the first month the member is eligible for normal retirement.  Failure to make the full payment to the System of the required contribution amounts, for any reason, within the time prescribed, shall result in cancellation of the election provided pursuant to this section, and return of the purchase amount tendered, without interest.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, effective January 1, 2002, lump-sum payments for termination credit purchases may be made by trustee-to-trustee transfers from a Section 403(b) annuity, an eligible Section 457(b) plan, and/or a Section 401(a) qualified plan.

E.  Purchased termination credit may only be used as service credit to qualify the member for normal retirement.

F.  If the member chooses to retire at any time prior to the member's normal retirement date or returns to employment with a participating employer of the System at any time prior to retirement, the purchase of termination credit pursuant to this section shall be void and the System will return the purchase amount tendered, without interest.

G.  In the event of the death of the member prior to retirement, the member's spouse, if otherwise eligible for benefits pursuant to Section 2-306 of this title, may elect to receive benefits which include the termination credit on the member's declared future retirement date, or may elect to receive a return of the purchase amount tendered, without interest.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 256, § 8, eff. July 1, 1998.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 406, § 13, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 542, § 7, eff. July 1, 2004.


§472308.  Payments on termination of membership  Reemployment.

A.  A member who terminates his service before normal retirement date, other than by death or disability, shall, upon application filed with the Board, be entitled to be refunded from the fund an amount equal to the accumulated contributions the member has made to the fund, but excluding any interest or any amount contributed by the state.  If such member has completed ten (10) years of credited service at the date of termination, the member may elect a vested benefit in lieu of receiving his accumulated contributions.

If the member who has completed ten (10) or more years of credited service elects the vested benefit, the member shall be entitled to a monthly retirement annuity commencing on the member's normal retirement date to be determined as if the member's employment continued uninterrupted. The annual amount of such retirement annuity shall be equal to two and onehalf percent (2 1/2%) of final average salary multiplied by the number of years of credited service.  The death benefits provided for under Section 2306 of this title shall apply to any member retiring under the provisions of this subsection.

B.  A member who terminated service before the normal retirement date of such member and elected a vested benefit in lieu of receiving accumulated contributions may upon reemployment be allowed full credit toward retirement for all credited service accrued for the vested benefit.  This subsection shall apply to employees of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board whose benefits had vested in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System prior to the establishment of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Upon reemployment of said employee by an agency whose employees are now members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System all funds contributed by the individual member being reemployed and all funds contributed by the state for such member.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 335, § 2-308, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 365, § 6, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1978, c. 310, § 2, emerg. eff. May 11, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 14, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1982, c. 328, § 6, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 6, eff. July 1, 2002.


§472308.1.  Election to defer commencement of retirement benefits.

Any member retiring under the provisions of the System shall have the opportunity to elect to defer the commencement of retirement benefits by oneyear periods by an election in writing submitted to the Board not later than thirty (30) days prior to the member's normal retirement date or the member's actual retirement date, whichever is later.  Such elections may be made successively but may not be deferred later than age sixtyfive (65).  Retirement benefits payable to members electing to defer the commencement of payments shall be increased by five percent (5%) of the amount that would otherwise be paid for each year payments are deferred.


Laws 1978, c. 310, § 3, emerg. eff. May 11, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 15, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§472308.2.  Actuarial investigation  Establishment of tables and rates  Actuarial valuation of ection 2308.2 (1)  At least once each five (5) years the actuary shall make an actuarial investigation of the experience of the System, including the mortality, service and compensation experience of members and beneficiaries.  Based on the results of such investigation the actuary shall recommend for adoption by the Board such tables and rates as are required for the operation of the System and for the preparation of annual actuarial valuations.

(2) On the basis of such tables and rates as the Board shall adopt, the actuary shall prepare an annual actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of the System and certify the rates of contribution payable by the state under the provisions of law concerning the System.

(3) Subject to the funds available to the System, the employer contributions to the System shall be determined on the basis of the most recent actuarial valuation, which amount shall be calculated as the sum of the normal cost for the fiscal year plus the payment required to amortize the unfunded accrued liability by level dollar payments over forty (40) years from July 1, 1980.


Laws 1978, c. 310, § 4, emerg. eff. May 11, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 16, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§472309.  Proceedings on claims  Appeal to district court.

Claims for pensions, retirement pay, medical expenses, hospital expenses, and any other allowances or benefits provided for under the System shall be allowed and paid only upon application therefor signed and verified by the affidavit of the person claiming to be entitled thereto, filed with the Board.  All such claims shall be presented at the first regular meeting of the Board, or a special meeting called for that purpose by the President and Secretary of the Board, and no claim shall be approved or allowed except by vote of a majority of the Board.  The Board shall have full power and authority to determine all questions of eligibility for membership in the System, eligibility for retirement, eligibility to continue membership, injury, illness, disability, the extent of disability, the percentage of disability, ability or inability to perform the duties connected with any employment, age, length of service, credits for service, and, in connection with determining any such question, may secure and pay for the services of a minimum of two physicians or surgeons to make an examination of the member or applicant and report upon such matter.  The proceedings of the Board shall be kept by the Secretary of the Board and reduced to writing in books kept for that purpose and shall include all claims filed, allowed or rejected and a copy of each resolution, action or order of the Board.  Any objection to the allowance or disallowance of any claim presented to the Board shall be presented to the Board within  thirty (30) days after notification of such allowance or disallowance, and, the Board shall set a date for hearing thereon and shall cause written notice of such hearing to be mailed to the claimant and to the contestant, if the contestant be one other than a member of the Board, not less than ten (10) days prior to such hearing, at which hearing evidence bearing upon the propriety and correctness of the claim may be introduced.  Any and all evidence introduced upon such a hearing shall be taken and transcribed by, or under the supervision of, the Secretary of the Board, and a copy thereof, together with a copy of the order or decision of the Board, shall be kept as a part of the official record of the Board.  Any person aggrieved by any action of the Board may appeal to the district court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, by filing in the office of the court clerk of said county, within thirty (30) days after the signing and filing of the Board's written decision or order in the matter, a petition setting forth such order or decision and the grounds upon which such appeal is taken, together with a true and complete transcript of the proceedings before the Board, and causing summons to be issued and served, as in civil actions, upon the President of the Board.  Said district court is hereby vested with final appellate jurisdiction in such matters, shall try the same wholly upon the transcript of the proceedings before the Board, and shall act solely as an appellate court in such proceedings.


Added by Laws 1961, p. 335, § 2309, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 365, § 7, operative July 1, 1975; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 17, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1996, c. 315, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996.  

§472309.1.  Officers of State Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control  Transfer to System.

Officers of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control who become members of the System on July 1, 1980, shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System as of that date and shall commence accruing benefits under this System. The Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement System all funds contributed by the individual members being transferred and all funds contributed by the state for such members, no later than October 1980.  Also, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall give to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement System a certified statement of credited service accrued by such transferred members.  Service accrued by officers of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.


Laws 1980, c. 357, § 18, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§472309.2.  Employees of Communications Division and Waterways Patrol Division of Department of Public Safety  Transfer to System.

Employees of the Communications Division and Waterways Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System on July 1, 1981.  On January 1, 1982, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by the state and by each Communications Division and Waterways Patrol Division employee transferring to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement RetirementSystem and the retirement records of those transferring employees.  Service accrued by employees of the Communications Division and Waterways Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Provided, however, that the cumulative total of credited service for such transferring employee shall not exceed the total time said employee could have accrued if his entire employment with the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Department of Public Safety.


Laws 1981, c. 227, § 6, operative July 1, 1981.  

§472309.3.  Law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board  Transfer to System.

Law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System on July 1, 1982.  On January 1, 1983, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by the state and by each law enforcement officer of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board transferring to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and the retirement records of those transferring employees.  Service accrued by said law enforcement officers of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Provided however, that the cumulative total of credited service for such transferring employee shall not exceed the total time said employee could have accrued if his entire employment with the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.


Added by Laws 1982, c. 328, § 7, operative July 1, 1982.  

§472309.4.  Park rangers  Transfer to System.

Park rangers of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department who are certified peace officers pursuant to the provisions of Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System on July 1, 1985.  On January 1, 1986, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by the state and by each park ranger of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department transferring to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and the retirement records of those transferring employees.  Service accrued by said park rangers of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Provided however, that the cumulative total of credited service for each such transferring employee shall not exceed the total time said employee could have accrued if his entire employment with the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.


Added by Laws 1985, c. 296, § 7, emerg. eff. July 24, 1985.  

§472309.5.  Pharmacy board inspectors  Transfer to System.

Inspectors of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy who are certified peace officers pursuant to the provisions of Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System on July 1, 1986.  On January 1, 1987, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by the state and by each inspector of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy transferring to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and the retirement records of those transferring employees.  Service accrued by said inspectors of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service under the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Provided however, that the cumulative total of credited service for each such transferring employee shall not exceed the total time said employee could have accrued if his entire employment with the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy.


Added by Laws 1986, c. 253, § 6, operative July 1, 1986.  

§47-2-309.6.  Capitol patrol members and park managers and supervisors - Transfer to Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System from Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

A.  For purposes of this section, "capitol patrol members" means law enforcement officers of the State Capitol Division of the Department of Public Safety employed on July 1, 1993, who, pursuant to the provisions of this act, transfer membership from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.

B.  Capitol patrol members are hereby transferred from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System subject to the following:

1.  Effective July 1, 1993, capitol patrol members who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  Before January 1, 1994, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System from time to time by the capitol patrol members while members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and the contributions by the participating employer or employers on behalf of each capitol patrol member to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System along with the retirement records of said transferring capitol patrol members;

3.  Service credit accrued by a capitol patrol member while a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service for such transferring capitol patrol member in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System if the capitol patrol member is not receiving or eligible to receive service credit or benefits from said service in any other public retirement system and the member has not received service credit for the same years of service pursuant to Sections 2-307.1, 2-307.3 and 2-307.4 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Provided, however, that the total of credited service for each transferring employee shall not exceed the credited service said employee could have accrued if his or her entire employment with an agency of the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided further, that only transferred credited service related to actual law enforcement service with the State Capitol Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety will be included in the determination of a capitol patrol member's normal retirement date or vesting date; and

4.  All service credit with the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System which is ineligible for transfer to the Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be canceled.

C.  Any park manager or park supervisor of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department who was employed in such a position prior to July 1, 1985, and who elects on or before September 1, 1996, to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System is hereby transferred from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System subject to the following:

1.  Effective July 1, 1996, park managers and park supervisors who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and who elect on or before September 1, 1996, to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  Before January 1, 1997, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by the park manager or park supervisor while he or she was a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and the contributions by the participating employer or employers on behalf of each park manager or park supervisor who elects to become a member of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System along with the retirement records of said transferring park manager or park supervisor;

3.  To receive service credit accrued by such park manager or park supervisor prior to July 1, 1996, or prior to the date as of which the person making the election ceases to be a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, whichever date occurs last, the member shall pay the difference between the amount transferred by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System in paragraph 2 of this subsection and the amount determined by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 2-307.5 of this title.  The park manager or park supervisor shall elect to either pay any difference to receive full credit for the years sought to be transferred or receive prorated service credit for only the amount received from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System pursuant to this subsection.  Such an election shall be made in writing, filed with the System prior to receiving the credit provided for in paragraph 10 of Section 2-300 of this title, and shall be irrevocable.  Payments made by park managers or park supervisors pursuant to this paragraph shall be made on or before January 1, 1997;

4.  Service credit accrued by a park manager or park supervisor while a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service for such transferring park managers or park supervisors in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System if the park manager or park supervisor is not receiving or eligible to receive service credit or benefits from said service in any other public retirement system and the member has not received service credit for the same years of service pursuant to Sections 2-307.1, 2-307.3 and 2-307.4 of this title.  Provided, however, that the total of credited service for each transferring employee shall not exceed the credited service the employee could have accrued if his or her entire employment with an agency of the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.  Provided further, that only transferred credited service related to park ranger, park manager or park supervisor service with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be included in the determination of a park manager or park supervisor's normal retirement date or vesting date; and

5.  All service credit with the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System which is ineligible for transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be canceled.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 277, § 2, eff. July 1, 1993.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 60, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996.


§47-2-309.7.  Gunsmiths - Transfer to Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System from Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

A.  For purposes of this section, "gunsmiths" means commissioned officers of the Gunsmith/Ammunition Reloader Division of the Department of Public Safety employed on July 1, 1994, who, pursuant to the provisions of this act, transfer membership from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.

B.  Gunsmiths are hereby transferred from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System subject to the following:

1.  Effective July 1, 1994, gunsmiths who are members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  Before January 1, 1995, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the actual amount contributed to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System from time to time by the gunsmiths while members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and the contributions by the participating employer or employers on behalf of each gunsmith to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System along with the retirement records of said transferring gunsmiths;

3.  Service credit accrued by a gunsmith while a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall be treated as credited service for such transferring gunsmith in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System if the gunsmith is not receiving or eligible to receive service credit or benefits from said service in any other public retirement system and the member has not received service credit for the same years of service pursuant to Sections 2-307.1, 2-307.3 and 2-307.4 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Provided however, that the total of credited service for each transferring employee shall not exceed the credited service said employee could have accrued if his or her entire employment with an agency of the State of Oklahoma had been as an employee of the Department of Public Safety; and

4.  All service credit with the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System which is ineligible for transfer to the Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be canceled.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 44, § 2, eff. July 1, 1994.


§47-2-309.8.  Service credit.

A.  Any state employee who is employed in a commissioned officer position of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, including the Capitol Patrol Section and the Lake Patrol Section of the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, a Parks Ranger of the Tourism and Recreation Department, and a Pharmacy Inspector of the Pharmacy Board shall be eligible for service credit for employment prior to July 1, 1993, if the employee was in a commissioned officer position in the former Oklahoma Capitol Patrol Division, the former Mansion Security, and the former Training Center Security of the Department of Public Safety and the employee was a full-time, active employee eligible for all state employee benefits.

B.  An eligible member of the System shall receive credit for all prior service as provided in subsection A of this section, provided the member is not receiving or eligible to receive retirement credit or benefits for such service in any other public retirement system.  Service credit received pursuant to this section shall be used in determining the years of service for retirement and vesting purposes.

C.  To receive credit for such service, an eligible member, as provided in this section, who became a member of the System prior to July 1, 1993, shall make application to the Board in writing for such service prior to July 1, 2002.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 378, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000.  Renumbered from § 309.8 of this title by Laws 2001, c. 131, § 18, eff. July 1, 2001.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 5, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-2-310.  Repealed by Laws 2004, c. 542, § 8, eff. July 1, 2004.

§47-2-310.1.  Injury in the line of duty - Injury Review Board - Paid leave - Rules.

A.  Whenever any member currently working in a position identified by subsection 6 of Section 2-300 of this title or Section 2-314 of this title and enrolled in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System is injured in the line of duty, an Injury Review Board consisting of one member to be appointed by the member's employer, one member to be appointed by the Administrator of the Office of Personnel Management and one member to be appointed by the Governor shall convene to determine if the injured member was actually injured in the line of duty and whether the injured member should be granted leave because of the injury.  The Injury Review Board may, in its discretion, grant the injured member leave when necessary, not to exceed one hundred sixty-five (165) working days for the illness or injury.

B.  For the purpose of this section, "illness or injury" shall include any serious illness or serious injury caused by or contracted during the performance of the member's duty.  Every state agency which employs persons eligible for membership in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall participate in the joint promulgation of a rule which shall set out mutually agreeable guidelines for the categorization of an illness or injury as serious.  Upon promulgation of the rule, each of the state agencies shall individually adopt the rule.  The wording of the rule, as adopted and as amended by the agencies from time to time, shall remain in conformity for each of the state agencies.

C.  The three-member Injury Review Board shall be convened following a written request submitted by the injured member to the injured member's employer.  The employer shall forward the request to the Administrator of the Office of Personnel Management.  The employer may submit the request on behalf of an injured member.  The Administrator's appointee shall then convene and chair the Injury Review Board.  The Injury Review Board may request the injured member to submit to an examination by a physician selected by the Board at the employer's expense to assist the Board in making a decision.  A decision to grant or deny such paid leave shall be determined by concurrence in writing of not less than two Injury Review Board members.  If granted, said leave shall be paid by the employing agency.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 267, § 26, operative July 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 294, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 2002, c. 399, § 7, eff. July 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 486, § 2, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 7, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-2-311.  Repealed by Laws 1988, c. 321, § 45, operative July 1, 1988.

§472312. Fraud  Penalties.

(a) No person shall knowingly make any false statement or shall falsify or permit to be falsified any record or records of the System, in any attempt to defraud such System.

(b) Should any such change in records fraudulently made, or any mistake in records inadvertently made, result in any member or beneficiary of said System receiving or paying more or less than he would have been entitled to had the records been correct, then, on the discovery of such error, the Board shall correct such error and shall adjust payments which he should have paid or received.

(c) Any person violating any provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.


Laws 1961, p. 336, § 2312; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 21, eff. July 1, 1980.  

§47-2-313.  Renumbered as § 2-150 of this title by Laws 2000, c. 378, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.

§47-2-314.  Election for limited participation by certain universities.

A.  The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma and/or the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges may make an irrevocable written election for the University of Oklahoma and/or Oklahoma State University to become participating employers in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System for police officers who are CLEET certified and employed by the University of Oklahoma and/or Oklahoma State University.  The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma and/or the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges shall send written notice of the election to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.

B.  Beginning the following month after the System receives the written notice, the University of Oklahoma and/or Oklahoma State University and all active police officers who are CLEET certified and hired on or after the date of the election shall participate in and make contributions to the System as other participating employers and members of the System.

C.  Upon election by the Board, pursuant to subsection A of this section, active CLEET certified police employed prior to the date of the election and who were participating in the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, may, within three (3) months of the date of the election, make an irrevocable written election to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and file the written election with the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Such police officers who make the election to transfer shall be transferred to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System subject to the following:

1.  Upon the date of election of the police officer, the police officer shall cease accruing benefits in the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma and shall commence accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  Prior to the beginning of the month following receipt of the police officers' election by Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System all employee contributions and employer contributions plus accrued interest.  The Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma shall also send to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the retirement records of the transferring police officer;

3.  To receive service credit accrued by such police officer prior to the election, or prior to the date as of which the person making the election ceases to be a member of the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, whichever date occurs last, the member shall pay the difference between the amount transferred by the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System in paragraph 2 of this subsection and the amount determined by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 2-307.5 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The police officer shall elect to either pay any difference to receive full credit for the years sought to be transferred or receive prorated service credit for only the amount received from the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma pursuant to this subsection.  Payments made by electing police officers pursuant to this paragraph shall be made pursuant to subsection B of Section 2-307.5 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

4.  Service credit accrued by a police officer while a member of the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma shall be treated as credited service for such transferring police officer in the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma if the police officer is not receiving or eligible to receive service credit or benefits from said service in any other public retirement system and the member has not received service credit for the same years of service pursuant to Sections 2-307.1, 2-307.3 and 2-307.4 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Provided further, that only transferred credited service related to police service with the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University shall be included in the determination of a police officer's normal retirement date or vesting date; and

5.  All service credit with the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma which is ineligible for transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be canceled.

D.  Upon election by the Board, pursuant to subsection A of this section, active CLEET certified police officers employed prior to the date of the election and who were not participating in the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, may, within three (3) months of the date of the election, make an irrevocable written election to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and file the written election with the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Beginning the following month after the System for such police officers receives the police officer's written election, the University of Oklahoma and/or Oklahoma State University and the electing police officer shall participate and make contributions to the System as other participating employers and members of the System.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 193, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-2-315.  Certain employees of Grand River Dam Authority - Election to participate.

A.  Members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System who are active Lake Patrolmen or Dispatchers of the Grand River Dam Authority on June 30, 2003, may make an irrevocable written election on or before January 1, 2004, to participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  Such patrolmen and dispatchers who make the election as provided by this section shall be subject to the following:

1.  Upon the date the patrolman or dispatcher makes the election pursuant to this section, he or she shall cease accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and shall commence accruing benefits in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System;

2.  Prior to the beginning of the month following receipt of the patrolman's or dispatcher's election by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System all employee contributions and employer contributions including any amounts received by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System on behalf of a transferring member related to a purchase or transfer of credited service to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.  The Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System shall also send to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System the retirement records of the transferring member;

3.  To receive service credit accrued by such transferring member prior to the election, or prior to the date as of which the person making the election ceases to be a member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, whichever date occurs last, the member shall make an irrevocable written election.  The election shall be to either pay the difference between the amount transferred by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System in paragraph 2 of this subsection and the amount determined by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 2-307.5 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes to receive full eligible credit for the years sought to be transferred or receive eligible prorated service credit for only the amount received from the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System pursuant to this subsection.  Payments made by such transferring members pursuant to this paragraph shall be made pursuant to subsection B of Section 2-307.5 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

4.  Service credit shall only be transferable pursuant to this section if the transferring member is not receiving or eligible to receive service credit or benefits from said service in any other public retirement system and has not received service credit for the same years of service pursuant to Sections 2-307.1, 2-307.3 and 2-307.4 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Provided further, that only transferred credited service related to Lake Patrol service as a patrolman or dispatcher with the Grand River Dam Authority and any other law enforcement related service, including service with the Department of Corrections as a correctional officer or probation and parole officer or any credited service that was purchased or transferred to Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System or the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, shall be included in the determination of an officer's normal retirement date or vesting date in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System; and

5.  All service credit with the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System which is ineligible for transfer to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System shall be canceled.

B.  Lake Patrolmen and Dispatchers of the Grand River Dam Authority who are hired on or after the effective date of this act, shall participate and be members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.  The Grand River Dam Authority shall be a participating employer in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System for all Grand River Dam Lake Patrolmen and Dispatchers who participate in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 459, § 8, eff. July 1, 2003.


§474101.  Exceptions from provisions of this chapter.

This chapter does not apply to the following unless a title or registration has been issued on such vehicles under this act:

1.  A vehicle moved solely by animal power;

2.  An implement of husbandry, except as provided in Section 4102 and 4104 of this title;

3.  Special mobilized machinery;

4.  A selfpropelled invalid wheel chair or tricycle.


Amended by Laws 1987, c. 224, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 224, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.  

§47-4-102.  Unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry.

A person not entitled to possession of a vehicle or implement of husbandry who, without the consent of the owner and with intent to deprive the owner, temporarily or otherwise, of the vehicle or implement of husbandry or its possession, takes, uses or drives the vehicle or implement of husbandry shall be guilty of a felony.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 336, § 4-102, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 224, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 471, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 471 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-4-103.  Receiving or disposing of a vehicle.

A person not entitled to the possession of a vehicle who receives, possesses, conceals, sells or disposes of it, knowing the vehicle to be stolen or converted under circumstances constituting a crime, shall be guilty of a felony.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 336, § 4-103, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 472, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 472 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§474104.  Damaging or tampering with vehicle or implement of husbandry.

(a) A person, who, with intent and without right to do so, injures or tampers with any vehicle or implement of husbandry or in any other manner damages any part or portion of said vehicle or implement of husbandry or any accessories, appurtenance or attachments thereto is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person, who, without right to do so and with intent to commit a crime, climbs into or upon a vehicle or implement of husbandry whether it is in motion or at rest, attempts to manipulate any of the levers, starting mechanism, brakes or other mechanism or device of a vehicle or implement of husbandry while the same is at rest and unattended, or sets in motion any vehicle or implement of husbandry while the same is at rest and unattended is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) This section shall not apply as stated in Section 111002 of this title.


Amended by Laws 1987, c. 224, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.  

§47-4-105.  Stolen, converted, recovered and unclaimed vehicles.

A.  It shall be the duty of every sheriff, chief of police or peace officer to make immediate report to the Department of Public Safety of all vehicles reported to their respective jurisdictions as being stolen or recovered.  Such report shall be made as prescribed by the Department.

B.  An owner or a lienholder may report the theft of a vehicle, or its conversion if a crime, to the Department, but the Department may disregard the report of a conversion unless a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a person charged with the conversion.  A person who has so reported the theft or conversion of a vehicle shall, forthwith after learning of its recovery, report the recovery to the Department.

C.  An operator of a place of business for garaging, repairing, parking or storing vehicles for the public, in which a vehicle remains unclaimed for a period of thirty (30) days, shall, within five (5) days after the expiration of that period, report the vehicle as unclaimed to the Department.  Such report shall be on a form prescribed by the Department.

A vehicle left by its owner whose name and address are known to the operator or his employee is not considered unclaimed.  A person who fails to report a vehicle as unclaimed in accordance with this subsection forfeits all claims and liens for its garaging, parking or storing and is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or not more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each day his failure to report continues.

D.  The Department shall maintain and appropriately index cumulative public records of stolen, converted, recovered and unclaimed vehicles reported to it pursuant to this section.  The Department may make and distribute weekly lists of such vehicles so reported to it to peace officers upon request without fee and to others for the fee, if any, the Department prescribes.

E.  Any peace officer who has reason to believe or upon receiving information that a motor vehicle has been stolen shall have and is hereby vested with authority to confiscate and hold such vehicle until satisfactory proof of ownership is established.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 337, § 4-105.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 3, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.


§474106.  False report of theft or conversion.

A person who knowingly makes a false report of the theft or conversion of a vehicle to a peace officer or to the Department is guilty of a misdemeanor.


Laws 1961, p. 337, § 4106.  

§47-4-107.  Removed, falsified or unauthorized identification.

(a)  Any person or persons who shall destroy, remove, cover, alter or deface, or cause to be destroyed, removed, covered, altered or defaced, the engine number or other distinguishing number of any vehicle in this state, without first giving notice of such act to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, upon such form as the Commission may prescribe, or any person who shall give a wrong description in any application for the registration of any vehicle in this state for the purpose of concealing or hiding the identity of such vehicle, shall be deemed guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.

(b)  A person who buys, receives, possesses, sells or disposes of a vehicle or an engine for a vehicle, knowing that the identification number of the vehicle or engine has been removed or falsified, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c)  A person who buys, receives, possesses, sells or disposes of a vehicle or an engine for a vehicle, with knowledge that the identification number of the vehicle or engine has been removed or falsified and with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of the vehicle or engine, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony.

(d)  A person who removes a license plate from a vehicle or affixes to a vehicle a license plate not authorized by law for use on said vehicle with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of the vehicle or its owner shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e)  As used in this section:

1.  "Identification number" includes an identifying number, serial number, engine number or other distinguishing number or mark, placed on a vehicle or engine by its manufacturer or by authority of the Oklahoma Tax Commission or in accordance with the laws of another state or country;

2.  "Remove" includes deface, cover and destroy;

3.  "Falsify" includes alter and forge.

(f)  An identification number may be placed on a vehicle or engine by its manufacturer in the regular course of business or placed or restored on a vehicle or engine by authority of the Oklahoma Tax Commission without violating this section; an identification number so placed or restored is not falsified.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 337, § 4-107, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1981, c. 118, § 5; Laws 1984, c. 253, § 1, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 473, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 341, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 473 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-4-108.  False statements of material facts - Punishment.

Any person who shall knowingly make any false statement of a material fact, either in his application for the certificate of title herein provided for, or in any assignment thereof, or who, with intent to procure or pass title to a motor vehicle which he knows, or has reason to believe, has been stolen, shall receive or transfer possession of the same from or to another, or who shall have in his possession any motor vehicle which he knows or has reason to believe has been stolen, and who is not an officer of the law engaged at the time in the performance of his duty as such officer, shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or imprisoned in the State Penitentiary for a period of not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.  This provision shall not be exclusive of any other penalties prescribed by an existing or future law for the larceny or unauthorized taking of a motor vehicle.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 338, § 4-108, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 474, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 342, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 474 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-4-109.  Altering or forging certificate of title - Punishment.

Any person who shall alter or forge, or cause to be altered or forged, any certificate of title issued by the Commission, pursuant to the provisions of this act, or any assignment thereof, or who shall hold or use any such certificate or assignment, knowing the same to have been altered or forged, shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be liable to pay a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00), nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or to imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a period of not less than one (1) year, nor more than ten (10) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 338, § 4-109, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 475, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 343, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 475 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-4-110.  Offenses in connection with certificates of title.

A.  Except as otherwise authorized by law, it shall be unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts:

1.  To lend or to sell to, or knowingly permit the use of by, one not entitled thereto any certificate of title or number plate issued to or in the custody of the person so lending or permitting the use thereof;

2.  To alter or in any manner change a certificate of title, registration certificate or number plate issued under the laws of this state or any other state;

3.  To purchase identification or number plates on an assigned certificate of title.  This paragraph shall be applicable to all persons except bona fide registered dealers in used motor vehicles who are holders of current and valid used motor vehicle dealers' licenses;

4.  To sell or dispose of, in any manner, a used vehicle without delivering to the purchaser an Oklahoma certificate of title in such purchaser's name or one properly and completely assigned to the purchaser at the time of sale.

Anyone violating any of the provisions of this subsection, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) and not to exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

B.  Except as otherwise authorized by law, no person shall:

1.  Lend or sell to, or knowingly permit the use of by, one not entitled thereto any certificate of title issued for a manufactured home, manufactured home registration receipt, Manufactured Home Registration Decal or excise tax receipt;

2.  Alter or in any manner change a certificate of title issued for a manufactured home under the laws of this state or any other state;

3.  Remove or alter a manufactured home registration receipt, Manufactured Home Registration Decal or excise tax receipt attached to a certificate of title or attach such receipts to a certificate of title with the intent to misrepresent the payment of the required excise tax and registration fees;

4.  Purchase identification, manufactured home registration receipt, Manufactured Home Registration Decal or excise tax receipt on an assigned certificate of title.

Anyone violating the provisions of this subsection, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony.

C.  Any violation of any portion of this section for which a specific penalty has not been imposed shall constitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof the person having violated it shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) and not to exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

Added by Laws 1961, p. 338, § 4-110, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 85, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1981, c. 118, § 6;  Laws 1984, c. 253, § 2, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 476, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 476 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-4-111.  Inspection of public garage or repair shop or place where vehicles are held for sale or wrecking for purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating title and registration thereof.

Any peace officer of the state may inspect any vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder in any public garage or repair shop or in any place where such vehicles are held for sale or wrecking, for the purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating the title and registration thereof.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 113, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§47-5-101.  Repealed by Laws 1963, c. 138, § 3, eff. June 4, 1963.

§47-6-101.  Class requirements for driver licenses - Commercial motor vehicles - Hazardous materials - Class D motor vehicles - Motorcycle endorsement - Restricted driver license - Fees - Expiration - Issuance and renewal - Allocation of monies - Identification photographs database.

A.  No person, except those hereinafter expressly exempted in Section 6-102 of this title, shall operate any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person has a valid Oklahoma driver license for the class of vehicle being operated under the provisions of this title.  No person shall be permitted to possess more than one valid license at any time.

B.  1.  No person shall operate a Class A commercial motor vehicle unless the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and holds a valid Class A commercial license, except as provided in paragraph 5 of this subsection.  Any person holding a valid Class A commercial license shall be permitted to operate motor vehicles in Classes A, B, C and D, except as provided for in paragraph 4 of this subsection.

2.  No person shall operate a Class B commercial motor vehicle unless the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and holds a valid Class B commercial license.  Any person holding a valid Class B commercial license shall be permitted to operate motor vehicles in Classes B, C and D, except as provided for in paragraph 4 of this subsection.

3.  No person shall operate a Class C commercial motor vehicle unless the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and holds a valid Class C commercial license.  Any person holding a valid Class C commercial license shall be permitted to operate motor vehicles in Classes C and D, except as provided for in paragraph 4 of this subsection.

4.  No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall be licensed to operate any motor vehicle which is required to be placarded for hazardous materials pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F; provided, a person eighteen (18) years of age or older may be licensed to operate a farm vehicle which is required to be placarded for hazardous materials pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F.

5.  A person at least seventeen (17) years of age who successfully completes all examinations required by law may be issued by the Department:

a. a restricted Class A commercial license which shall grant to the licensee the privilege to operate a Class A or Class B commercial motor vehicle for harvest purposes or a Class D motor vehicle, or

b. a restricted Class B commercial license which shall grant to the licensee the privilege to operate a Class B commercial motor vehicle for harvest purposes or a Class D motor vehicle.

6.  No person shall operate a Class D motor vehicle unless the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and holds a valid Class D license, except as provided for in Section 6-102 or 6-105 of this title.  Any person holding a valid Class D license shall be permitted to operate motor vehicles in Class D only.

C.  Any person issued a driver license pursuant to this section may exercise the privilege thereby granted upon all streets and highways in this state.

D.  No person shall operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle without having a valid Class A, B, C or D license with a motorcycle endorsement.  Except as otherwise provided by law, any new applicant for an original driver license shall be required to successfully complete a written examination, vision examination, and driving examination for a motorcycle as prescribed by the Department of Public Safety to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement thereon.  The driving examination for a motorcycle may be waived by the Department of Public Safety upon verification that the person has completed a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course approved by the Department.

E.  Except as otherwise provided by law, any person who lawfully possesses a valid Oklahoma driver license which is eligible for renewal shall be required to successfully complete a written examination, vision examination, and driving examination for a motorcycle as prescribed by the Department to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement; provided, however, the Department may waive all such examinations until July 1, 2000, upon satisfactory proof that the applicant has regularly operated a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle for a minimum of two (2) years immediately preceding the application.

F.  1.  Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may apply for a restricted Class A, B or C commercial license.  The Department, after the applicant has passed all parts of the examination for a Class D license and has successfully passed all parts of the examination for a Class A, B or C commercial license other than the driving examination, may issue to the applicant a restricted driver license which shall entitle the applicant having immediate possession of the license to operate a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle upon the public highways solely for the purpose of behind-the-wheel training in accordance with rules promulgated by the Department.

2.  This restricted driver license shall be issued for a period of not more than four (4) years; provided, such restricted license may be suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied at the discretion of the Department for violation of the restrictions, for failing to give the required or correct information on the application, or for violation of any traffic laws of this state pertaining to the operation of a motor vehicle.  Except as otherwise provided, the lawful possessor of a restricted license who has been issued a restricted license for a minimum of thirty (30) days may have the restriction requiring an accompanying driver removed by satisfactorily completing a driver's examination; provided, the removal of a restriction shall not authorize the operation of a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle if such operation is otherwise prohibited by law.

G.  1.  The fee charged for an approved application for an original Oklahoma driver license or an approved application for the addition of an endorsement to a current valid Oklahoma driver license shall be assessed in accordance with the following schedule:

Class A Commercial License $25.00

Class B Commercial License $15.00

Class C Commercial License $15.00

Class D License $ 4.00

Motorcycle Endorsement $ 4.00

2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of this title, all monies collected from the fees charged for Class A, B and C commercial licenses pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund of this state.

H.  The fee charged for any failed examination shall be Four Dollars ($4.00) for any license classification.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of this title, all monies collected from such examination fees pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund of this state.

I.  1.  In addition to any fee charged pursuant to the provisions of subsection G of this section, the fee charged for the issuance or renewal of an Oklahoma license which is not in a computerized image format shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

Class A Commercial License $40.50

Class B Commercial License $40.50

Class C Commercial License $30.50

Class D License $20.50

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of this title, of each fee charged pursuant to this paragraph:

a. Five Dollars and fifty cents ($5.50) shall be deposited to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund created in Section 330.97 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and

b. Five Dollars and seventy-five cents ($5.75) shall be deposited to the Department of Public Safety Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund to be used solely for the purpose of administration and maintenance of the computerized imaging system of the Department.

2.  In addition to any fee charged pursuant to the provisions of subsection G of this section, the fee charged for the issuance or renewal of an Oklahoma license which is in a computerized image format shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

Class A Commercial License $41.50

Class B Commercial License $41.50

Class C Commercial License $31.50

Class D License $21.50

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of this title, of each fee charged pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph:

a. Five Dollars and fifty cents ($5.50) shall be deposited to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund created in Section 330.97 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and

b. Six Dollars and seventy-five cents ($6.75) shall be deposited to the Department of Public Safety Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund to be used solely for the purpose of administration and maintenance of the computerized imaging system of the Department.

J.  All original and renewal driver licenses shall expire no more than four (4) years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued, as provided by law.

K.  Any person sixty-two (62) years of age or older during the calendar year of issuance of a Class D license or motorcycle endorsement shall be charged the following prorated fee:

Age 62 $11.25

Age 63 $ 7.50

Age 64 $ 3.75

Age 65 -0-

L.  The Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Tax Commission are authorized to promulgate rules for the issuance and renewal of driver licenses authorized pursuant to the provisions of Sections 6-101 through 6-309 of this title.  Applications, upon forms approved by the Department of Public Safety, for such licenses shall be handled by the motor license agents; provided, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to assume these duties in any county of this state.  Each motor license agent accepting applications for driver licenses shall receive Two Dollars ($2.00) to be deducted from the total collected for each license or renewal application accepted.  The two-dollar fee received by the motor license agent shall be used for operating expenses.

M.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of this title and subsection L of this section and except as provided in subsections G and I of this section, the first Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) of all monies collected pursuant to this section shall be paid by the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the State Treasurer to be deposited in the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury.

The next Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) of monies collected pursuant to this section shall be paid by the Tax Commission to the State Treasurer to be deposited each fiscal year under the provisions of this section to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund for the purpose of the Statewide Law Enforcement Communications System.  All other monies collected in excess of Five Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($560,000.00) each fiscal year shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title, except as otherwise provided in this section.

N.  The Department of Public Safety shall implement a procedure whereby images displayed on licenses and identification cards issued pursuant to the provisions of Sections 6-101 through 6-309 of this title are maintained by the Department to create photographs or computerized images which may be used only:

1.  By a law enforcement agency for purposes of criminal investigations, missing person investigations, or any law enforcement purpose which is deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Public Safety;

2.  By the driver licensing agency of another state for its official purpose; and

3.  As provided in Section 2-110 of this title.

The computer system and related equipment acquired for this purpose must conform to industry standards for interoperability and open architecture.  The Department of Public Safety may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this subsection.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 340, § 6-101, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1963, c. 94, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1963; Laws 1967, c. 396, § 1, emerg. eff. May 24, 1967; Laws 1968, c. 232, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1969; Laws 1975, c. 359, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; Laws 1977, c. 103, § 60, emerg. eff. May 30, 1977; Laws 1977, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 3, § 14, emerg. eff. June 21, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 304, § 4; Laws 1980, c. 357, § 23, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 17, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1985, c. 179, § 59, operative July 1, 1985; Laws 1987, c. 226, § 3, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 232, § 1, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 82, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 342, § 1, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 3, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 373, § 6, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1993, c. 243, § 52, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 18, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 254, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 2, § 4, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 342, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 6, § 10, emerg. eff. March 20, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 131, § 5, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 3, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 474, § 4, emerg. eff. June 6, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 35, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 2, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 1974, c. 301, § 1 repealed by Laws 1977, c. 103, § 65, emerg. eff. May 30, 1977.  Laws 1991, c. 162, § 2 repealed by Laws 1991, c. 335, § 37, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991.  Laws 1991, c. 335, § 13 repealed by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 19, eff. July 1, 1992.  Laws 1991, c. 216, § 46 and Laws 1992, c. 179, § 1 repealed by Laws 1992, c. 373, § 22, eff. July 1, 1992.  Laws 1996, c. 203, § 1 repealed by Laws 1997, c. 2, § 26, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997.  Laws 1999, c. 278, § 2 repealed by Laws 2000, c. 6, § 33, emerg. eff. March 20, 2000.  Laws 2002, c. 374, § 1 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 36, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.  Laws 2002, c. 397, § 15 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 37, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.


§476101.1.  Licenses for persons under twentyone years of age.

A.  Any license issued pursuant to Sections 6101, 6105 or 6114 of this title to any person under twentyone (21) years of age shall be of special design, easily recognizable as the license of such a person and shall include the language "UNDER 21" on the face of the license.

B.  When a person who has been issued a license designated to be the license of a person under twentyone (21) years of age attains the age of twentyone (21) years, said person may obtain a replacement license without said designation upon payment of the fee required for a duplicate license and by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Department of Public Safety or the motor license agent that said person has attained the age of twentyone (21) years.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 338, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 4, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§47-6-101.2.  Oklahoma KIDs ID Act - Short title.

This section through Section 12 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma KIDs ID Act".

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 9, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-101.3.  Oklahoma KIDs ID Act - Definitions.

For purposes of the Oklahoma KIDs ID Act:

1.  "Fingerprint" means the scanning of the lines upon the fingertip of a minor collected by a fingerprint imaging system and retained within a computer system maintained by the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of identifying the minor;

2.  "Department" means the Department of Public Safety;

3.  "Minor" or "child" means a person under sixteen (16) years of age;

4.  "Parent" means a person who is the natural or adoptive parent, the legal guardian, or the legal custodian of the minor and who has actual physical custody of the minor; and

5.  "Identification card" means a plastic card issued by the Department which contains certain digitized or computer-generated information about a minor, as specified in this act, for the purpose of identifying a minor.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 10, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-101.4.  Oklahoma KIDs ID Act - Oklahoma KIDs ID Program.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall develop an identification program, including the taking and retention of fingerprints, for children of this state to be known as the Oklahoma KIDs ID Program.  The Program may be developed in conjunction with any organization providing assistive services on a voluntary basis.  Such assistive services may include the donation of money to aid in defraying the costs of creating and issuing the identification cards.  Any such donated money shall be considered a gift to the Department and shall be deposited to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund to be used solely for the administration and maintenance of the Oklahoma KIDs ID Program.

B.  The Program shall be developed for the sole purpose of providing a means by which a lost, missing, kidnapped, or killed child might be located or identified and shall be administered under the following guidelines:

1.  No child shall be required to participate in the Program;

2.  The Department shall have the sole authority and responsibility for the collection, retention, and dissemination of computerized fingerprints, computerized photographs, and other information collected for the Program;

3.  In order for a child to participate in the Program, the custodial parent or guardian of the child shall authorize the child's participation by signing a form that shall be developed for the Program by the Department.  No child shall be fingerprinted unless a signed authorization form is in the possession of the Department;

4.  The fingerprinting of minors shall be performed by employees of the Department or its agents;

5.  The Department shall retain all fingerprints collected.  The fingerprints retained by the Department shall be destroyed by the Department when the minor reaches sixteen (16) years of age, or at the request of the parent;

6.  The name, sex, hair and eye color, height, weight, date of birth, and a computerized photograph of the child shall be displayed on the identification card;

7.  The identification card shall be used for identification purposes only and may not be used in any juvenile or criminal investigation or proceeding conducted against the minor.  An identification card prepared pursuant to the Oklahoma KIDs ID Program may be used by a law enforcement agency only to help identify a minor who is lost, missing, kidnapped, or killed; and

8.  Any identification card of a minor prepared pursuant to the Oklahoma KIDs ID Program that has not been updated within four (4) years of issuance or upon the minor reaching sixteen (16) years of age shall be placed in an inactive file for one (1) year and thereafter destroyed.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall promulgate rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 11, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-101.5.  Oklahoma KIDs ID Act - Identification card.

A.  Upon request of a parent of a minor and the presentation of the minor at the Department, the Department shall take fingerprints of the minor, a computerized picture of the minor, and obtain certain other identifying information about the minor and shall issue an identification card to the parent which shall contain the computerized picture of the minor, and other information about the minor, as prescribed in this act.

B.  The fee charged for an identification card issued under this act shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  All monies collected from the issuance of such identification cards shall be deposited to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund to be used solely for the administration and maintenance of this program and of the computer imaging system of the Department.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 12, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-102.  Persons exempt - Reciprocity agreements with foreign countries.

A.  A nonresident who is sixteen (16) years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle in this state as authorized by the class, restrictions, and endorsements specified on the license, if the nonresident is:

1.  Properly licensed in the home state or country to operate a commercial or noncommercial motor vehicle and who has immediate possession of a valid driver license issued by the home state or country; or

2.  A member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the spouse or dependent of such member who has been issued and is in possession of a valid driver license issued by an overseas component of the Armed Forces of the United States.

B.  A resident who is at least fifteen (15) years of age may operate a vehicle in this state without a driver license, if the resident is:

1.  Operating a vehicle pursuant to subsection B of Section 6-105 of this title; or

2.  Taking the driving skills examination as required by Section 6-110 of this title, when accompanied by a Driver License Examiner of the Department of Public Safety or by a designated examiner approved and certified by the Department.

C.  Any person, while in the performance of official duties, may operate any class of motor vehicle if the person possesses any class of valid Oklahoma driver license or a valid driver license issued by another state, if the person is:

1.  A member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is on active duty;

2.  A member of the military reserves, not including United States reserve technician;

3.  A member of the National Guard who is on active duty, including National Guard military technicians;

4.  A member of the National Guard who is on part-time National Guard training, including National Guard military technicians; or

5.  A member of the United States Coast Guard who is on active duty.

D.  The Commissioner of Public Safety is hereby authorized to adopt rules as may be necessary to enter into reciprocity agreements with foreign countries.  The rules shall specify that the driver license standards of the foreign county shall be comparable to those of this state.  The rules shall also require foreign drivers, who are operating a motor vehicle in Oklahoma under such a reciprocity agreement, to comply with the compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance and financial responsibility laws of this state.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 341, § 6-102, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 200, § 1; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 162, § 4, emerg. eff. May 7, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 5, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1998, c. 345, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 2001, c. 131, § 6, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 86, § 3, emerg. eff. April 17, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 8, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 457, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-6-103.  Persons not to be licensed - Appeal.

A.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department of Public Safety shall not issue a driver license to:

1.  Any person who is under eighteen (18) years of age, except that the Department may issue a Class D license to any person who attains sixteen (16) years of age on or after August 15, 2000, and meets the requirements of Sections 6-105 and 6-107.3 of this title;

2.  Any unemancipated person who is under eighteen (18) years of age and whose custodial parent or guardian objects to the issuance of a license or permit by filing an objection pursuant to Section 6-103.1 of this title;

3.  Any person whose driving privilege has been suspended, revoked, canceled or denied in this state or any other state or country until the driving privilege has been reinstated by the state or country withdrawing the privilege;

4.  Any person who is classified as an excessive user of alcohol, any other intoxicating substance, or a combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance, and inimical to public safety, in accordance with rules promulgated by the Department, until all requirements granting or reinstating driving privileges are met, including, but not limited to, abstinence from the use of alcohol, any other intoxicating substance, or any combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance for a minimum of twelve (12) months immediately preceding application for or application for reinstatement of driving privileges;

5.  Any person who is required by Section 6-101 et seq. of this title to take an examination, unless the person shall have successfully passed the examination;

6.  Any person who is required under the laws of this state to deposit proof of financial responsibility and who has not deposited such proof;

7.  Any person who is physically deformed or who is afflicted with any mental disease or physical condition that would impair the driving ability of the person or when the Commissioner of Public Safety, from information concerning the person or from the records and reports on file in the Department of Public Safety, determines that the operation of a motor vehicle by such person on the highways would be inimical to public safety or welfare;

8.  Any person who is a nonresident, as defined in Section 1137 of this title;

9.  Any alien unless such person presents valid documentation of identity and authorization for presence in the United States issued pursuant to the laws of the United States; provided, no license shall be issued to any alien whose documentation indicates the alien is a visitor or is not eligible to establish residency; or

10.  Any person who possesses a valid license to operate a motor vehicle issued by another state until the other state license has been surrendered.

B.  Any applicant who is denied a license under the provisions of subsection A of this section shall have the right to an appeal as provided in Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 341, § 6-103, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 45, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1985, c. 338, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 6, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1996, c. 254, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 2, § 5, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997; Laws 1997, c. 201, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 161, § 1, eff. Aug. 15, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 277, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 114, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 3, eff. July 1, 2003.


NOTE:  Laws 1996, c. 247, § 38 repealed by Laws 1997, c. 2, § 26, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997.


§47-6-103.1.  Parental objection to licensing of unemancipated child.

A.  Any custodial parent or guardian may prohibit the licensing of, or cause the cancellation of a license previously issued to, their unemancipated child by filing an objection with the Department of Public Safety on a form prescribed by the Department.  The Department shall refuse to issue or shall cancel a license when an objection has been properly filed by a custodial parent or guardian.  A license may not be issued and a previous license shall remain canceled until the objection is withdrawn by the custodial parent or guardian or until the child attains eighteen (18) years of age.  A license canceled because a custodial parent or guardian has filed an objection may be reinstated only after a period of three (3) months.  No fee shall be assessed by the Department for reinstatement of a license pursuant to the provisions of this act.

B.  No custodial parent or guardian shall be found liable for negligent entrustment of an unemancipated child for failure to file an objection pursuant to the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 254, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.


§47-6-104.  Repealed by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 47, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.

§47-6-105.  Graduated Class D licenses - Motorcycle-only licenses - Farm vehicle special permits.

A.  Unless a custodial parent or guardian has filed an objection to licensure pursuant to Section 6-103.1 of this title, any person under eighteen (18) years of age who is in compliance with or not subject to Section 6-107.3 of this title may be permitted to operate:

1.  A Class D motor vehicle under the graduated driver license provisions prescribed in subsections B through E of this section;

2.  A motorcycle under the provisions prescribed in subsection H of this section; or

3.  A farm vehicle under the provisions prescribed in subsection I of this section.

B.  Any person who is at least fifteen (15) years of age may drive during a session in which the driver is being instructed in a driver education course, as set out in subparagraphs a, b, c and d of paragraph 1 of subsection C of this section, by a certified driver education instructor who is seated in the right front seat of the motor vehicle.

C.  Any person:

1.  Who is at least fifteen and one-half (15 1/2) years of age and is currently receiving instruction in or has successfully completed driver education.  For purposes of this section, the term "driver education" shall mean:

a. a prescribed secondary school driver education course, as provided for in Sections 19-113 through 19-121 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes,

b. a driver education course, certified by the Department of Public Safety, from a parochial, private, or other nonpublic secondary school,

c. a commercial driver training course, as defined by Sections 801 through 808 of this title, or

d. a parent-taught driver education course, certified by the Department of Public Safety.  The Department shall promulgate rules for any parent-taught driver education course; or

2.  Who is at least sixteen (16) years of age,

may, upon successfully passing all parts of the driver license examination administered by the Department except the driving examination, be issued a learner permit which will grant the permittee the privilege to operate a Class D motor vehicle upon the public highways while accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who is actually occupying a seat beside the permittee.

D.  1.  Any person:

a. who has applied for, been issued, and has possessed a learner permit for a minimum of six (6) months,

b. who has no convictions on the driving record of the person, and

c. whose custodial legal parent or legal guardian certifies to the Department by sworn affidavit that the person has received a minimum of forty (40) hours of actual behind-the-wheel training, of which at least ten (10) hours of such training was at night, from a licensed driver who was at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who was properly licensed to operate a Class D motor vehicle for a minimum of two (2) years,

may be issued an intermediate Class D license upon successfully passing all parts of the driver license examinations administered by the Department.

2.  A person who has been issued an intermediate Class D license under the provisions of this subsection:

a. shall be granted the privilege to operate a Class D motor vehicle upon the public highways:

(1) only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., except for driving to and from work, school, school activities, and church activities, or

(2) at any time, if a licensed driver who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age is actually occupying a seat beside the intermediate Class D licensee, and

b. shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger unless:

(1) all passengers live in the same household as the custodial legal parent or legal guardian, or

(2) a licensed driver at least twenty-one (21) years of age is actually occupying a seat beside the intermediate Class D licensee.

E.  Any person:

1.  Who has been issued an intermediate Class D license for a minimum of:

a. one (1) year, or

b. six (6) months, if the person has completed both the driver education and the parent-certified behind-the-wheel training provisions of subparagraph c of paragraph 1 of subsection D of this section; and

2.  Who has no convictions on the driving record of the person, may be issued a Class D license.

F.  Learner permits and intermediate Class D licenses shall be issued for the same period as all other driver licenses.  The licenses may be suspended or canceled at the discretion of the Department for violation of restrictions, for failing to give the required or correct information on the application, for knowingly giving false or inaccurate information on the application or any subsequent documentation related to the granting of driving privileges, or for violation of any traffic laws of this state pertaining to the operation of a motor vehicle.

G.  The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules establishing procedures for removal of learner permit and intermediate Class D license restrictions from the permit or license upon the permittee or licensee qualifying for a less restricted or an unrestricted license.

H.  Any person fourteen (14) years of age or older may apply for a restricted Class D license with a motorcycle-only restriction.  After the person has successfully passed all parts of the motorcycle examination other than the driving examination and has met all requirements provided for in the rules of the Department, the Department shall issue to the person a restricted Class D license with a motorcycle-only restriction which shall grant to the person, while having the license in the person's immediate possession, the privilege to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle:

1.  With a piston displacement not to exceed two hundred fifty (250) cubic centimeters;

2.  Between the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only;

3.  While wearing approved protective headgear; and

4.  While accompanied by and receiving instruction from any person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who is properly licensed pursuant to the laws of this state to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, and who has visual contact with the restricted licensee.

The restricted licensee may apply on or after thirty (30) days from date of issuance of the restricted Class D license with a motorcycle-only restriction to have the restriction of being accompanied by a licensed driver removed by successfully completing the driving portion of an examination.

I.  The Department may in its discretion issue a special permit to any person who has attained the age of fourteen (14) years, authorizing such person to operate farm vehicles between the farm and the market to haul commodities grown on the farm; provided, that the special permit shall be temporary and shall expire not more than thirty (30) days after the issuance of the special permit.  Special permits shall be issued only to farm residents and shall be issued only during the time of the harvest of the principal crops grown on such farm.  Provided, however, the Department shall not issue a special permit pursuant to this subsection until the Department is fully satisfied after the examination of the application and other evidence furnished in support thereof, that the person is physically and mentally developed to such a degree that the operation of a motor vehicle by the person would not be inimical to public safety.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 342, § 6-105, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1963, c. 272, § 1, emerg. eff. June 13, 1963; Laws 1969, c. 103, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1969; Laws 1972, c. 61, § 1, emerg. eff. March 27, 1972; Laws 1980, c. 142, § 1, emerg. eff. April 7, 1980; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 18, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1985, c. 179, § 60, operative July 1, 1985; Laws 1985, c. 338, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1986, c. 107, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986; Laws 1986, c. 259, § 55, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 204, § 120, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 298, § 47, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 207, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1989, c. 353, § 11, emerg. eff. June 3, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 13, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 314, § 1, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 2, § 14, emerg. eff. March 2, 1994; Laws 1996, c. 254, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 2, § 6, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 161, § 2, eff. Aug. 15, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 277, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 5, § 19, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 185, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 4, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 4, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 139, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 457, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 1989, c. 82, § 2 repealed by Laws 1989, c. 353, § 14, emerg. eff. June 3, 1989.  Laws 1993, c. 70, § 1 repealed by Laws 1994, c. 2, § 34, emerg. eff. March 2, 1994.  Laws 1996, c. 203, § 2 and Laws 1996, c. 247, § 39 repealed by Laws 1997, c. 2, § 26, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1997.  Laws 2000, c. 247, § 1 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 20, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.

NOTE:  Laws 2001, c. 185, § 2 reads:  "The provisions of subparagraph b of paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-105 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall become effective November 1, 2001."


§47-6-105.1.  Special permits to operate motor-driven cycles in competitive events.

The Commissioner of Public Safety may in his discretion issue a special permit to any person who has attained fourteen (14) years of age authorizing such person to operate a motor-driven cycle with a piston displacement in excess of the two-hundred-fifty-cubic-centimeters restriction prescribed in subsection D of Section 6-105 of this title and with no time limitations as to when such motor-driven cycle may be operated.  Provided that such special permit:

1.  Shall be temporary and shall expire not more than thirty (30) days after the issuance thereof; and

2.  Shall be issued only to a person who is participating in competitive events sanctioned by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall not issue a special permit pursuant to this section until the Commissioner is fully satisfied after the examination of said application and other evidence furnished in support thereof that said person is physically and mentally developed to such a degree that the operation of such motor-driven cycle by said person would not be inimical to public safety.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 128, § 2, eff. July 1, 1994.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 247, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.


§47-6-105.2.  Instructor permit.

The Department of Public Safety may issue an instructor permit to any qualified secondary school driver education instructor as defined by the State Board of Education Rules and Regulations for Oklahoma High School Driver and Traffic Safety Education or any driver education instructor, certified by the Department of Public Safety, of a parochial, private, or other nonpublic secondary school upon a proper application to the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety in the case of secondary schools that are not regulated by the State Board of Education or a commercial driver training course instructor, as provided for in Sections 801 through 808 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The Department shall promulgate rules for the issuance of the permits.  Any instructor as defined in this subsection who has been issued a permit may instruct any person who is at least fifteen and one-half (15 1/2) years of age or who is at least fifteen (15) years of age and of secondary school or higher educational standing while regularly enrolled and certified by the instructor as a student taking a prescribed course of secondary school driver education or a driver education course, certified by the Department of Public Safety, from a parochial, private, or other nonpublic secondary school or a commercial driver training course, as defined by Sections 801 through 808 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, to operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by and receiving instruction from the instructor who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 457, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-6-105.3.  Issuance of identification card - Fees.

A.  In addition to the licenses to operate motor vehicles, the Department of Public Safety may issue cards to Oklahoma residents for purposes of identification only.  The identification cards shall be issued, renewed, canceled and denied in the same manner as driver licenses in this state.  The application for an identification card by any person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be signed and verified by a custodial legal parent or legal guardian before a person authorized to administer oaths.  The cards shall be valid for a period of four (4) years from the month of issuance; however, the identification cards issued to persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall be valid indefinitely from the month of issuance.

B.  The fee charged for the issuance or renewal of an identification card which is not in computerized image format pursuant to this section shall be Seven Dollars ($7.00); however, no person sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall be charged a fee for an identification card.  The fees derived pursuant to this subsection shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C.  The fee charged for the issuance or renewal of an identification card which is in computerized image format pursuant to this section shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00); however, no person sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall be charged a fee for an identification card.  Of each fee charged pursuant to the provisions of this subsection:

1.  Seven Dollars ($7.00) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and

2.  Three Dollars ($3.00) shall be credited to the Department of Public Safety Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund to be used solely for the purpose of the administration and maintenance of the computerized imaging system of the Department.

D.  The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to reimburse, from funds available to that agency, each motor license agent issuing an identification card to a person sixty-five (65) years of age or older, an amount not to exceed One Dollar ($1.00) for each card or driver license so issued.  The Tax Commission shall develop procedures for claims for reimbursement.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 457, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-6-106.  Application for license.

A.  1.  Every application for a driver license or identification card shall be made by the applicant upon a form furnished by the Department of Public Safety.

2.  Every original, renewal, or replacement application for a driver license or identification card made by a male applicant who is at least sixteen (16) but less than twenty-six (26) years of age shall include a statement that by submitting the application, the applicant is consenting to registration with the Selective Service System.  The pertinent information from the application shall be forwarded by the Department to the Data Management Center of the Selective Service System in order to register the applicant as required by law, with the Selective Service System.  Any applicant refusing to sign the consent statement shall be denied a driver license or identification card.

3.  Every applicant for a driver license or identification card shall provide to the Department at the time of application both primary and secondary proofs of identity.  The Department shall promulgate rules prescribing forms of primary and secondary identification acceptable for an original Oklahoma driver license.

B.  Every applicant for a driver license shall state upon the application the following information:

1.  Full name;

2.  Date of birth;

3.  Sex;

4.  Residence address, county of residence, and mailing address, if different than the residence address;

5.  Medical information, as determined by the Department, which shall assure the Department that the person is not prohibited from being licensed as provided by paragraph 7 of subsection A of Section 6-103 of this title;

6.  Whether the applicant is deaf or hard-of-hearing;

7.  A brief description of the applicant, as determined by the Department;

8.  Whether the applicant has previously been licensed, and, if so, when and by what state or country, and whether any license has ever been suspended or revoked, or whether an application has ever been refused, and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension, revocation or refusal;

9.  Whether the applicant is an alien eligible to be considered for licensure and is not prohibited from licensure pursuant to paragraph 9 of subsection A of Section 6-103 of this title;

10.  Effective September 1, 2005, whether the applicant has:

a. previously been licensed and, if so, when and by what state or country, and

b. held more than one license at the same time during the immediately preceding ten (10) years; and

11.  Social security number.

No person shall request the Department to use the social security number of that person as the driver license number.  Upon renewal or replacement of any driver license issued after the effective date of this act, the licensee shall advise the Department or the motor license agent if the present driver license number of the licensee is the social security number of the licensee.  If the driver license number is the social security number, the Department or the motor license agent shall change the driver license number to a computer-generated alphanumeric identification.

C.  In addition to the requirements of subsections A and B of this section, every applicant for a commercial driver license with a hazardous material endorsement shall submit to a security threat assessment performed by the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Homeland Security as required by and pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 1572, which shall be used to determine whether the applicant is eligible for the endorsement pursuant to federal law and regulation.

The Department of Public Safety shall notify each commercial driving school of the passage of this section, and each commercial driving school shall notify prospective students of its school of the hazardous material endorsement requirement.

D.  Whenever application is received from a person previously licensed in another jurisdiction, the Department shall request a copy of the driving record from the other jurisdiction and, effective September 1, 2005, from all other jurisdictions in which the person was licensed within the immediately previous ten (10) years.  When received, the driving record shall become a part of the driving record of the person in this state with the same force and effect as though entered on the driver's record in this state in the original instance.

E.  Whenever the Department receives a request for a driving record from another licensing jurisdiction, the record shall be forwarded without charge.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 343, § 6-106, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 45, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 82, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 14, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 177, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1997, c. 325, § 1, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 14, eff. Oct. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 1, § 13, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 189, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 4, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 5, § 21, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 5, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 114, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 5, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 390, § 4, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005; Laws 2006, c. 16, § 26, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.

NOTE: Laws 1998, c. 246, § 19 repealed by Laws 1999, c. 1, § 45, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999.  Laws 2000, c. 277, § 5 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 22, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.  Laws 2003, c. 234, § 2 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 37, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.  Laws 2004, c. 5, § 36 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 390, § 20, eff. July 1, 2004.  Laws 2005, c. 36, § 1 repealed by Laws 2006, c. 16, § 27, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.


§47-6-106.1.  Renumbered as § 11-906.1 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.

§47-6-106.2.  Renumbered as § 11-906.2 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.

§47-6-106.3.  Renumbered as § 11-906.3 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.

§47-6-106.4.  Renumbered as § 11-906.4 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.

§476107.  Permits or licenses for persons under 16 - Liability - Financial responsibility - Cancellation or suspension.

A.  The application of any person under the age of sixteen (16) years for a restricted license shall be signed and verified before a person authorized to administer oaths by the father, mother or guardian, or, in the event there is no parent or guardian, then by another responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under this act upon a person signing the application of a person under sixteen (16) years of age.

B.  Any negligence or willful misconduct of a person under the age of sixteen (16) years when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway with the knowledge and consent of the person who signed the application for the restricted license shall be imputed to the person who has signed the application.  Such person shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by such negligence or willful misconduct, except as otherwise provided in subsection C of this section.

C.  In the event a person under sixteen (16) years of age deposits or there is deposited upon his behalf proof of financial responsibility in respect to the operation of a motor vehicle owned by him or if not the owner of a motor vehicle then with respect to the operation of any motor vehicle, in form and in amounts as required under the motor vehicle financial responsibility laws of this state, then the Department may accept the application of such person when signed by one parent or the guardian of such person, and while such proof is maintained such parent or guardian shall not be subject to the liability imposed under subsection B of this section.

D.  The Department may, at its discretion, cancel or suspend the license of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years for any unlawful act, negligence or misconduct while driving a motor vehicle.

E.  Any person who has signed the application of a minor for a license may thereafter file with the Department of Public Safety a verified written request that the license of that minor so granted be canceled.  The Department shall then cancel the license of the minor and the person who signed the application of the minor shall be relieved from the liability imposed under this act by reason of having signed the application on account of any subsequent negligence or willful misconduct of the minor in operating a motor vehicle.

F.  The Department of Public Safety upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of the death of the person who signed the application of a minor for a license shall cancel the license and shall not issue a new license until such time as a new application, duly signed and verified, is made as required by this chapter.  This provision shall not apply in the event the minor has attained sixteen (16) years of age.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 343, § 6-107, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 343, § 1, emerg. eff. June 12, 1975; Laws 1978, c. 304, § 5; Laws 1979, c. 284, § 1, eff. July 1, 1979; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 15, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-6-107.1.  Recommendation of cancellation or denial of driving privileges of persons 17 or younger for certain alcohol or substance abuse offenses  Notification of Department.

A.  When any district court, municipal court of record or any municipal court in a city or town in which the judge is an attorney licensed to practice law in this state has determined that a person under the age of eighteen (18) years has committed any offense described in subsection C of this section, or that a person eighteen (18), nineteen (19), or twenty (20) years of age has committed an offense described in Section 1 of this act, the court shall notify the Department of Public Safety on a form prescribed by the Department as provided in Section 6-107.2 of this title.

B.  The notice shall include the name, date of birth, physical description and, if known, the driver license number of the person. The notice shall contain a recommendation to the Department to cancel or deny driving privileges for a specified period of time, in the discretion of the court, except as otherwise provided by law, as follows:

1.  For a period not to exceed six (6) months;

2.  For a period not to exceed one (1) year; or

3.  For a period not to exceed two (2) years; or

4.  Until the person attains twenty-one (21) years of age.

The court shall send a copy of the notice to the person first class, postage prepaid.

C.  In addition to the administrative revocation of driving privileges pursuant to Section 754 of this title, and the mandatory revocation of driving privileges pursuant to Section 6-205.1 of this title, this section applies to any crime, violation, infraction, traffic offense or other offense involving or relating to the possession, use, sale, purchase, transportation, distribution, manufacture, or consumption of beer, alcohol, or any beverage containing alcohol and to any crime, violation, infraction, traffic offense or other offense involving or relating to the possession, use, sale, purchase, transportation, distribution, manufacture, trafficking, cultivation, consumption, ingestion, inhalation, injection, or absorption of any controlled dangerous substance as defined by paragraph 8 of Section 2-101 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any substance which is capable of being ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing, or other sensory or motor functions.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 237, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1989, c. 314, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1993, c. 238, § 1, emerg. eff. May 26, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 387, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 309, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.


§476107.2.  Department to cancel or deny driving privileges pursuant to recommendation under Section 6107.1 of this title  Petition for relief  Hearing  Modification or reinstatement of driving privileges.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall prepare and distribute a Notification form to be used by the courts, as provided in Section 6-107.1 of this title.  In addition to any other authority to cancel or deny driving privileges, the Department of Public Safety shall, upon receipt of such completed Notification form from a court, cancel or deny all driving privileges of the person named in the Notification form without hearing, for a period of time recommended by the court.

B.  Upon receipt of a second or subsequent Notification from a court relating to the same person, the Department shall cancel or deny driving privileges of the person for a period of two (2) years or until the person attains eighteen (18) years of age, whichever is longer.

C.  Any person whose driving privileges are canceled or denied pursuant to this section may file a petition for relief based upon error or hardship.

1.  The petition shall be filed in the district court which notified the Department pursuant to Section 6-107.1 of this title or, if the Notification originated in a municipal court, the petition shall be filed in the district court of the county in which the court is located.  A copy of the Notification and a copy of the Department's action canceling or denying driving privileges pursuant to this section, shall be attached to the petition.

2.  The district court shall conduct a hearing on the petition and may determine the matter de novo, without notice to the Department, and if applicable, without notice to the municipal court; provided, the district court shall not consider a collateral attack upon the merits of any conviction or determination which has become final.

3.  The district court may deny the petition, or in its discretion, issue a written Order to the Department to increase or decrease the period of cancellation or denial to any period or issue a written Order to vacate the Department's action taken pursuant to this section, in its entirety.  The content of the Order shall not grant or purport to grant any driving privileges to the person, however such order may direct the Department of Public Safety to do so if the person is otherwise eligible therefor.

D.  Upon receipt of a written Order from the appropriate court, the Department shall modify or reinstate any driving privileges as provided in the Order.


Added by Laws 1988, c. 237, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1988. Amended by Laws 1989, c.314, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1994, c. 387, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995.  

§47-6-107.3.  Licenses or permits for persons under 18 - Enrollment in school required - Reading proficiency testing.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall deny a license, restricted license, or instruction permit for the operation of a motor vehicle to any person under eighteen (18) years of age who does not, at the time of application, present documentation that such person:

1. a. is a student enrolled in a public or private secondary school, including any technology center school, of this state or any other state,

b. has received a diploma or certificate of completion issued to the person from a secondary school of this state or any other state,

c. is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a program leading to a Certificate of High School Equivalency issued by the State Department of Education, or has obtained such certificate,

d. is excused from such requirement pursuant to a lawful excuse as defined in subsection G of this section or due to circumstances beyond the control of the person, or

e. is excused from such requirement pursuant to subsection C of this section; and

2.  Has successfully passed the criterion-referenced reading test required for all eighth grade students or an alternative reading proficiency test approved by the State Department of Education pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of this act demonstrating reading proficiency at the eighth-grade reading level, unless such student is excused from such requirement pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of this act.

Provided, during the summer months when school is not in regular session, as established by the school district pursuant to Section 1-109 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, persons under eighteen (18) years of age may satisfy the documentation requirement of this subsection by providing a notarized written statement from the parent, custodial parent or legal guardian of the child to the Department of Public Safety that the child completed the immediately previous school year and is enrolled or intends to enroll for the immediately subsequent school year.  The documentation shall be signed by the parent, custodial parent or legal guardian.

B.  1.  A student under eighteen (18) years of age who is receiving education by other means, including education at home pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIII of the Oklahoma Constitution, shall satisfy the documentation requirement of paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section by providing a written statement from the parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian of the student to the Department of Public Safety attesting that the child is receiving instruction by other means pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIII of the Oklahoma Constitution.  The documentation shall be signed by the parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian.

2.  Any person who falsifies the information required in such documentation, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

C.  1.  A student under eighteen (18) years of age, who does not meet the requirements of subparagraphs a through c of paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section or the requirements of subsection B of this section, may retain or be issued a driver license if:

a. the student is employed at least twenty-four (24) hours per week, and

b. the student's employer verifies such employment on a form prescribed by the Department of Public Safety.

2.  Any student who has retained or been issued a driver license pursuant to this subsection who leaves such employment shall have fifteen (15) days from the date of termination of employment to provide verification of employment from a new employer.

3.  Any employer who falsifies a verification of employment shall be subject to an administrative fine of not more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00), to be assessed by the Department of Public Safety.

D.  1.  School district attendance officers, upon request, shall provide a documentation of enrollment status form, established and approved by the Department of Public Safety, to any student under eighteen (18) years of age who is properly enrolled in a school for which the attendance officer is responsible, for presentation to the Department of Public Safety upon application for or reinstatement of an instruction permit, restricted license, or license to operate a motor vehicle.

2.  Except as provided in subsection E of this section, whenever a student over fourteen (14) years of age and under eighteen (18) years of age withdraws from school, the attendance officer shall notify the Department of Public Safety of such withdrawal through a documentation of enrollment status form.

3.  Within fifteen (15) working days of the receipt of such notice, the Department of Public Safety shall provide written notice to the student, by first class, postage prepaid mail, that the student's license will be canceled, or the driver license application of the student will be denied thirty (30) days following the date the notice to the student was sent, unless documentation of compliance with the provisions of this section is received by the Department of Public Safety before such time.  After the thirty-day period, the Department of Public Safety shall cancel the driving privileges of the student.

E.  When the withdrawal from school of a student is:

1.  Due to circumstances beyond the control of the student;

2.  Pursuant to any lawful excuse; or

3.  For the purpose of transfer to another school, including education at home pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIII of the Oklahoma Constitution, as confirmed in writing by a parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian of the student,

no notice as required by subsection D of this section shall be sent to the Department of Public Safety, or, if sent, such notice shall be disregarded by the Department of Public Safety.  If the student is applying for a license, restricted license, or instruction permit, the attendance officer shall provide the student with documentation to present to the Department of Public Safety to excuse the student from the requirements of this section.

F.  Every school district shall, upon request, provide documentation of reading proficiency for any student enrolled in such school district by certifying passage of a reading examination pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of this act.

G.  As used in this section:

1.  "Withdrawal" means more than ten (10) consecutive days, or parts of days, of unexcused absences or fifteen (15) days, or parts of days, total unexcused absences during a single semester;

2.  "Lawful excuse" means absence from school pursuant to any valid physical or mental illness or pursuant to any legal excuse as provided in Section 10-105 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes; provided, however, the meaning of such term shall not include marriage;

3.  "Circumstances beyond the control of the person" shall not include marriage, suspension or expulsion from school, or imprisonment in a jail, penitentiary or other correctional institution;

4.  "Documentation of enrollment status form" means the document established and approved by the Department of Public Safety to substantiate information concerning a student's eligibility to apply for or to retain a license or permit to drive.  Such documentation shall not include any information which is considered an education record pursuant to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C., Sections 1232g through 1232i, unless compliance is made with the restrictions regarding disclosure of the information; and

5.  "Documentation of reading proficiency" means information provided by a school authorized by subsection B of Section 3 of this act to certify a student's eligibility to apply for a license or permit based on passage of a reading proficiency test approved by the State Department of Education, or pursuant to the alternative documentation criteria provided in subsection C of Section 3 of this act.  Such documentation shall not include any information which is considered an education record pursuant to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C., Sections 1232g through 1232i, unless compliance is made with the restrictions regarding disclosure of the information.

H.  The provisions of this section shall be inapplicable with respect to any minor upon whom rights of majority have been conferred pursuant to Sections 91 through 94 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

I.  The Department of Public Safety shall establish and approve documentation forms and certificates required by this section for use by school districts to comply with the provisions of this section.  Upon establishment and approval of such forms and certificates, the Department of Public Safety shall notify each school district and the State Board of Education of the content thereof.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 247, § 34, eff. July 1, 1996.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 64, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1997, c. 392, § 3, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 5, § 14, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998; Laws 1998, c. 190, § 1, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2001, c. 33, § 37, eff. July 1, 2001.


NOTE:  Laws 1997, c. 322, § 1 repealed by Laws 1998, c. 5, § 29, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998.


§47-6-107.4.  Licenses or permits for persons under 18 - Period of cancellation or denial under § 6-107.3.

A.  Whenever a license or instruction permit for the operation of a motor vehicle is canceled or denied pursuant to Section 6-107.3 of this title, the license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall remain canceled or denied for a minimum period of sixty (60) days or until the person whose license or permit has been canceled or denied reaches eighteen (18) years of age, whichever period is the shortest; provided, however, a denial pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-107.3 of this title shall remain in effect only until such time as a student presents to the Department of Public Safety sufficient documentation of attainment of an eighth grade level of reading proficiency pursuant to the provisions of Section 1210.515 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  After the minimum period, the licensee or applicant may at any time apply for driving privileges by presenting sufficient documentation to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Section 6-107.3 of this title and paying the fee required for issuance or renewal of a Class D license.  Upon reinstatement after cancellation and upon issuance after denial, the Department shall remove the record of cancellation or denial from the person's driving record.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 247, § 35, eff. July 1, 1996.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 392, § 4, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 190, § 2, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 119, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.


§47-6-107.5.  Licenses or permits for persons under 18 - Cancellation or denial under § 6-107.3 - Hearings and appeals.

Any person aggrieved by a denial or cancellation of driving privileges pursuant to Section 34 of this act may submit, within thirty (30) days of the denial or of the receipt of notice of cancellation, a written request to the Department of Public Safety for a hearing before the Department of Public Safety.  The hearing shall be held within ten (10) days of the receipt by the Department of the request, to determine whether the person is entitled to a license or is subject to cancellation of a license under the provisions of Sections 34 through 37 of this act and Sections 6-103 and 6-105 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Appeal from the decision of the Department may be taken to any court of competent jurisdiction as provided for in Section 6-211 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 247, § 36, eff. July 1, 1996.


§47-6-107.6.  Licenses or permits for persons under 18 - False information relating to school attendance or enrollment - Misdemeanor.

Any person who creates, writes, publishes, enters, or submits false information relating to the attendance, nonattendance, verification of attendance or enrollment of a person in a school or a program of education pursuant to Section 34 of this act, knowing that such information is false, or any person who knowingly aids or abets another in the creation or submission of such information, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 247, § 37, eff. July 1, 1996.


§47-6-108.  Repealed by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 36, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§47-6-109.  Repealed by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 36, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§47-6-110.  Examination of applicants.

A.  1.  The Department of Public Safety shall examine every applicant for an original Class A, B, C or D license and for any endorsements thereon, except as otherwise provided in Sections 6-101 through 6-309 of this title or as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection or in subsection D of this section.  The examination shall include a test of the applicant's:

a. eyesight,

b. ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic,

c. knowledge of the traffic laws of this state, and

d. ability, by actual demonstration, to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle.  The actual demonstration shall be conducted in the type of motor vehicle for the class of driver license being applied for.

Any licensee seeking to apply for a driver license of another class which is not covered by the licensee's current driver license shall be considered an applicant for an original license for that class.

2.  The Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to waive the requirement of any part of the examination required in paragraph 1 of this subsection for those applicants who surrender a valid unexpired driver license issued by any state or country for the same type or types of vehicles, provided that the applicant's driving record meets the standards set by the Department of Public Safety.

3.  All applicants requiring a hazardous materials endorsement shall be required, for the renewal of the endorsement, to successfully complete the examination and to submit to a security threat assessment performed by the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Homeland Security as required by and pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 1572, which shall be used to determine whether the applicant is eligible for renewal of the endorsement pursuant to federal law and regulation.

4.  The Department of Public Safety shall give the complete examination as provided for in this section within thirty (30) days from the date the application is received, and the examination shall be given at a location within one hundred (100) miles of the residence of the applicant.  The Department shall make every effort to make the examination locations and times convenient for applicants.  The Department shall consider giving the examination at various school sites if the district board of education for the district in which the site is located agrees and if economically feasible and practicable.

5.  The Department of Public Safety shall provide an alternative method of testing for an applicant for a Class D driver license who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and who can only understand Spanish, subject to the availability of funds.  The Department may limit the number of testing sites where the examination in Spanish may be administered.

B.  Any person holding a valid Oklahoma Class D license and applying for a Class A, B or C commercial license shall be required to successfully complete all examinations as required for the specified class.

C.  Except as provided in subsection E of Section 6-101 of this title, any person holding a valid Oklahoma Class A, B or C commercial license shall, upon time for renewal thereof, be entitled to a Class D license without any type of testing or examination, except for any endorsements thereon as otherwise provided for by Section 6-110.1 of this title.

D.  Any certified driver education instructor may administer the written portion of the Oklahoma driving examination as required for a driver education course.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 344, § 6-110, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 304, § 6; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 16, eff. Jan 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 206, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 196, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 203, § 3, emerg. eff. May 21, 1996; Laws 1998, c. 425, § 6, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 229, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2002, c. 386, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 9, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 46, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 2, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 2004, c. 390, § 5 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 47, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


§47-6-110.1.  Endorsements.

A.  The following endorsements shall be placed on an Oklahoma driver license to any person qualifying therefore as determined by the Department of Public Safety.

Endorsement Authorizes the operation of:

"H" A non-tank-type vehicle used to transport hazardous materials in placardable amounts pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F;

"M" A motorcycle;

"N" A tank vehicle as defined in Section 1-173.1 of this title;

"P" A vehicle designed by the manufacturer to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver;

"S" A school bus;

"T" A vehicle with double or triple trailers;

"X" A tank vehicle used to transport hazardous materials in placardable amounts pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F.

B.  The Department may also provide for additional endorsements as may be needed or as otherwise provided for by law.

C.  All endorsements as provided for in this section must be obtained prior to the operation of such vehicles.  However, the requirement for a hazardous materials endorsement is not required for the operation of farm vehicles used to transport pesticides, fertilizers, or other products integral to farming, but which are defined as hazardous materials.  If, after obtaining a hazardous material endorsement, a person becomes ineligible for the hazardous material endorsement pursuant to state or federal law, or both, or any regulation, the Department of Public Safety shall provide notice as provided in Section 2-116 of this title.  A person will have thirty (30) days from the date of the notice to appear at a designated testing facility to apply and be issued a commercial driver license without the endorsement.  Failure to comply within the required time shall be grounds for the Department of Public Safety to disqualify the commercial driver license of the person until compliance has been met.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 17, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 162, § 3, emerg. eff. May 7, 1991; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 6, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-6-110.2.  Computerized finger imaging system.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall implement a procedure for computerized finger imaging by means of an inkless finger image scanning device and shall require every applicant for an original, renewal or replacement driver license or identification card to submit to finger imaging for the purposes of proof of identity and to ensure the security of the driver license or identification card issued to the applicant.   

B.  No unemancipated minor under eighteen (18) years of age shall be issued a driver license or identification card by the Department unless an authorization form, prescribed and furnished by the Department, authorizing the finger imaging of the minor and signed by the minor's custodial parent or guardian, is in the possession of the Department.

C.  No law enforcement agency of the state or federal government other than the Department of Public Safety shall have access to any information collected through the use of computerized finger imaging without first obtaining a court order from a judge of competent jurisdiction.  Each application for an order authorizing the access to any information collected through the use of computerized finger imaging shall be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction.  Each application shall establish probable cause for belief that a named individual is committing, has committed or is about to commit a particular violation of law.

D.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall adopt rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 361, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 219, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-111.  Issuance of license or card - Temporary permit - Restricted commercial driver license.

A.  1.  The Department of Public Safety shall, upon payment of the required fee, issue to every applicant qualifying therefore a Class A, B, C or D driver license or identification card as applied for, which license or card shall bear thereon a distinguishing alphanumeric identification assigned to the licensee or cardholder, date of issuance and date of expiration of the license or card, the full name, signature or computerized signature, date of birth, mailing address, sex, a color photograph or computerized image of the licensee or cardholder and security features as determined by the Department.  The photograph or image shall depict a full front unobstructed view of the entire face of the licensee or cardholder.  When any person is issued both a driver license and an identification card, the Department shall ensure the information on both the license and the card are the same, unless otherwise provided by law.

2.  A driver license or identification card issued by the Department on or after the effective date of this act shall bear thereon the county of residence of the licensee or cardholder.

3.  The Department may cancel the distinguishing number, when that distinguishing number is another person's Social Security number, assign a new distinguishing alphanumeric identification, and issue a new license or identification card without charge to the licensee or cardholder.

4.  The Department may promulgate rules for inclusion of the height and a brief description of the licensee or cardholder on the face of the card or license identifying the licensee or cardholder as deaf or hard-of-hearing.

5.  It is unlawful for any person to apply, adhere, or otherwise attach to a driver license or identification card any decal, sticker, label, or other attachment.  Any law enforcement officer is authorized to remove and dispose of any unlawful decal, sticker, label, or other attachment from the driver license of a person.  The law enforcement officer, the employing agency of the officer, the Department of Public Safety, and the State of Oklahoma shall be immune from any liability for any loss suffered by the licensee, cardholder, or the owner of the decal, sticker, label, or other attachment caused by the removal and destruction of the decal, sticker, label, or other attachment.

6.  The Department of Public Safety shall develop an alternative procedure whereby a person applying for a renewal or replacement Class D license or identification card who satisfactorily demonstrates to the Department the inability to appear personally to be photographed, because the person is not in the state at the time of renewal or at a time a replacement is required by the person, may be issued a license or card bearing the words "Valid Without Photo"; provided, immediately upon returning to Oklahoma, the person shall obtain a replacement license or card, as applicable, which contains and displays a photograph or computerized image of the person.

B.  The Department may issue a temporary permit to an applicant for a driver license permitting such applicant to operate a motor vehicle while the Department is completing its investigation and determination of all facts relative to such applicant's privilege to receive a license.  Such permit must be in the immediate possession of the driver while operating a motor vehicle, and it shall be invalid when the applicant's driver license has been issued or for good cause has been refused.

C.  1.  The Department may issue a restricted commercial driver license to seasonal drivers eighteen (18) years of age or older for any of the following specific farm-related service industries:

a.   farm retail outlets and suppliers,

b.   agri-chemical businesses,

c.   custom harvesters, and

d.   livestock feeders.

  

The applicant shall hold a valid Oklahoma driver license and shall meet all the requirements for a commercial driver license.  The restricted commercial driver license shall not exceed a total of one hundred eighty (180) days within any twelve-month period.

  

2.  The restricted commercial driver license shall not be valid for operators of commercial motor vehicles beyond one hundred fifty (150) miles from the place of business or the farm currently being served.  Such license shall be limited to Class B vehicles.  Holders of such licenses who transport hazardous materials which are required to be placarded shall be limited to the following:

  

a.   diesel fuel in quantities of one thousand (1,000) gallons or less,

b.   liquid fertilizers in vehicles with total capacities of three thousand (3,000) gallons or less, and

c.   solid fertilizers that are not mixed with any organic substance.

No other placarded hazardous materials shall be transported by holders of such licenses.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 345, § 6-111, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 359, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 18, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 7, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 373, § 7, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 193, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 246, § 20, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 153, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 5, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 27, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 7, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 48, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005; Laws 2005, c. 36, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.


NOTE:  Laws 1992, c. 177, § 2 repealed by Laws 1992, c. 373, § 22, eff. July 1, 1992.  Laws 2003, c. 234, § 3 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 39, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.  Laws 2004, c. 5, § 38 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 49, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


§476112.  License to be carried and exhibited on demand.

Every licensee shall have his driver's license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same upon demand of a peace officer.  However, no person charged with violating this section shall be convicted if he produces in court or the office of the arresting officer a driver's license theretofore issued to him and valid at the time of his arrest.

Laws 1961.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 19, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§476113.  Restricted licenses.

A.  The Department of Public Safety upon issuing a driver's license shall have the authority whenever good cause appears to impose restrictions suitable to the licensee's driving ability with respect to the type of or special mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle which the licensee may operate or such other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the Department may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee.

B.  The Department may either issue a special restricted license or may set forth such restrictions upon the usual license form.

C.  The Department may upon receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of the restrictions of such license suspend or revoke the same but the licensee shall be entitled to a hearing as upon a suspension or revocation under this chapter.

D.  It is a misdemeanor for any person to operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of the restrictions imposed in a restricted license issued to him.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 20, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§47-6-114.  Replacement license - Proof of identity - Removal of endorsements or restrictions.

A.  1.  In the event that a driver license is lost, destroyed or requires the updating of any information, restriction or endorsement displayed thereon, the person to whom such license was issued may obtain a replacement thereof upon payment of the required fee and by furnishing both primary and secondary proofs of identity to the Department of Public Safety.  If application is made at a motor license agency or subagency, the agent or subagent shall immediately verify the identity of the applicant, by means of both primary and secondary proofs of identity, and the eligibility of the applicant by contacting the Department for verification and approval, if the applicant will pay the costs of any long distance calls that might be involved.  If the licensee is an alien, the licensee shall appear before a driver license examiner of the Department and, after furnishing primary and secondary proofs of identity as required in this section, shall be issued a replacement driver license for a period which does not exceed the lesser of:

a. the expiration date of the license being replaced, or

b. the expiration date on the valid documentation authorizing the presence of the applicant of licensee in the United States, as required by paragraph 9 of subsection A of Section 6-103 of this title.

2.  The cost of such replacement license which is not in computerized image format shall be Five Dollars ($5.00), of which Two Dollars ($2.00) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title and Three Dollars ($3.00) shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be credited to the General Revenue Fund.

3.  The cost of a replacement license which is in computerized image format shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00), of which Two Dollars ($2.00) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title, Three Dollars ($3.00) shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be credited to the General Revenue Fund, and Five Dollars ($5.00) shall be credited to the Department of Public Safety Computer Imaging System Revolving Fund to be used solely for the purpose of administering and maintaining the computer imaging system of the Department.

4.  The Department shall promulgate rules prescribing forms of primary and secondary identification acceptable for replacement of an Oklahoma driver license.

B.  Any person desiring to add or remove an endorsement or endorsements or a restriction or restrictions to any existing driver license, when authorized by the Department of Public Safety, shall obtain a replacement license with said endorsement or endorsements or said restriction or restrictions change thereon and shall be charged the fee for a replacement license as provided in subsection A of this section.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 345, § 6-114, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 359, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; Laws 1976, c. 257, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 19, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1985, c. 179, § 61, operative July 1, 1985; Laws 1987, c. 205, § 69, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 21, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2000, c. 277, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 6, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 8, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 390, § 6, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-115.  Renewal of license.

A.  Every driver license shall be issued for a period of no more than four (4) years; provided, if the applicant or licensee is an alien, the license shall be issued for a period which does not exceed the lesser of:

1.  Four (4) years; or

2.  The expiration date on the valid documentation authorizing the presence of the applicant or licensee in the United States, as required by paragraph 9 of subsection A of Section 6-103 of this title.

B.  The expiration date of an initial license shall be no more than four (4) years from the last day of the month of issuance or no more than four (4) years from the last day of the birth month of the applicant immediately preceding the date of issuance, if requested by the applicant.

C.  The expiration date of a renewal license shall be no more than four (4) years from the last day of the month of expiration of the previous license or no more than four (4) years from the last day of the birth month of the licensee immediately preceding the expiration date of the previous license, if requested by the licensee.

D.  Every driver license shall be renewable by the licensee upon application to either the Department of Public Safety or a motor license agent, furnishing both primary and secondary proofs of identity, the current mailing address of the person and payment of the required fee, if the person is otherwise eligible for renewal.  If the licensee is an alien, the licensee shall appear before a driver license examiner of the Department and, after furnishing primary and secondary proofs of identity as required in this section, shall be issued a renewal driver license for a period which does not exceed the lesser of:

1.  Four (4) years; or

2.  The expiration date on the valid documentation authorizing the presence of the applicant or licensee in the United States, as required by paragraph 9 of subsection A of Section 6-103 of this title.

E.  All applicants for renewals of driver licenses who have proven collision records or apparent physical defects may be required to take an examination as specified by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

F.  The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules prescribing forms of primary and secondary identification acceptable for the renewal of an Oklahoma driver license.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 345, § 6-115, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 45, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1985, c. 338, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1986, c. 73, § 1, emerg. eff. April 2, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 82, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 22, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 342, § 2, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 6, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 27, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 414, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 9, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 40, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 2000, c. 277, § 7 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 24, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.  Laws 2001, c. 5, § 23 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 414, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.  Laws 2003, c. 108, § 1 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 41, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-6-115.1.  Repealed by Laws 1989, c. 82, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.

§47-6-115.2.  Repealed by Laws 1989, c. 82, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.

§47-6-116.  Notice of change of address or name.

A.  Whenever any person, after applying for or receiving a driver license or identification card, shall:

1.  Change the mailing address named in such application or displayed on the license or card issued to the person;

2.  Move from the person's previous county or residence; or

3.   Change the name of a licensee by marriage or otherwise, such person shall notify the Department of Public Safety as provided in subsection B of this section.

B.  Within ten (10) days such person shall notify the Department of Public Safety in writing:

1.  Both the old and new mailing addresses;

2.  Both the old and new counties of residence; or  

3.  Both the former and new names, and of the number of any driver license and identification card then held by the person.

C.  The Department of Public Safety shall not:

1.  Change a county of residence unless the person specifically notifies the Department of such change; and

2.  Presume that a new mailing address which is a different county than the old mailing address means that the person has changed his or her county of residence, and shall not change the county of residence unless specifically notified of such change.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 345, § 6-116, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 23, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 2003, c. 234, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-6-117.  Records to be kept by Department.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall file every application for a driver license or identification card received by the Department and shall maintain suitable indexes containing:

1.  All applications denied and on each thereof note the reasons for the denial;

2.  All applications granted;

3.  The name of every person whose driving privilege has been suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified by the Department and after each such name note the reasons for the action.  Any notation of suspension of the driving privilege of a person for reason of nonpayment of a fine shall be removed from the driving record after the person has paid the fine and the driving privilege of the person is reinstated as provided for by law; and

4.  The county of residence, the name, date of birth, and mailing address of each person residing in that county who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and who is the holder of a current driver license or a current identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of ascertaining names of all persons qualified for jury service as required by Section 18 of Title 38 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  The Department shall file all collision reports and abstracts of court records of convictions received by it pursuant to the laws of this state and maintain convenient records of the records and reports or make suitable notations in order that an individual record of a person showing the convictions of the person and the traffic collisions in which the person has been involved shall be readily ascertainable and available for the consideration of the Department of Public Safety upon any application for a driver license or renewal of a driver license and at other suitable times.  Any abstract, index or other entry relating to a driving record according to the licensing authority in another state or a province of Canada may be posted upon the driving record of any resident of this state when notice thereof is received by documentation or by electronic transmission.  The individual record of a person shall not include any collision reports and abstracts of court records involving a collision in which the person was not issued a citation or if a citation is issued and the person was not convicted.

C.  1.  The Commissioner and the officers of the Department as the Commissioner may designate are hereby authorized to prepare under the seal of the Department and deliver upon request a copy of any collision report on file with the Department, charging a fee of Seven Dollars ($7.00).  However, the Department shall not be required to furnish personal information from the collision report which is contrary to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 United States Code, Sections 2721 through 2725.

2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this subsection, the Department is authorized to enter into contracts to supply information regarding vehicles reported to be involved in collisions.  For each vehicle, the information shall be limited to that which only describes the vehicle and the collision.  The Department shall not be required to provide any information regarding the owner or operator of the vehicle or any information which would conflict with Section 2-110 or Section 1109 of this title.

D.  The Department of Public Safety or any motor license agent upon request shall prepare and furnish to any authorized person a Motor Vehicle Report of any person subject to the provisions of the motor vehicle laws of this state.  However, the Department shall not be required to furnish personal information from a driving record contrary to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 United States Code, Sections 2721 through 2725.  The Motor Vehicle Report shall be a summary of the driving record of the person and shall include the enumeration of any motor vehicle collisions, reference to convictions for violations of motor vehicle laws, and any action taken against the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle, as shown by the files of the Department for the three (3) years preceding the date of the request.  The Department shall not be required to release to any person, in whole or in part and in any format, a driving index, as described in subsection A of this section, except as otherwise provided for by law.  For each Motor Vehicle Report furnished by the Department of Public Safety, the Department shall collect the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00).  For each Motor Vehicle Report furnished by a motor license agent, the agent shall collect the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00), Eight Dollars ($8.00) of which shall be paid to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for deposit in the General Revenue Fund in the State Treasury and Two Dollars ($2.00) of which shall be retained by the motor license agent.  Persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall not be required to pay a fee for their own Motor Vehicle Report furnished by the Department or a motor license agent.  For purposes of this subsection, a Motor Vehicle Report shall include a report which indicates that no driving record is on file with the Department of Public Safety for the information received by the Department in the request for the Motor Vehicle Report.

E.  All monies received by the Commissioner of Public Safety and the officers and employees of the Department shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be credited to the General Revenue Fund in the State Treasury except as otherwise provided for by law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 346, § 6-117, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1971, c. 101, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1971; Laws 1975, c. 231, § 8, emerg. eff. May 30, 1975; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 20, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 13, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 151, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 27, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1988, c. 290, § 14, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 349, § 4, emerg. eff. June 3, 1989; Laws 1991, c. 342, § 3, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 61, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 243, § 53, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 7, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 208, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 184, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 322, § 2, emerg. eff. May 29, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 80, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 342, § 7, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 234, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 42, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 199, c. § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 1991, c. 309, § 1 repealed by Laws 1992, c. 61, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.  Laws 2003, c. 233, § 2 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 43, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-6-118.  Driver's License Medical Advisory Committee.

A.  There is hereby created a Driver License Medical Advisory Committee whose membership shall be composed of two members appointed by the State Commissioner of Health, two members appointed by the Commissioner of Public Safety, one member appointed by the Governor, one member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  One member appointed by the State Commissioner of Health, one member appointed by the Commissioner of Public Safety and the member appointed by the Governor shall each serve two (2) years and one member appointed by the State Commissioner of Health, one member appointed by the Commissioner of Public Safety, the member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each serve three (3) years.  The terms of the seven (7) members of the committee shall expire on the first day of January of the year in which the term of each member expires.  The personnel of the Board shall include, but not be limited to, an internist, vision specialist, orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, and psychiatrist.  Members of the Committee shall serve in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, without compensation for their services.  The Committee shall meet from time to time as its duties may require, or when called by the Commissioner of Public Safety.  The Commissioner is authorized to use appropriated funds for meal expenses related to such meetings.  The Committee may use additional medical doctors, psychologists or medical support specialists and delegate the authority to act and recommend action on behalf of the Committee when such delegation is approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

B.  The Committee shall recommend standards for determining the physical, emotional and mental capacity of applicants for driver licenses and holders of driver licenses, and submit the recommended standards to the Commissioner of Public Safety for adoption.  The Commissioner shall also solicit input on the recommended standards from select medical professional organizations including, but not limited to, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association before adopting such standards.  In cases of ailment or disability not specifically covered by the adopted standards, the Committee may consider each case or delegate consideration of the case to its selected representative and may consider the individual's own compensating abilities in making its recommendations to the Department of Public Safety.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall give due consideration to the findings and recommendations of the Committee, which may be used, together with other available information, in determining the applicant's or licensee's ability to operate a motor vehicle with a reasonable degree of safety and in accordance with established standards of the Department of Public Safety.  The Department may require physical, psychological, vision, written or driving tests when necessary to make a determination pursuant to this section.  Such findings and recommendations shall be considered with other evidence in determining whether the license should be canceled or denied.

D.  Any person whose driver license is canceled or who is denied a driver license under the provisions of this section shall have the right to an appeal as provided for in Section 6-211 of this title.  The findings and recommendations of the Committee or its selected representative, in written or oral form shall be admissible as evidence and shall be considered by the court in determining whether the action of the Department was justified.

E.  Members of the Driver License Medical Advisory Committee or its selected representative shall not be held liable for their requested standards, opinions and recommendations presented in good faith, for consideration by the Department of Public Safety or consideration by the court.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 351, § 1, emerg. eff. May 18, 1967.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 222, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 10, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-6-119.  Physical or mental conditions hazardous to public safety - Physical and/or psychological examination - Renewal - Retesting.

A.  When the Department of Public Safety has good cause to believe that a licensee or applicant for license to drive a motor vehicle may be afflicted with any physical or mental ailment or condition including diabetes which may cause loss of control or partial control or may otherwise be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle, or when a licensee's or applicant's accident or violation record indicates the licensee or applicant may be a hazard to public safety, the Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to require the licensee or applicant to submit to a physical and/or psychological examination as prescribed by the Commissioner based upon recommendations of the State Driver's License Medical Advisory Committee or its selected representative, and/or complete a driver improvement school, and/or be examined again as provided by Section 6-110 of this title.  All physical and/or mental examinations shall be conducted in the county of the residence of the applicant or licensee or in the nearest county to the applicant or licensee where the examination can be completed.  Any driver improvement school or examination as provided by Section 6-110 of this title shall be completed in the same location as other applicants or licensees living in the same county as the applicant or licensee who is required to complete the school or examination.  Unless the Department receives a verified written report as provided for in subsection B of this section specifying the need for an examination of the applicant or licensee, persons afflicted by diabetes shall not be required to submit to any additional requirements beyond those requirements for a person not affected by diabetes before receiving a license or a renewal of a license to operate a motor vehicle.

B.  Every license issued to a person specified in subsection A of this section shall be renewable upon payment of the required fee; provided, the Department of Public Safety has not received a report from a law enforcement officer stating that the person is a hazard to the public safety and should be evaluated pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of this section or a verified medical report from a licensed physician stating that the person is incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle.  If any report indicates that the physical or mental ailment or condition has failed to remain stable or that the condition is progressive to a degree that the person is deemed to be a hazard to the public safety or is incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle, the Department of Public Safety shall evaluate the person to determine if additional verified medical reports shall be required before issuing or renewing any drivers license or during the period a license is valid.

C.  The Department may require any person specified in subsection A of this section to be retested any time prior to such person's application for renewal of a license if the Department receives a written report from any law enforcement officer, a verified report from a licensed physician, or a verified report from such other person authorized by the Department indicating the person's physical or mental ailment or condition has contributed to an accident or has deteriorated since issuance of the license to such a degree the person could lose control or partial control or may otherwise cause such person to be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 120, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1969.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 25, eff. June 1, 1990; Laws 1990, c. 337, § 9; Laws 1994, c. 387, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995.


NOTE:  Laws 1990, c. 222, § 2 repealed by Laws 1990, c. 337, § 26.


§476120.  Cancellation, denial, or disqualification.

A.  The Department is hereby authorized to cancel, deny, or disqualify the driver license, driving privilege or application of any individual who:

1.  Fails to comply with any of the requirements of Section 6119 of this title within thirty (30) days after being notified by the Department;

2.  Is unable to demonstrate the ability to operate a motor vehicle as provided by this title or whose driving constitutes a danger to the welfare and safety of persons using the streets and highways of the State of Oklahoma; or

3.  Fails to pass an examination pursuant to Sections 6110, 6115 or 6119 of this title.

B.  If a person is required to be examined pursuant to Sections 6110, 6115 or 6119 of this title, the Department shall impose the appropriate restriction or restrictions on the license that are necessary to ensure the safe operation of a motor vehicle as provided under Section 6113 of this title.

C.  Any person whose driver license or driving privilege is canceled, denied, or disqualified under the provisions of this section shall have the right to an appeal as provided in Section 6211 of this title.

D.  Any person whose Class A, B, or C driver license or driving privilege is disqualified under the provisions of this section shall relinquish to the Department the Class A, B, or C driver license and may replace it with a Class D driver license, if the person is otherwise qualified for a Class D driver license.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 120, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1969.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 88, § 2, emerg. eff. March 24, 1969; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 26, eff. June 1, 1990; Laws 2000, c. 124, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.


§47-6-121.  Extension of driver's license during service in armed forces outside continental limits.

Any person or the spouse or dependent of a person on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States living outside the continental limits of the United States having a valid driver license issued by the State of Oklahoma for the operation of motor vehicles upon the highways of the state shall have, without additional charge, a valid driver license for the duration of such service and for a period of sixty (60) days from and after the return of the person or the spouse or dependent of the person to the continental limits of the United States from such service.

Added by Laws 1969, c. 253, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1969.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 27, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1998, c. 84, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 10, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-6-122.  Renewal by mail.

The Department of Public Safety shall develop procedures whereby driver licenses issued under the provisions of Section 6-101 et seq. of this title may be renewed by mail except for licenses to be renewed by aliens as prescribed by subsection D of Section 6-115 of this title.  Any license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for a period of not more than four (4) years.

Added by Laws 1975, c. 359, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1977.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 8, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 11, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-6-123.  Repealed by Laws 1983, c. 173, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.

§47-6-201.  Authority to cancel or deny driving privilege - Appeal - Release for driving privilege reinstatement.

A.  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to cancel or deny any person's driving privilege upon determining that the person:

1.  Is not entitled to a driver license or identification card issued to the person; or

2.  Failed to give the required or correct information in the application.

Upon such cancellation or denial, the person to whom the license or card was issued shall surrender the license or card so canceled to the Department.  The person may apply for a valid driver license or identification card, if the person is otherwise eligible.  Any person whose driving privilege is canceled or denied under the provisions of this subsection shall have the right to an appeal as provided in Section 6-211 of this title.

B.  Upon determination by the Department that any person:

1.  Used fraudulent information to apply for or obtain a driver license or identification card;

2.  Committed or aided another person in the commission of any act provided in subparagraph b, c, e, g, or h of paragraph 1 of Section 6-301 of this title; or

3.  Committed or aided another person in the commission of any act provided in subparagraph a, b, c, d, e, or f of paragraph 2 of Section 6-301 of this title, the Department shall revoke the person's driving privilege for a period of sixty (60) days for a first determination.  For a second or subsequent determination by the Department under paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of this subsection, the person's driving privilege shall be revoked for a period of six (6) months.  Such periods shall not be subject to modification.  Upon such revocation, the person to whom the license or card was issued shall surrender the license or card to the Department.  The person may apply for a valid identification card, if the person is otherwise eligible.

C.  A determination, as provided for in subsection B of this section, shall include:

1.  A conviction in any court, when the conviction becomes final; or

2.  The findings of an investigation by the Driver License Fraud Unit of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.

D.  Any person whose driving privilege is revoked under the provisions of subsection B of this section  may be required to obtain a release from the Driver License Fraud Unit of the Department before being considered for reinstatement of driving privileges.

E.  Any person whose driving privilege is revoked under the provisions of subsection B of this section shall have the right to an appeal as provided in Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 347, § 6-201, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 28, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 309, § 2, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1999, c. 139, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 277, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 216, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 18, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 12, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-6-201.1.  Revocation of driving privilege for noncompliance with child support order - Notice - Release.

A.  In addition to other qualifications and conditions established by law, the driving privilege of an individual is subject to the requirements of this section.

B.  Upon receipt of an order from a court or from the Department of Human Services, Office of Administrative Hearings:  Child Support, hereinafter referred to as "OAH", that a person obligated to pay child support who owns or operates a motor vehicle is not in compliance with an order for support, the Commissioner of Public Safety shall revoke the person's driving privilege.

C.  1.  Whenever a court or the OAH finds that a person is not in compliance with an order of child support, the court or the OAH, as applicable, shall require the person to surrender to it the driver license held by the person and shall forward to the Department of Public Safety an order to revoke the driving privilege of the person, together with any driver license surrendered to the court or OAH.  The Department of Public Safety shall prescribe, prepare and distribute a Notification of Revocation form to be used by the courts and the OAH when an order has been entered revoking a person's driving privileges for noncompliance with an order for support.

2.  In addition to the Department of Public Safety, the court or the OAH, as applicable, shall send a copy of the Notification of Revocation to the person obligated to pay child support by first class, postage prepaid mail.  The Notification shall:

a. include the name, address, date of birth, physical description and, if known, the driver license number of the person,

b. require the Department to revoke the driving privilege of the person required to pay child support,

c. require the Department to not reinstate the person's driving privilege until:

(1) the court or the OAH issues a release that states such person is in compliance with the order of support or until a court or the OAH otherwise authorizes reinstatement of the person's driving privilege, and

(2) the person has paid to the Department the fees required by Section 6-212 of this title and has met all other statutory requirements for reinstatement of the person's driving privilege;

d. specify the reason and statutory ground for the revocation and the effective date of the revocation;

e. inform the person that in order to apply for reinstatement of the person's driving privilege, the person must obtain a release from the OAH or the court, as applicable; and

f. inform the person that final orders of the OAH may be appealed to the district court pursuant to Section 240.3 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes and final orders of the district court may be appealed to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma pursuant to Section 990A of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

D.  Upon receipt of the Notification of Revocation from a court or the OAH, as applicable, that a person obligated to pay child support is not in compliance with an order of support, the Department shall, in addition to any other authority to withdraw driving privileges, revoke the driving privilege of the person named in the Notification without hearing.

E.  1.  The court or the OAH shall furnish a release to the Department whenever a person, whose driving privilege has been revoked pursuant to this section, has established and is complying with a payment plan, as determined by the court or the OAH.  Upon receipt of such release, the Department shall reinstate the driving privileges of the person, if the person is otherwise eligible, pursuant to Section 6-212 of this title;

2.  Should the person default on the payment plan, the court or OAH may resubmit the notice of noncompliance as provided for in this section.  The court or the OAH shall furnish a release to the Department whenever the person is once again complying with the payment plan, as determined by the court or the OAH.  Upon receipt of such release, the Department shall reinstate the driving privileges of the person, if the person is otherwise eligible, pursuant to Section 6-212 of this title; and

3.  A person whose driving privilege has been revoked for noncompliance due to defaulting on a payment plan, pursuant to paragraph 2 of this subsection, shall be required to meet all statutory requirements for reinstatement of driving privileges, including, but not limited to, the payment of processing and reinstatement fees, as provided for in Section 6-212 of this title.

F.  If the court or the OAH, as applicable, is unable to secure the surrender to it of the driver license held by the person found to be in noncompliance with an order of support, the Department, upon revoking the driving privilege of the person, shall require that the driver license held by the person be surrendered to the Department.  Upon reinstatement of the person's driving privileges, as provided for by law, the person's valid and lawful driver license shall be returned to the person by the Department if the person is otherwise eligible.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 229, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 13, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 124, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§476202.  Suspending privileges of nonresidents and reporting convictions.

A.  The privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the highways of this state given to a nonresident hereunder shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the Department in like manner and for like cause as any Oklahoma driver's license issued hereunder may be suspended or revoked.  Any person who does not possess a valid driver's license in this state or any foreign state may have his or her privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended or revoked in like manner and for like cause as a driver's license issued hereunder may be suspended or revoked.

Persons whose driving privileges have been suspended because of failure to furnish proof of insurance shall be required to furnish proof of financial responsibility as required by the provisions of the Financial Responsibility Act.

B.  The Department of Public Safety is further authorized, upon receiving a record of the conviction in this state of a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle of any offense under the motor vehicle laws of this state, to forward a certified copy of such record to the motor vehicle administrator in the state wherein the person so convicted is a resident.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 29, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§47-6-202.1.  Diplomatic immunity - Verification - Records to be submitted to United States Department of State - Severability.

A.  If any vehicle operator who displays to a law enforcement officer a driver license issued by the United States Department of State or who otherwise claims immunities or privileges under Title 22, Chapter 6 of the United States Code with respect to the violation of Article 27, Section 388, 388a, or 388b of the Code by the individual, or a moving violation under the vehicle laws or regulations of this state or any local authority, when the operator is stopped by a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the operator has committed a violation, the officer shall:

1.  As soon as practicable contact the United States Department of State office in order to verify the status and immunity of the driver, if any;

2.  Record all relevant information from any driver license or identification card, including a driver license or identification card issued by the United States Department of State; and

3.  Within five (5) working days after the date of the stop, forward the following to the Department of Public Safety:

a. a vehicle collision report, if the driver was involved in a vehicle collision,

b. if a citation was issued to the driver, a copy of the citation, and,

c. if a citation was not issued to the driver, a written report of the incident.

B.  The Department of Public Safety shall:

1.  File and keep convenient records of each document and record described in paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section; and

2.  Send a copy of each document and record described in paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Foreign Missions, United States Department of State.

C.  The provisions of this section do not prohibit or limit the application of any law regarding a criminal or motor vehicle violation by any person who has or claims immunities or privileges under Title 22, Chapter 6 of the United States Code.

D.  If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared to be severable.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 27, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.


§47-6203.  Suspension of resident's license or driving privilege upon conviction in another state.

The Department shall suspend or revoke the license or driving privilege of any resident of this state or the privilege of a nonresident to drive a motor vehicle in this state upon receiving notice of the conviction of such person in another state of offenses therein which, if committed in this state, would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the individual's driving privilege.  An appeal may be had from such order of suspension, as provided in Section 6211 of this title.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 30, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§47-6-204.  Order by court to surrender license to Department - Report of conviction.

A.  Whenever any person is convicted of any offense for which this title makes mandatory the revocation of the driving privilege of such person by the Department as provided in Section 6-205 of this title, the court in which such conviction occurred may require the surrender to it of all driver licenses then held by the person so convicted and the court shall thereupon forward the same together with a record of such conviction to the Department.

B.  Every court, including courts not of record, having jurisdiction over offenses committed under this act, or any other law of this state or municipal ordinance regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways, shall forward to the Department a record of the conviction of any person in such court for a violation of any such laws other than regulations governing standing or parking, and may recommend the suspension of the driving privileges of the person so convicted.

C.  For the purposes of Section 6-101 et seq. of this title, the term "conviction" shall mean a final conviction or shall mean a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure a defendant's appearance in court, which forfeiture has not been vacated.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 347, § 6-204, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 31, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 9, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1997, c. 193, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.


§47-6-205.  Mandatory revocation of driving privilege.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall immediately revoke the driving privilege of any person, whether adult or juvenile, upon receiving a record of conviction in any municipal, state or federal court within the United States of any of the following offenses, when such conviction has become final:

1.  Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;

2.  Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any other intoxicating substance, or the combined influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance, any violation of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4 of subsection A of Section 11-902 of this title or any violation of Section 11-906.4 of this title.  However, the Department shall not additionally revoke the driving privileges of the person pursuant to this subsection if the person's driving privilege has been revoked because of a test result or test refusal pursuant to Section 753 or 754 of this title arising from the same circumstances which resulted in the conviction unless the revocation because of a test result or test refusal is set aside;

3.  Any felony during the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;

4.  Failure to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another;

5.  Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the Department under the Uniform Vehicle Code or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles;

6.  A misdemeanor or felony conviction for unlawfully possessing, distributing, dispensing, manufacturing or trafficking in a controlled dangerous substance as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act;

7.  Failure to pay for gasoline pumped into a vehicle pursuant to Section 1740 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes;  

8.  A conviction for a violation of paragraph 3 of subsection A of Section 1151 of this title; or

9.  A misdemeanor conviction for a violation of Section 1 of this act.

B.  The first license revocation under any provision of this section, except for paragraph 2, 6, 7 or 8 of subsection A of this section, shall be for a period of one (1) year.  Such period shall not be modified.

C.  A license revocation under any provision of this section, except for paragraph 2, 6, 7 or 8 of subsection A of this section, shall be for a period of three (3) years if a prior revocation under this section, except under paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section, commenced within the preceding five-year period as shown by the Department's record.  Such period shall not be modified.

D.  The period of license revocation under paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of this section shall be governed by the provisions of Section 6-205.1 of this title.

E.  The first license revocation under paragraph 7 of subsection A of this section shall be for a period of six (6) months.  A second or subsequent license revocation under paragraph 7 of subsection A of this section shall be for a period of one (1) year.  Such periods shall not be modified.

F.  The period of license revocation under paragraph 8 of subsection A of this section shall be effective until the person provides to the Department proof of registration of the vehicle in Oklahoma or proof that the person no longer owns the vehicle.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 348, § 6-205, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1982, c. 273, § 1, operative Oct. 1, 1982; Laws 1982, c. 294, § 1, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 32, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1990, c. 286, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1991, c. 309, § 3, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 10, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 238, § 2, emerg. eff. May 26, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 387, § 4, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 1, § 16, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 313, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1996, c. 309, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 148, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 293, § 1, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 8, § 17, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 14, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 50, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 1994, c. 243, § 3 repealed by Laws 1995, c. 1, § 40, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995.  Laws 2004, c. 49, § 2 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 51, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


§47-6-205.1.  Periods of revocation - Denial of driving privileges.

A.  The driving privilege of a person who is convicted of any offense as provided in paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205 of this title, or a person who has refused to submit to a test or tests as provided in Section 753 of this title, or a person whose alcohol concentration is subject to the provisions of Section 754 of this title, shall be revoked or denied by the Department of Public Safety for the following period, as applicable:

1.  The first license revocation pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-205 of this title or to Section 753 or 754 of this title shall be for one hundred eighty (180) days, which may be modified; provided, any modification under this paragraph shall apply to Class D motor vehicles only;

2.  A revocation pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or to Section 753 or 754 of this title shall be for a period of one (1) year if within five (5) years preceding the date of arrest relating thereto, a prior revocation commenced pursuant to paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or to Section 753 or 754 of this title as shown by the Department's records.  Such period shall not be modified; or

3.  A revocation pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or to Section 753 or 754 of this title shall be for a period of three (3) years if within five (5) years preceding the date of arrest relating thereto, two or more prior revocations commenced pursuant to paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or to Section 753 or 754 of this title as shown by the Department's records.  Such period shall not be modified.

B.  The driving privilege of a person who is convicted of any offense as provided in paragraph 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205 of this title shall be revoked or denied by the Department of Public Safety for the following period, as applicable:

1.  The first license revocation shall be for one hundred eighty (180) days, which may be modified; provided, for license revocations for a misdemeanor charge of possessing a controlled dangerous substance, the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to any such revocations by the Department on or after January 1, 1993; provided further, any modification under this paragraph shall apply to Class D motor vehicles only;

2.  A revocation shall be for a period of one (1) year if within five (5) years preceding the date of arrest relating thereto, a prior revocation commenced pursuant to paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or under Section 753 or 754 of this title as shown by the Department's records.  Such period shall not be modified; or

3.  A revocation shall be for a period of three (3) years if within five (5) years preceding the date of arrest relating thereto, two or more prior revocations commenced pursuant to paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205, or under Section 753 or 754 of this title as shown by the Department's records.  Such period may be modified after one (1) year; provided, any modification under this paragraph shall apply to Class D motor vehicles only.

The revocation of the driving privilege of any person under this subsection shall not run concurrently with any other withdrawal of driving privilege resulting from a different incident and which requires the driving privilege to be withdrawn for a prescribed amount of time.  A denial based on a conviction of any offense as provided in paragraph 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205 of this title shall become effective on the first day the convicted person is otherwise eligible to apply for and be granted driving privilege if the person was not eligible to do so at the time of the conviction.

C.  For the purposes of this subsection:

1.  The term "conviction" includes a juvenile delinquency adjudication by a court or any notification from a court pursuant to Section 6-107.1 of this title; and

2.  The term "revocation" includes a denial of driving privileges by the Department.

D.  Each period of revocation not subject to modification shall be mandatory and neither the Department nor any court shall grant driving privileges based upon hardship or otherwise for the duration of that period.  Each period of revocation, subject to modification as provided for in this section, may be modified as provided for in Section 754.1 or 755 of this title; provided, any modification under this paragraph shall apply to Class D motor vehicles only.

E.  Any appeal of a revocation or denial of driving privileges shall be governed by Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 242, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 11, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 314, § 2, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 2, § 15, emerg. eff. March 2, 1994; Laws 1994, c. 243, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1996, c. 309, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1999, c. 106, § 3, emerg. eff. April 19, 1999; Laws 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 8, § 18, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 86, § 4, emerg. eff. April 17, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 108, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 390, § 7, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 1993, c. 238, § 3 repealed by Laws 1994, c. 2, § 34, emerg. eff. March 2, 1994.


§47-6-205.2.  Periods of license revocation - Driving while disqualified - Penalties.

A.  As used in this section, "conviction" means:

1.  A nonvacated adjudication of guilt;

2.  A determination that a person has violated or failed to comply with this section in any court or by the Department of Public Safety following an administrative determination;

3.  A nonvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure a person's appearance in court;

4.  A plea of guilty or nolo contendere accepted by the court;

5.  The payment of any fine or court costs; or

6.  A violation of a condition of release without bail, regardless of whether or not the penalty is rebated, suspended or probated.

B.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than one (1) year upon receiving a record of conviction of any of the following disqualifying offenses, when the conviction has become final:

1.  Driving, operating or being in actual physical control of a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle while having a blood or breath alcohol concentration, as defined in Section 756 of this title, or as defined by the state in which the arrest occurred, of four-hundredths (0.04) or more;

2.  Refusing to submit to a test for determination of alcohol concentration, as required by Section 751 of this title, or as required by the state in which the arrest occurred, while operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle;

3.  Driving or being in actual physical control of a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance or the combined influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle.  Provided, the Department shall not additionally disqualify, pursuant to this subsection, if the person's driving privilege has been disqualified in this state because of a test result or test refusal pursuant to paragraph 1 or 2 of this subsection as a result of the same violation arising from the same incident;

4.  Knowingly failing to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle collision which occurs while operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle;

5.  Any felony during the commission of which a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle is used, except a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensation of a controlled dangerous substance, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle;

6.  Effective September 1, 2005, operating a commercial motor vehicle while the commercial driving privilege is revoked, suspended, canceled, denied, or disqualified; or

7.  Effective September 1, 2005, manslaughter, homicide, or negligent homicide occurring as a direct result of negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle, or, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle.

C.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than three (3) years upon receiving a record of conviction of any of the disqualifying offenses described in subsection B of this section, committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle which is required to be placarded for hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R., Part 172, subpart F, when the conviction has become final.

D.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for life upon receiving a record of conviction in any court of any of the disqualifying offenses described in subsection B of this section after a former conviction of any of the following disqualifying offenses, when the second conviction has become final.

The Department of Public Safety may promulgate rules establishing conditions under which a disqualification for life pursuant to the provisions of this subsection may be reduced to a period of not less than ten (10) years provided a previous lifetime disqualification has not been reduced.

E.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for life upon receiving a record of conviction for any felony related to the manufacture, distribution or dispensation of a controlled dangerous substance in the commission of which a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle is used, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the person is the holder of a commercial driver license, committing the offense while operating any vehicle, when the conviction has become final.

F.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for sixty (60) days upon receiving a record of a second conviction of the person for a serious traffic offense arising out of separate transactions or occurrences within a three-year period, when the convictions have become final.  The Department of Public Safety shall disqualify any person from operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle for one hundred twenty (120) days upon receiving a record of a third conviction of a person for a serious traffic offense arising out of separate transactions or occurrences within a three-year period, when the convictions have become final; provided, effective September 1, 2005, the one-hundred-twenty-day period shall run in addition to and shall not run concurrently with any other period disqualification imposed pursuant to this subsection.  As used in this subsection, "serious traffic offense" shall mean any of the following offenses committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle:

1.  Speeding fifteen (15) miles per hour or more over the limit;

2.  Reckless driving;

3.  Any traffic offense committed that results in or in conjunction with a motor vehicle collision resulting in a fatality;

4.  Erratic or unsafe lane changes;

5.  Following too close;

6.  Effective September 1, 2005, failure to obtain a commercial driver license;

7.  Effective September 1, 2005, failure to have in possession of the person a commercial driver license; or

8.  Effective September 1, 2005, failure to have:

a. the proper class of commercial driver license for the class of vehicle being operated,

b. the proper endorsement or endorsements for the type of vehicle being operated, including but not limited to, passengers or type of cargo being transported, or

c. both proper class and proper endorsement, as provided in subparagraphs a and b of this paragraph.

G.  Upon the receipt of a person's record of conviction of violating a lawful out-of-service order, except as provided in subsection H of this section, when the conviction becomes final, the Department shall disqualify the driving privilege of the person as follows:

1.  The first conviction shall result in a ninety-day disqualification;

2.  The second conviction within ten (10) years shall result in a one-year disqualification; and

3.  The third or subsequent conviction within ten (10) years shall result in a three-year disqualification.

H.  Upon the receipt of a person's record of conviction of violating a lawful out-of-service order while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 P. app. 1801-1813), or while operating motor vehicles designed for transport of more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, when the conviction becomes final, the Department shall disqualify the driving privilege of the person as follows:

1.  The first conviction shall result in a one-year disqualification; and

2.  The second or subsequent conviction within ten (10) years shall result in a three-year disqualification.

I.  Upon determination by the Department that fraudulent information was used to apply for or obtain a Class A, B or C driver license, the Department shall disqualify the driving privilege of the applicant or licensee for a period of sixty (60) days.

J.  Any person who drives a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle on any public roads, streets, highways, turnpikes or any other public place of this state at a time when the person has been disqualified or when the privilege to do so is canceled, denied, suspended or revoked shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.  Each act of driving as prohibited shall constitute a separate offense.

K.  Upon the receipt of the record of a conviction of a person of a railroad highway grade crossing offense in a commercial motor vehicle, pursuant to Sections 11-701 or 11-702 of this title or Section 11-1115 of this title, or upon receipt of an equivalent conviction from any state, when the conviction becomes final, the Department shall disqualify the driving privileges of the person convicted as follows:

1.  The first conviction shall result in disqualification for sixty (60) days;

2.  The second conviction within three (3) years shall result in disqualification for one hundred twenty (120) days; and

3.  The third or subsequent conviction within three (3) years shall result in disqualification for one (1) year.

L.  Effective September 1, 2005, the Department, upon receipt of a written notice of immediate disqualification issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under 49 CFR 383.52, shall immediately disqualify the person's commercial driving privilege for the period of time specified on the written notice.

M.  The periods of disqualification as defined by this section shall not be modified.  A person may not be granted driving privileges to operate a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle until the disqualification is reinstated.

N.  When any record of conviction, as specified in this section, is received by the Department and pertains to a nonresident operator of a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle, or, effective September 1, 2005, if the nonresident operator is the holder of a commercial driver license, a record of the conviction pertaining to the nonresident operator of any vehicle, the Department shall not disqualify the person and shall report the conviction to the licensing jurisdiction in which the license of the nonresident to operate the commercial vehicle was issued.

O.  Any person who is disqualified from driving under the provisions of this section shall have the right of appeal, as provided in Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 33, eff. April 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 309, § 4, eff. April 1, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 12, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 238, § 4, emerg. eff. May 26, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 193, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 229, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 277, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 309, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 169, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 15, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 7, eff. Sept. 30, 2005; Laws 2004, c. 390, § 8, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 3, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§47-6-206.  Authority of department to suspend license or privilege.

A.  Whenever any person is convicted or pleads guilty in any court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under Section 1-101 et seq. of this title, or any other act or municipal ordinance or act or ordinance of another state regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways, such court shall make immediate report to the Department of Public Safety setting forth the name of the offender, the number of the driver license and the penalty imposed.  Said report shall be submitted by the judge or the clerk of the court upon forms furnished or approved by the Department.

B.  The Department, upon receipt of said report or upon receipt of a report of a conviction in another state relating to the operation of a motor vehicle, may in its discretion suspend the driving privilege of such person for such period of time as in its judgment is justified from the records of such conviction together with the records and reports on file in the Department, subject to the limitations provided in Section 6-208 of this title.  Any action taken by the Department shall be in addition to the penalty imposed by the court.

C.  Following receipt of a notice of any nonpayment of fine and costs for a moving traffic violation with a recommendation of suspension of driving privileges of a defendant from any court within this state, as provided for in Section 983 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Department shall suspend the driving privilege of the named person after giving notice as provided in Section 2-116 of this title.  A person whose license is subject to suspension pursuant to this section may avoid the effective date of the suspension or, if suspended, shall be eligible for reinstatement, if otherwise eligible, upon:

1.  Making application to the Department of Public Safety;

2.  Showing proof of payment of the total amount of the fine and cost or a release from the court or court clerk; and

3.  Submitting the processing and reinstatement fees, as provided for in Section 6-212 of this title.

Provided, however, in cases of extreme and unusual hardship, as determined by the court, the person shall be placed on a payment plan by the court, and the court shall send a release to the Department for reinstatement purposes.  The court may submit another suspension request pursuant to this section if the person fails to honor the payment plan.  In such case, the Department shall again suspend the person's driving privilege for nonpayment of fine and costs for the same moving traffic violation.  Upon reinstatement after suspension for nonpayment of fine and costs for a moving traffic violation the Department may remove such record of suspension from the person's driving record and retain an internal record for audit purposes.

D.  Any person whose driving privilege is so suspended under the provisions of this section shall have the right of appeal, as provided in Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 348, § 6-206, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 254, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 259, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1991, c. 335, § 14, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991; Laws 1999, c. 291, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 16, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-6-206.1.  Driver improvement or defensive driving course.

A.  Driver improvement or defensive driving course is a course which offers an educational setting, provides for driving concepts which encourage attitude or behavioral changes in the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.

B.  It shall be the responsibility of the institution or organization to provide:

1.  Adequate facilities which meet or exceed state and local fire, health and safety codes;

2.  Adequate equipment, in good working order, and instructional materials for such courses;

3.  Qualified instructors who shall:

a. possess an undergraduate degree and have nine (9) college or university credit hours in traffic safety education, or is a peace officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET),

b. have no alcohol or drug-related convictions or revocations in the past five (5) years,

c. have no more than five (5) points accumulated on the driving record in the past three (3) years in accordance with the Oklahoma Mandatory Point System,

d. have a valid Oklahoma driver license, and

e. complete a course of training through the approved organization or institution;

4.  A course of study designed to inform the participant of driver improvement and defensive driving concepts while encouraging attitude or behavioral changes in the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.  The curriculum, which means the complete lesson plans which include instructional strategy, presentation methods and resources utilized to incorporate the concepts of traffic safety, must provide for but not be limited to the following:

a. driver personality traits - behavioral attitudes,

b. driver qualifications and limitations,

c. effects of alcohol and other drugs, and

d. current accident prevention and defensive driving techniques:  speed control, perception, reactions, lane positioning, safe turning and passing, occupant restraints, following distance and rules of the road; and

5.  Provide at least six (6) hours of classroom instruction.

C.  Organizations or institutions desirous of making application shall submit the following to the Department of Public Safety:

1.  Evidence of organizational or institutional status which meet statutory requirements;

2.  Copy of proposed course curriculum which includes lesson objectives, presentation materials, instructional strategy and resources utilized;

3.  Certification that instructors meet statutory requirements; and

4.  Upon Department of Public Safety approval said organization or institution shall be considered for point credits as set forth in this section.

D.  The Department of Public Safety is authorized to grant a two point credit towards the Oklahoma Point System Regulations to any person who successfully completes a course pursuant to this section provided only one such course shall be acknowledged once every twenty-four (24) months.

E.  The Department upon giving of notice and hearing may decline to grant credit points to any organization or institution for:

1.  Unethical conduct of an instructor or official of an institution or organization;

2.  Failure to satisfactorily resolve citizens' complaints;

3.  Falsifying or misrepresenting any document or information to the Department or student;

4.  Failure of organization or instructor to meet statutory requirements;

5.  Conflict of interest by the organization or institution and/or its personnel; or

6.  Failure of organization, institution or instructor to continue to meet statutory requirements as provided for in this section.

F.  Course enrollment will be limited to not more than thirty students with an enrollment fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per student.

G.  Enrollment in the course shall not be limited to persons ordered to enroll, attend and successfully complete the course.

H.  The organization or institution shall within fifteen (15) days of the completion certify to the Department of Public Safety all persons who successfully complete the course on a form approved or furnished by the Department.  This shall include the person's full name, address, date of birth and driver license number.

I.  Department personnel shall be admitted to any course without charge, upon request and display of proper credentials.

J.  Each organization or institution shall develop auditing procedures which could be utilized to show compliance with this section.

K.  Any point credit allowed must comply with the Department's Point System Regulations.

Added by Laws 1991, c. 309, § 5, eff. July 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 13, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 373, § 8, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1998, c. 345, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 2002, c. 49, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 15, § 1, emerg. eff. March 23, 2004.


§476207.  Authority of department to deny application for or cancel license for certain ailments; appeal.

Whenever the Department of Public Safety is furnished with information or, from the records on file in the Department, it is established that the holder of a driver's license is afflicted with a physical disease with a history of seizures, or mental disease, or momentary lapses of consciousness or any other ailment which may result in temporary loss of control or partial control of a motor vehicle, the Department may, in its discretion, execute an order of cancellation of any driver's license issued to such individual, or, should such information be available at the time of application for a driver's license, the Department may execute an order denying the issuance of said license to any such individual and shall cause any such license that may have been issued to be picked up or to be delivered to the Department of Public Safety as specified for other such orders.  Every physician or surgeon, including doctors of medicine and osteopathy, examining, attending or treating an individual for any illness or injury that would impair the ability of the individual in any manner as to affect the performance of the person to operate a motor vehicle, may make a written report of the diagnosis to the State Department of Public Safety.  The Department may, in its discretion, suspend or cancel the license of such person for such period of time as in its judgment is justified.

In addition thereto, any person or physician or any medical personnel participating in good faith and without negligence or malicious intent in making of a report pursuant to this act shall have the immunity from civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.  Any such participant shall have the same immunity with respect to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from such report.

Provided further that, in any proceeding resulting from a report made pursuant to this act or in any proceeding where such a report or any contents thereof are sought to be introduced in evidence, such report or contents or any other fact or facts related thereto, or the condition of the individual who is the subject of the report shall only be admitted in evidence in actions regarding the revocation, suspension, cancellation or denial of the subject's driver's license and shall not be considered to be a public record provided that the report shall not be excluded on the ground that the matter is or may be the subject of a physicianpatient privilege or similar privilege or rule against disclosure.

Any person whose license has been canceled or denied under the provisions of this section shall have the right of appeal from said order, as provided under Section 6211 of this title.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 35, eff. June 1, 1990.


§476208.  Period of suspensions  Renewal or restoration of license.

The Department of Public Safety shall not suspend a driver's license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle on the public roads, streets, highways, turnpikes or other public place for a period of more than one (1) year, except as otherwise provided by law.


Amended by Laws 1982, c. 273, § 2, operative Oct. 1, 1982; Laws 1984, c. 254, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.  

§476208.1.  Authority of Department to decline to process certain requests for suspension or revocation of license.

If action by the Department of Public Safety to suspend, revoke, cancel or deny the driver's license of any person is based in whole or in part upon the receipt of a record of conviction, report, affidavit or other written instrument from any court, court clerk, law enforcement officer, public agency, public officer or public employee and such documentation is not received by the Department within six (6) months from the date which in the judgment of the Department it should have been received, then the Department may decline to process such documentation and may decline to take action to suspend, revoke, cancel or deny the driver's license of such person, notwithstanding any other provision of law.


Added by Laws 1986, c. 250, § 12, operative July 1, 1987.  

§47-6-208.3.  Repealed by Laws 1999, c. 229, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.

§476209.  Surrender and return of license - Seizure of license.

A.  The Department upon canceling or denying a person's driver license or upon suspending or revoking a person's driving privilege shall require that such person's license be surrendered to the Department.  Such driver license so surrendered, unless said driver license has expired, shall be returned to the licensee, when statutory requirements for reinstatement are met in accordance with Oklahoma Statutes; provided the Department has determined that the licensee is a person not prohibited from holding a driver license under Section 6103 of this title, and has successfully completed the customary written, physical and driving tests, if such tests are required.

B.  The Department, upon entering an order canceling or denying a driver license or suspending or revoking a person's driving privilege, shall forward a copy of said order to the licensee pursuant to the provisions of Section 2116 of this title and request the immediate return of the license to the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or the order may be served upon the licensee by an authorized member of the Department.  Failure to comply with the order of the Department shall constitute a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof such person so convicted shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

C.  Any peace officer of this state may seize the license of any person who, according to Department records, is under suspension, cancellation, revocation or denial under the provisions of this title.  The officer shall immediately forward the license to the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Laws 1961, p. 349, § 6-209, eff. Sept. 1, 1961; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 14, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 226, § 4, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 36, eff. June 1, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 14, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 238, § 5, emerg. eff. May 26, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 5, eff. April 1, 1995.


§476210.  No operation under foreign license during suspension or revocation in this state.

Any resident or nonresident whose driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been denied, canceled, suspended or revoked as provided in this chapter shall not operate a motor vehicle in this state under a license, permit or registration certificate issued by any other jurisdiction or otherwise during such suspension or after such revocation until a new license is obtained when and as permitted under this chapter.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 37, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1991, c. 309, § 6, eff. July 1, 1991.


§47-6-211.  Right of appeal to district court.

A.  Any person denied driving privileges, or whose driving privilege has been canceled, denied, suspended or revoked by the Department, except where such cancellation, denial, suspension or revocation is mandatory, under the provisions of Section 6-205 of this title, or disqualified by the Department, under the provisions of Section 6-205.2 of this title, shall have the right of appeal to the district court as hereinafter provided.  Proceedings before the district court shall be exempt from the provisions of the Oklahoma Pleading and Discovery codes, except that the appeal shall be by petition, without responsive pleadings.  The district court is hereby vested with original jurisdiction to hear said petition.

B.  A person whose driving privilege is denied, canceled, revoked or suspended due to inability to meet standards prescribed by law, or due to an out-of-state conviction or violation, or due to an excessive point accumulation on the traffic record, or for an unlawful license issued, may appeal in the county in which the person resides.

C.  Any person whose driving privilege is canceled, denied, suspended or revoked may appeal to the district court in the county in which the offense was committed upon which the Department based its order.

D.  A person whose driving privilege is revoked or denied or who is denied a hearing pursuant to Section 753 or 754 of this title may appeal to the district court in the county in which the arrest occurred relating to the test refusal or test result, as shown by the records of the Department.

E.  The petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the order has been served upon the person, except a petition relating to an implied consent revocation shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the Department gives notice to the person that the revocation is sustained as provided in Section 754 of this title.  It shall be the duty of the district court to enter an order setting the matter for hearing not less than fifteen (15) days and not more than thirty (30) days from the date the petition is filed.  A certified copy of petition and order for hearing shall be served forthwith by the clerk of the court upon the Commissioner of Public Safety by certified mail at the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

F.  At a hearing on a revocation by the Department pursuant to the implied consent laws as provided in Sections 6-205.1, 753 and 754 of this title, the court shall not consider the merits of the revocation action unless a written request for an administrative hearing was timely submitted to the Department and the person actually exercised the opportunity to appear as provided in Section 754 of this title and the Department entered an order sustaining the revocation.

G.  Upon a hearing relating to a revocation pursuant to a conviction for an offense enumerated in Section 6-205 or 6-205.2 of this title, the court shall not consider the propriety or merits of the revocation action, except to correct the identity of the person convicted as shown by records of the Department.

H.  In the event the Department declines to modify a revocation order issued pursuant to Section 753, Section 754, paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-205 or Section 6-205.1 of this title, which is subject to modification pursuant to Section 11-906.4 of this title or Section 6-205.1 of this title, a petition for modification may be included with the appeal or separately filed at any time, and the district court may, in its discretion, modify the revocation as provided for in Section 755 of this title.

I.  The court shall take testimony and examine the facts and circumstances, including all of the records on file in the office of the Department of Public Safety relative to the offense committed and the driving record of the person, and determine from the facts, circumstances, and records whether or not the petitioner is entitled to driving privileges or shall be subject to the order of denial, cancellation, suspension or revocation issued by the Department.  The court may also determine whether or not, from the person's previous driving record, the order was for a longer period of time than such facts and circumstances warranted.  In case the court finds that the order was not justified, the court may sustain the appeal, vacate the order of the Department and direct that driving privileges be restored to the petitioner, if otherwise eligible.  The court may, in case it determines the order was justified, but that the period of the suspension or revocation was excessive, enter an order modifying the same as provided by law.

J.  The testimony of any hearing pursuant to this section shall be taken by the court stenographer and preserved for the purpose of appeal and, in case the Department files notice of appeal from the order of the court as provided herein, the court shall order and direct the court clerk to prepare and furnish a complete transcript of all pleadings and proceedings, together with a complete transcript taken at said hearing at no cost to the Department, except the cost of transcribing.

K.  In order to stay or supersede any order of the Department, the petitioner may execute and file a cash appeal bond in the sum of  Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) with the clerk of the court, to be approved by the court clerk.  A certified copy of the bond endorsed with the approval of the court clerk shall be served along with the notice of hearing and petition.

The bond shall be to the State of Oklahoma and conditioned that  the petitioner will prosecute the appeal with due diligence and during pendency of the appeal abide by and not violate any of the laws of this state or any other state in the operation of a motor vehicle, and that the petitioner will abide by and perform the final judgment of the court therein, and in case the appeal is finally denied the appellant will pay all court costs incurred in the appeal in the district court.  If the petitioner is convicted of a traffic offense during the pendency of the appeal or fails to prosecute the appeal with due diligence, the bond may be forfeited to the court fund upon application by the Department and after hearing before the court in which the appeal is pending.

L.  After filing and approval of the appeal bond and the furnishing thereof to the Department as hereby provided, the Department shall restore driving privileges to the person if otherwise eligible, and the person shall be permitted to operate a motor vehicle pending the appeal, under terms and conditions as prescribed in the bond which shall include the installation of an ignition interlock device on every motor vehicle operated by the person, pursuant to Section 754.1 or 755 of this title, if the person was denied modification pursuant to any provision of paragraph 2 of subsection A of Section 6-205 or Section 6-205.1, 753 or 754 of this title; provided, however, if the order of the Department is sustained in final judgment, the court shall, in such final judgment, enter an order extending the period of suspension or revocation for such time as the petitioner was permitted to operate motor vehicles under the provisions of an appeal bond, and the court shall also in such final judgment direct and require the immediate surrender of any driver license or licenses to the Department.

M.  An appeal may be taken by the person or by the Department from the order or judgment of the district court to the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma as otherwise provided by law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 349, § 6-211, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 88, § 1, emerg. eff. March 24, 1969; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 38, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1994, c. 243, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 420, § 3, emerg. eff. June 13, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 139, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 19, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 17, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-6-212.  Conditions for reinstatement.

A.  The Department of Public Safety shall not assess and collect multiple reinstatement fees when reinstating the driving privilege of any person having more than one suspension or revocation affecting the person's driving privilege at the time of reinstatement.

B.  The Department shall:

1.  Suspend or revoke a person's driving privilege for each basis as delineated within the Oklahoma Statutes; and

2.  Require any person having more than one suspension or revocation affecting the person's driving privilege to meet the statutory requirements for each action as a condition precedent to the reinstatement of any driving privilege.  Provided, however, reinstatement fees shall not be cumulative, and a single reinstatement fee, as provided for in subsection C of this section, shall be paid for all suspensions or revocations as shown by the Department's records at the time of reinstatement.

C.  Whenever a person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended or revoked pursuant to any provision as authorized by the Oklahoma Statutes, the license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall remain under suspension or revocation and shall not be reinstated until:

1.  The expiration of each such revocation or suspension order;

2.  The person has paid to the Department:

a. if such privilege is suspended or revoked pursuant to Section 1115.5 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes or pursuant to any provisions of this title, except as provided in subparagraph b of this paragraph, a processing fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each such suspension or revocation as shown by the Department's records, or

b. if such privilege is suspended or revoked pursuant to the provisions of Section 6-205, 6-205.1, 7-608, 753, 754 or 761 of this title or pursuant to subsection A of Section 7-605 of this title for a conviction for failure to maintain the mandatory motor vehicle insurance required by law or pursuant to subsection B of Section 6-206 of this title for a suspension other than for points accumulation, a processing fee of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) for each such suspension or revocation as shown by the Department's records, and a special assessment trauma-care fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) to be deposited into the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund created in Section 1-2522 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes for each suspension or revocation as shown by the records of the Department; and

3.  The person has paid to the Department a single reinstatement fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

D.  Effective July 1, 2002, and for each fiscal year thereafter:

1.  Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) of all monies collected each month pursuant to this section shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title, except as otherwise provided in this section; and

2.  All other monies collected in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) each month shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 276, § 1, emerg. eff. May 18, 1982.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 21, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1984, c. 264, § 11, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 15, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 152, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 226, § 5, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 39, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 6, eff. April 1, 1995; Laws 2001, c. 361, § 7, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 474, § 5, emerg. eff. June 6, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 396, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 530, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 530, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2004.


§47-6-212.1.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 218, § 12, eff. April 1, 1995.

§47-6-212.2.  Required completion of alcohol and drug assessment and evaluation.

A.  Whenever the records of the Department of Public Safety reflect a conviction of a person pursuant to Section 11-902 of this title or an alcohol- or drug-related revocation or suspension of the driving privileges of that person pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 or 6 of subsection A of Section 6-205 or to Section 6-205.1, 6-206, 753, 754 or 761 of this title, the person shall participate in an alcohol and drug assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the purpose of evaluating the person's receptivity to treatment and prognosis.  As determined by the assessment, the person shall enroll in, attend and successfully complete the appropriate alcohol and drug substance abuse course certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or an alcohol or other drug treatment program or both.  The alcohol and drug substance abuse course shall consist of either ten (10) hours or twenty-four (24) hours of instruction and shall conform with the provisions of Section 3-453 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes.  No citizen shall be compelled to travel more than seventy (70) miles from the citizen's place of residence to attend a course or evaluation program required herein.  For purposes of this subsection, the requirement for alcohol and drug substance abuse evaluation shall be considered satisfied if the person is evaluated by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified for that purpose, all recommendations identified by the evaluation are satisfied by the person, and a report of such evaluation and completion is presented to the court prior to sentencing and to the Department.

B.  The requirements of subsection A of this section shall be a condition for reinstatement of driving privileges, in addition to other conditions for driving privilege reinstatement provided by law.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 204, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1988, c. 242, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 265, § 64, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1993, c. 339, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1996, c. 162, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2000, c. 189, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 27, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 178, § 2, eff. July 1, 2003.


§47-6-212.3.  Ignition interlock device.

A.  Whenever the records of the Department of Public Safety reflect:

1.  A second or subsequent conviction of a person for driving under the influence of alcohol or the combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance within five (5) years of a previous conviction for the same offense; or

2.  A person is classified as an excessive user of alcohol or of a combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance, and inimical to public safety, in accordance with rules promulgated by the Department,

the person shall, upon request for reinstatement of driving privileges from revocation or suspension based upon the conviction or the status as an excessive user, provide proof of installation of an ignition interlock device approved by the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, at the person's own expense, upon every motor vehicle operated by the person.

B.  The Department shall require, as a condition of reinstatement, the device to be installed upon any vehicle owned or leased, as reflected on the vehicle registration, by an employer of the person for use by the person, except when the employer requests the ignition interlock device not be installed.  The request shall be in writing and notarized on the official letterhead of the employer and provided by the person to the Department; provided, a request shall not be accepted by the Department under the following circumstances:

1.  When the person is self-employed or owns part or all of the company or corporation, or exercises control over some part of the business which owns or leases the vehicle; or

2.  When the person is employed by a relative who is within the first degree of consanguinity or who resides in the same household.

The person shall comply with all provisions of law and rule regarding ignition interlock devices.

C.  1.  The requirements of subsection A of this section shall be a prerequisite and condition for reinstatement of driving privileges, in addition to other conditions for driving privilege reinstatement provided by law or by rule of the Department.  The Department shall issue a restricted driver license to the person, upon payment of a restricted driver license fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and all other appropriate fees by the person.  The restricted driver license and the driving record of the person shall indicate by an appropriate restriction that the person is only authorized to operate a vehicle upon which an ignition interlock is installed.  If the person is operating a motor vehicle owned or leased by an employer who has not given permission for an ignition interlock device to be installed, the employer shall provide the person with a letter, on official letterhead of the employer, which the person shall carry in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display for examination and inspection upon demand of a peace officer.

2.  The restricted driver license fee authorized by this section shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be credited to the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.  All monies accruing to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund from restricted driver license fees shall be budgeted and expended solely for the purpose of administering the provisions of this section.

3.  The installation of an ignition interlock device, as required by this subsection, shall not be construed to authorize the person to drive unless the person is otherwise eligible to drive.

D.  1.  Installation of an ignition interlock device pursuant to paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section shall be for a period of six (6) months which shall run concurrently with a court order, if any, for installation of an ignition interlock device pursuant to the same conviction.

2.  Installation of an ignition interlock device pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section shall be for a period of twelve (12) months which shall run concurrently with a court order, if any, for installation of an ignition interlock device pursuant to a conviction which caused the person to be classified as an excessive user of alcohol or of a combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

E.  The person shall pay the monthly maintenance fee for each ignition interlock device installed pursuant to this section.  The person shall comply with all provisions of law regarding ignition interlock devices.

F.  The ignition interlock device provider shall make available to the Department regular reports of violations, if any, for each ignition interlock device installed pursuant to this section.

G.  Pursuant to Section 6-113 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Department may revoke or suspend the driving privileges of the person for reports from the provider which indicate attempts by the person to operate a motor vehicle when the person is under the influence of alcohol.

H.  The Department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement and administer this section.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 167, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 394, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.


§47-6-301.  Unlawful use of license or identification card.

It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any of the acts specified in paragraph 1 or 2 of this section in relation to an Oklahoma driver license or identification card authorized to be issued by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to the provisions of Sections 6-101 through 6-309 of this title or any driver license or other evidence of driving privilege or identification card authorized to be issued by the state of origin.

1.  It is a misdemeanor for any licensee:

a. to display or cause or permit to be displayed one's own license after such license has been suspended, revoked or canceled or to possess one's own license after having received notice of its suspension, revocation, or cancellation,

b. to lend one's own license or identification card to any other person or knowingly permit the use thereof by another,

c. to display or cause or permit to be displayed or to possess a license or identification card issued to oneself which bears altered information concerning the date of birth, expiration date, sex, height, eye color, weight or license or card number,

d. to fail or refuse to surrender to the Department upon its lawful demand any license or identification card which has been suspended, revoked or canceled,

e. to permit any unlawful use of a license or identification card issued to oneself,

f. to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this chapter, excepting those acts as provided in paragraph 2 of this section,

g. to display or represent as one's own, any license or identification card not issued to such person, unless under conditions provided in subparagraph e of paragraph 2 of this section, or

h. to add to, delete from, alter, or deface the required information on a driver license or identification card.

2.  It is a felony for any person:

a. to create, publish or otherwise manufacture an Oklahoma or other state license or identification card or facsimile thereof, or to create, manufacture or possess an engraved plate or other such device, card, laminate, digital image or file, or software  for the printing of an Oklahoma or other state license or identification card or facsimile thereof, except as authorized pursuant to this title,

b. to display or cause or permit to be displayed or to knowingly possess any state counterfeit or fictitious license or identification card,

c. to display or cause to be displayed or to knowingly possess any state license or identification card bearing a fictitious or forged name or signature,

d. to display or cause to be displayed or to knowingly possess any state license or identification card bearing the photograph of any person, other than the person named thereon as licensee,

e. to display or represent as one's own, any license or identification card not issued to him, for the purpose of committing a fraud in any commercial transaction or to mislead a peace officer in the performance of his duties, or

f. to use a false or fictitious name in any application for a license or identification card or to knowingly make a false statement or to knowingly conceal a material fact or otherwise commit a fraud in any such application.

3.  It is a felony for any employee or person authorized to issue or approve the issuance of licenses or identification cards under this title to knowingly issue or attempt to issue a license or identification card or to knowingly give approval for, cause, or attempt to cause a license or identification card to be issued:

a. to a person not entitled thereto,

b. bearing erroneous information thereon, or

c. bearing the photograph of a person other than the person named thereon.

Such conduct shall be grounds for termination of employment of the employee.

4.  The violation of any of the provisions of paragraph 1 of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine of not less than Twentyfive Dollars ($25.00), nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00); the violation of any of the provisions of paragraph 2 or 3 of this section shall constitute a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or a term of imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not to exceed seven (7) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

5.  Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety may, upon the request of the chief administrator of a law enforcement, military, or intelligence agency, authorize the issuance to and display, and possession by a person of a license which would otherwise be a violation of this section, for the sole purpose of aiding in a criminal investigation or a military or intelligence operation.  While acting pursuant to such authorization by the Commissioner, such person shall not be prosecuted for a violation under this section.  Upon termination of such investigation or operation or upon request of the Commissioner, the chief administrator shall forthwith cause such license to be returned to the Commissioner.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 351, § 6-301, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 131, § 1, emerg. eff. April 14, 1980; Laws 1985, c. 45, § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 41, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 477, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 5, § 344, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 216, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2001, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 2, emerg. eff. Oct. 8, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 86, § 5, emerg. eff. April 17, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 392, § 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 149, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 477 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§476302.  Making false affidavit perjury.

Any person who makes any false affidavit, or knowingly swears or affirms falsely to any matter or thing required by the terms of this chapter to be sworn to or affirmed, is guilty of perjury and upon conviction shall be punishable by fine or imprisonment as other persons committing perjury are punishable.


Laws 1961, p. 351, § 6302.  

§47-6-303.  Driving without license or while license is canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked  Penalties.

A.  No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets, highways, turnpikes or other public place of this state without having first procured a driver license for the class of vehicle being operated from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, except as herein specifically exempted.

Any violation of the provisions of this subsection shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) plus costs or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B.  Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any public roads, streets, highways, turnpikes or other public place of this state at a time when the person's privilege to do so is canceled, denied, suspended or revoked or at a time when the person is disqualified from so doing shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine:

1.  For a first conviction, of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00);

2.  For a second conviction, of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) and not more than Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00); or

3.  For a third and subsequent conviction, of not less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) and not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00),

or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year or by both such fine and imprisonment.  Each act of driving on the highways as prohibited shall constitute a separate offense.

C.  Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any public roads, streets, highways, turnpikes or other public roads of this state at a time when the driving privilege of that person is canceled, denied, suspended or revoked, pursuant to paragraph 1 of subsection A of Section 6-205.1 of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine:

1.  For a first conviction, of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00);

2.  For a second conviction, of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00); or

3.  For a third and subsequent conviction, of not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) and not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00),

or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year or by both such fine and imprisonment.  Each act of driving on the highways as prohibited shall constitute a separate offense.

D.  The Department upon receiving a record of conviction of an offense committed by any person whose license or privilege to operate motor vehicles is under suspension or revocation, shall extend the period of such suspension or revocation for an additional three-month period of time.  The additional orders of suspension or revocation shall be dated and become effective the day following the date terminating the prior order of suspension or revocation.

E.  The Department upon receiving a record of conviction of an offense committed by any person whose license or privilege to operate motor vehicles is under revocation, pursuant to paragraph 1, 2, or 3 of subsection A of Section 6-205.1 of this title, shall extend the period of such revocation for an additional four-month period of time.  The additional orders of revocation shall be dated and become effective the day following the date terminating the prior order of revocation.

F.  It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not less than seven (7) days, nor more than six (6) months or by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment for any person to apply for a renewal or a replacement license to operate a motor vehicle while the person's license, permit or other evidence of driving privilege is in the custody of a law enforcement officer or the Department.  A notice regarding this offense and the penalty therefor shall be included on the same form containing the notice of revocation issued by the officer.

G.  Any fine collected pursuant to a second or subsequent conviction as provided for in subsections B and C of this section, shall be deposited to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund created in Section 1-2522 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 351, § 6-303, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 229, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1967; Laws 1968, c. 176, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968; Laws 1982, c. 273, § 3, operative Oct. 1, 1982; Laws 1984, c. 254, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 219, § 42, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2001, c. 337, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 86, § 6, emerg. eff. April 17, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 387, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 52, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


NOTE:  Laws 2004, c. 390, § 9 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 53, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.


§476304.  Permitting unauthorized minor to drive.

No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child or ward under the age of sixteen years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway when such minor is not authorized hereunder or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 352, § 6304.  

§476305.  Permitting unauthorized person to drive.

No person shall authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle owned by him or under his control to be driven upon any highway by any person who is not authorized hereunder or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 352, § 6305.  

§476306.  Employer permitting unlicensed or improperly licensed person to drive.

No employer shall permit a person to operate a motor vehicle under his control unless the person has a valid license for the class of vehicle being operated.

Amended by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 43, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.


§476307.  Liability for knowingly permitting the operation by a person not qualified.

Any person as herein defined, who is the owner of any motor vehicle and knowingly permits such motor vehicle to be operated by any person who is not qualified to operate a motor vehicle under the provisions of this act, shall be held civilly liable as a joint tortfeasor for any unlawful act committed by such operator.


Laws 1961, p. 352, § 6307.  

§476308.  Penalty for misdemeanor.

A.  It is a misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions of Section 6-101 et seq. of this title unless such violation is by Section 6-101 et seq. of this title or other law of this state declared to be a felony.

B.  Unless another penalty is in Section 6-101 et seq. of this title or by laws of this state provided, every person convicted of a misdemeanor for the violation of any provision of Section 6-101 et seq. of this title shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

C.  The Department of Public Safety may, in addition to the penalty above, suspend for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days the registration certificate of a motor vehicle owned by any person who permits said vehicle to be used in violation of Section 6304, 6305 or 6306 of this title.  The Department may suspend, for a period of not to exceed six (6) months, the registration certificate of any motor vehicle, when the owner permits said vehicle to be operated by an individual whose driving privilege is under denial, cancellation, suspension or revocation.

Laws 1961, p. 352, § 6-308, eff. Sept. 1, 1961; Laws 1992, c. 217, § 15, eff. July 1, 1992.


§47-6-309.  Operation of Class D motor vehicle under Class A, B or C commercial license.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who lawfully possesses a valid Oklahoma Class A, B or C commercial license shall be entitled to operate a Class D motor vehicle or motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in accordance with the driver license granted and the endorsements thereon until the expiration of said license, except for any period of time in which the license has been canceled, suspended or revoked.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 219, § 45, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 217, § 16, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 97, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§477101.  Commissioner of public safety to administer chapter.

(a) The Commissioner of Public Safety shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and may make rules and regulations necessary for its administration.

(b) The Commissioner shall provide for hearings upon request of persons aggrieved by orders or acts of the Commissioner under the provisions of this act.

(c) The Commissioner shall prescribe and provide suitable forms requisite or deemed necessary for the purposes of this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 352, § 7101.  

§477102.  Court review.

Any order or act of the Department of Public Safety under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to review, at the instance of any party in interest, by appeal to the district court as provided for in Section 6-211 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 353, § 7102, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 189, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000.


§477201.  Application of Article II.

The provisions of this chapter, requiring deposit of security, filing of proof of financial responsibility, and suspensions for failure to deposit security or file proof of financial responsibility, subject to certain exemptions, shall apply to the driver and owner of any vehicle of a type subject to registration under the motor vehicle laws of this state which is in any manner involved in an accident upon the highways and elsewhere throughout the state, which accident has resulted in bodily injury to or death of any person or damage to the property of any one person in excess of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00).


Laws 1961, p. 353, § 7201; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 1, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965; Laws 1972, c. 160, § 1; Laws 1980, c. 100, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1980, c. 235, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981.  

§477202.  Department to determine amount of security required  Notices.

(a) The Department, not less than twenty (20) days after receipt of a report of an accident as described in the preceding section, shall determine the amount of security which shall be sufficient in its judgment to satisfy any judgment or judgments for damages resulting from such accident as may be recovered against each driver or owner. Such determination shall not be made with respect to drivers or owners who are exempt under succeeding sections of this chapter from the requirements as to security and suspension.

(b) The Department shall determine the amount of security deposit required of any person upon the basis of the reports or other information submitted.  In the event a person involved in an accident as described in this chapter fails to make a report or submit information indicating the extent of his injuries or the damage to his property within fifty (50) days after the accident and the Department does not have sufficient information on which to base an evaluation of such injuries or damage, then the Department after reasonable notice to such person, if it is possible to give such notice, otherwise without such notice, shall not require any deposit of security for the benefit or protection of such person.

(c) The Department not less than fifty (50) days after receipt of report of any accident referred to herein and upon determining the amount of security to be required of any person involved in such accident or to be required of the owner of any vehicle involved in such accident shall give written notice pursuant to the provisions of Section 2116 of this title to every such person of the amount of security required to be deposited by him and that an order of suspension will be made to become effective upon the expiration of ten (10) days after the sending of such notice unless within said time security be deposited as required by said notice.


Amended by Laws 1986, c. 279, § 17, operative July 1, 1986.  

§477203.  Exceptions to requirement of security.

The requirements as to security, proof of financial responsibility, and suspension in this article shall not apply:

1.  To the driver or owner if the owner had in effect at the time of the accident an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the vehicle involved in the accident, except that a driver shall not be exempt under this paragraph if at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated without the owner's permission, express or implied;

2.  To the driver, if not the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, if there was in effect at the time of the accident an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to his driving of vehicles not owned by him;

3. To a driver or owner whose liability for damages resulting from the accident is, in the judgment of the Department, covered by any other form of liability insurance policy or bond;

4.  To any person qualifying as a selfinsurer under Section 7503 or to any person operating a vehicle for such selfinsurer;

5.  To the driver or the owner of a vehicle involved in an accident wherein no injury or damage was caused to the person or property of anyone other than such driver or owner;

6.  To the driver or owner of a vehicle which at the time of the accident was parked, unless such vehicle was parked at a place where parking was at the time of the accident prohibited under any applicable law or ordinance;

7.  To the owner of a vehicle if at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated without his permission, express or implied, or was parked by a person who had been operating such vehicle without such permission;

8.  To the owner of a vehicle involved in an accident if at the time of the accident such vehicle was owned by or leased to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state or a municipality thereof, or to the driver of such vehicle if operating such vehicle with permission; or

9.  To the driver or the owner of a vehicle in the event at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated by or under the direction of a police officer who, in the performance of his duties, shall have assumed custody of such vehicle.


Laws 1961, p. 354, § 7203; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 2, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477204.  Requirements as to policy or bond.

A.  No policy or bond shall be effective under Section 7203 of this title unless issued by an insurance company or surety company authorized to do business in this state, except as provided in subsection B of this section, nor unless such policy or bond is subject, if the accident has resulted in bodily injury or death, to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than the following:

1.  For policies or bonds issued or renewed before April 1, 2005, Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, to a limit of not less than Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and if the accident has resulted in injury to or destruction of property to a limit of not less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident;

2.  For policies or bonds issued or renewed on or after April 1, 2005, Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, to a limit of not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and if the accident has resulted in injury to or destruction of property to a limit of not less than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

B.  No policy or bond shall be effective under Section 7203 of this title with respect to any vehicle which was not registered in this state or was a vehicle which was registered elsewhere than in this state at the effective date of the policy or bond or the most recent renewal thereof, unless the insurance company or surety company issuing such policy or bond is authorized to do business in this state, or if said company is not authorized to do business in this state, unless it shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the Commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action upon such policy or bond arising out of such accident.

C.  The Department may rely upon the accuracy of the information in a required report of an accident as to the existence of insurance or a bond unless and until the Department has reason to believe that the information is erroneous.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 355, § 7204, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 2004, c. 519, § 31, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§477205.  Form and amount of security.

(a) The security required under this chapter shall be in such form and in such amount as the Department may require, but in no case in excess of the limits specified in section 7204 in reference to the acceptable limits of a policy or bond.

(b) Every depositor of security shall designate in writing every person in whose name such deposit is made and may at any time change such designation, but any single deposit of security shall be applicable only on behalf of persons required to furnish security because of the same accident.


Laws 1961, p. 355, § 7205.  

§477206.  Failure to deposit security and file proof of financial responsibility.

In the event that any person required to deposit security and file proof of financial responsibility under this chapter fails to deposit such security and file such proof of financial responsibility within ten (10) days after the Department has sent the notice as hereinbefore provided, the Department shall thereupon suspend:

1.  The license and all registrations of each driver in any manner involved in the accident;

2.  The license and all registrations of all vehicles owned by the owner on or after the effective date of the suspension order of each vehicle involved in such accident, and any other vehicles thereafter acquired and registered in the name of the owner thereof, of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state;

3.  If the driver is a nonresident, the privilege of operating a vehicle within this state;

4.  If such owner is a nonresident, the privilege of operating any vehicle owned by him on or after the effective date of the suspension order.

Such suspensions shall be made in respect to persons required by the Department to deposit security who fail to deposit such security, except as otherwise provided under succeeding sections of this chapter.



§477207.  Release from liability.

(a) A person shall be relieved from the requirement for deposit of security for the benefit or protection of another person injured or damaged in the accident, provided he has given proof of financial responsibility, in the event he is released from liability by such other person.

(b) A covenant not to sue shall relieve the parties thereto as to each other from the security requirements of this chapter.

(c) In the event the department has evaluated the injuries or damage to any minor in an amount not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), the Department may accept, for the purposes of this article only, evidence of a release from liability executed by a natural guardian or a legal guardian on behalf of such minor without the approval of any court or judge.


Laws 1961, p. 355, § 7207; Laws 1965, c. 187 § 4, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477208.  Adjudication of nonliability.

A person shall be relieved from the requirement for deposit of security in respect to a claim for injury or damage arising out of the accident in the event such person has been finally adjudicated not to be liable in respect to such claim.


Laws 1961, p. 356, § 7208.  

§477209.  Agreements for payment of damages.

(a) Any two or more of the persons involved in or affected by an accident as described in Section 7201 may at any time enter into a written agreement for the payment of an agreed amount with respect to all claims of any of such persons because of bodily injury to or death or property damage arising from such accident, which agreement may provide for payment in installments, and may file a signed copy thereof with the Department.

(b) The Department, to the extent provided by any such written agreement filed with it, shall not require the deposit of security and shall terminate any prior order of suspension, provided that proof of financial responsibility has been filed, or, if security has previously been deposited, the Department shall immediately return such security to the depositor or his personal representative.

(c) In the event of a default in any payment under such agreement and upon notice of such default the Department shall take action suspending the license and registration of such person in default as would be appropriate in the event of failure of such person to deposit security when required under this chapter.

(d) Such suspension shall remain in effect and such license and registration shall not be restored unless and until:

1.  Security is deposited and proof of financial responsibility is filed as required under this chapter, the security to be in such amount as the Department may then determine, or

2.  When, following any such default and suspension, the person in default has paid the balance of the agreed amount, or

3.  One (1) year has elapsed following the effective date of such suspension and evidence satisfactory to the Department has been filed with it that during such period no action at law upon such agreement has been instituted and is pending.


Laws 1961, p. 356, § 7209; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 5, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477210.  Payment upon judgment.

The payment of a judgment arising out of an accident or the payment upon such judgment of an amount equal to the maximum amount which could be required for deposit under this article shall, for the purposes of this article, release the judgment debtor from the liability evidenced by such judgment, provided that he has filed proof of financial responsibility.


Laws 1961, p. 356, § 7210; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 6, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477211.  Termination of security requirement.

The Department, if satisfied as to the existence of any fact which under Sections 7207, 7208, 7209 or 7210 would entitle a person to be relieved from the security requirements of this chapter, shall not require the deposit of security by the person so relieved from such requirement and shall terminate any prior order of suspension in respect to such person, provided that he has filed proof of financial responsibility, or, if security has previously been deposited by such person, the Department shall immediately return such deposit to such person or to his personal representative.


Laws 1961, p. 356, § 7211; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 7, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477212.  Duration of suspension.

Unless a suspension is terminated under other provisions of this chapter, any order of suspension by the Department under this chapter shall remain in effect and no license shall be renewed for or issued to any person whose license is so suspended and no registration shall be renewed for or issued to any person whose vehicle registration is so suspended until

1.  Such person shall deposit and file or there shall be deposited and filed on his behalf the security and proof of financial responsibility required under this chapter, or

2.  One (1) year shall have elapsed following the date of such suspension and evidence satisfactory to the Department has been filed with it that during such period no action for damages arising out of the accident resulting in such suspension has been instituted, provided that such person has filed the required proof of financial responsibility.

An affidavit of the applicant that no action at law for damages arising out of the accident has been filed against him or, if filed, that it is not still pending shall be prima facie evidence of that fact.  The Department may take whatever steps are necessary to verify the statement set forth in any said affidavit.


Laws 1961, p. 356, § 7212; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 8, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477213.  Application to nonresidents, unlicensed drivers, unregistered vehicles and accidents in other states.

(a) In case the driver or the owner of a vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state involved in an accident within this state has no license or registration in this state, then such driver shall not be allowed a license, nor shall such owner be allowed to register any vehicle in this state, until he has complied with the requirements of this chapter to the same extent that would be necessary if, at the time of the accident, he had held a license or been the owner of a vehicle registered in this state.

(b) When a nonresident's operating privilege is suspended pursuant to Section 7206, the Department shall transmit a certified copy of the record of such action to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses and registration certificates in the state in which such nonresident resides, if the law of such other state provides for action in relation thereto similar to that provided for in subsection (c) of this section.

(c) Upon receipt of such certification that the operating privilege of a resident of this state has been suspended or revoked in any such other state pursuant to a law providing for its suspension or revocation for failure to deposit security for the payment of judgments arising out of a motor vehicle accident, or for failure to give and maintain proof of financial responsibility, under circumstances which would require the Department to suspend a nonresident's operating privilege had the accident occurred in this state, the Department shall suspend the license of such resident if he was the driver, and all of his registrations if he was the owner of a motor vehicle involved in such accident.  Such suspension shall continue until such resident furnishes evidence of his compliance with the law of such other state relating to the deposit of such security or files proof of financial responsibility.


Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7213; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 9, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  

§477214.  Authority of Department to decrease amount of security.

The Department may reduce the amount of security ordered in any case within six (6) months after the date of the accident if in its judgment the amount ordered is excessive.  In case the security originally ordered has been deposited, the excess deposit over the reduced amount ordered shall be returned to the depositor or his personal representative forthwith.


Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7214.  

§477215.  Correction of action of department.

Whenever the Department has taken any action or has failed to take any action under this chapter by reason of having received erroneous information or by reason of having received no information, then upon receiving correct information within one (1) year after the date of an accident the Department shall take appropriate action to carry out the purposes and effect of this chapter.  The foregoing shall not, however, be deemed to require the Department to reevaluate the amount of any deposit required under this article.


Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7215.  

§47-7-216.  Custody of security.

The Department shall place any negotiable security, or security issued in bearer form, deposited with it under this chapter in the custody of the State Treasurer.  Receipts or other documents evidencing the existence of a security shall be retained by the Department.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7-216, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by  Laws 1998, c. 85, § 2, eff. July 1, 1998.


§477217.  Disposition of security.

Such security shall be applicable and available only

1.  For the payment of any settlement agreement covering any claim arising out of the accident upon instruction of the person who made the deposit, or

2.  For the payment of a judgment or judgments, rendered against the person required to make the deposit, for damages arising out of the accident in an action at law begun not later than one (1) year after the deposit of such security, or within one (1) year after the date of deposit of any security following failure to make payments under an agreement to pay.


Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7217.  

§477218.  Return of deposit.

Upon the expiration of one (1) year from the date of any deposit of security, any security remaining on deposit shall be returned to the person who made such deposit or to his personal representative if an affidavit or other evidence satisfactory to the Department has been filed with it:

1.  That no action for damages arising out of the accident for which deposit was made is pending against any person on whose behalf the deposit was made, and

2.  That there does not exist any unpaid judgment rendered against any such person in such an action.

The foregoing provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit the return of any deposit of security under any other provision of this chapter authorizing such return.


Laws 1961, p. 357, § 7218.  

§477219.  Matters not to be evidence in civil suits.

The report required following an accident, the action taken by the Department pursuant to this chapter, the findings, if any, of said Department upon which such action is based, and the security filed as provided in this chapter shall not be referred to in any way and shall not be any evidence of the negligence or due care of either party at the trial of any action at law to recover damages.


Laws 1961, p. 358, § 7219.  

§477301.  Application of Article III.

The provisions of this chapter requiring the deposit of proof of financial responsibility, subject to certain exemptions, shall apply with respect to persons who are required to deposit security under the provisions of Article II, or persons who have been convicted of or forfeited bail for certain offenses under motor vehicle laws or who have failed to pay judgments upon causes of action arising out of ownership, maintenance or use of vehicles of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state.  Provided, that the provisions of this article shall not apply to any situation in which the license of a driver or owner of a motor vehicle has been suspended, not arising under the conditions specified in Section 7201 of this title.

Laws 1961, p. 358, § 7301; Laws 1965, c. 187, § 10, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965; Laws 1976, c. 224, § 1; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§47-7-302.  Meaning of "proof of financial responsibility".

The term "proof of financial responsibility" as used in this title shall mean proof of ability to respond in damages for liability, on account of collisions occurring subsequent to the effective date of the proof, arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state, in the amount of at least Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one collision, and, subject to the limit for one person, in the amount of at least Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one collision, and in the amount of at least Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one collision.  Wherever used in this title, the terms "proof of financial responsibility" or "proof" shall be synonymous.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 358, § 7302, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 4, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§477303.  Meaning of "judgment" and "state".

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this article, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

1.  The term "judgment" shall mean: Any judgment which shall have become final by expiration without appeal in the time within which an appeal might have been perfected, or by final affirmation on appeal, rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction of any state or of the United States, upon a cause of action arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of any vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, or upon a cause of action on an agreement of settlement for such damages.

2.  The term "state" shall mean: Any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any province of the Dominion of Canada.


Laws 1961, p. 358, § 7303.  

§477304.  Proof required upon certain convictions.

Whenever, under any law of this state, the license of any person is suspended or revoked by reason of a conviction or a forfeiture of bail, the Department shall suspend the registration of all vehicles registered in the name of such person as owner, except that (a) if such owner has previously given or shall immediately give and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility with respect to all such vehicles registered by such person as the owner, the Department shall not suspend such registration unless otherwise required by law; (b) if a conviction arose out of the operation, with permission, of a vehicle owned by or leased to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state or a municipality thereof, the Department shall suspend or revoke such license only with respect to the operation of vehicles not so owned or leased and shall not suspend the registration of any vehicle so owned or leased.

Laws 1961, p. 358, § 7304; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477305.  Suspension until proof furnished.

The suspension or revocation required by this article shall remain in effect and the Department shall not issue to such person any new or renewal of license or register or reregister in the name of such person as owner any such vehicle until permitted under the motor vehicle laws of this state, and not then unless and until such person shall give and thereafter maintain proof of financial responsibility.

Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7305; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477306.  Action in respect to unlicensed person.

If a person has no license, but by final order or judgment is convicted of or forfeits any bail or collateral deposited to secure an appearance for trial for any offense requiring the suspension or revocation of license, or for driving a motor vehicle upon the highways without being licensed to do so, or for driving an unregistered vehicle upon the highways, no license shall be thereafter issued to such person and no such vehicle shall continue to be registered or thereafter be registered in the name of such person as owner unless he shall give and thereafter maintain proof of financial responsibility.

Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7306; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 6, eff. Sept, 1, 1994.


§477307.  Action in respect to nonresidents.

Whenever the Department suspends or revokes a nonresident's operating privilege by reason of a conviction or forfeiture of bail, such privilege shall remain so suspended or revoked unless such person shall have previously given or shall immediately give and thereafter maintain proof of financial responsibility.

Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7307; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477308.  When courts to report nonpayment of judgments.

Whenever any person fails within thirty (30) days to satisfy any judgment, then upon the written request of the judgment creditor or his attorney it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court, or of the judge of a court which has no clerk, in which any such judgment is rendered within this state to forward to the Department immediately upon such request a certified copy of such judgment.


Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7308.  

§477309.  Further action with respect to nonresidents.

If the defendant named in any certified copy of a judgment reported to the Department is a nonresident, the Department shall transmit a certified copy of the judgment to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses and registrations of the state of which the defendant is a resident.


Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7309.  

§477310.  Suspension for nonpayment of judgments.

The Department upon receipt of a certified copy of a judgment and a certificate of facts relative to such judgment, on a form provided by the Department, shall forthwith suspend the license and registration and any nonresident's operating privilege of any person against whom such judgment was rendered, except as hereinafter otherwise provided in this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7310.  

§477311.  Exception in relation to government vehicles.

The provisions of Section 7310 shall not apply with respect to any such judgment arising out of an accident caused by the ownership or operation, with permission, of a vehicle owned or leased to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state or a municipality thereof.


Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7311.  

§477312.  Exception when consent granted by judgment creditor.

If the judgment creditor consents in writing, in such form as the Department may prescribe, that the judgment debtor be allowed license and registration or nonresident's operating privilege, the same may be allowed by the Department, in its discretion, for six (6) months from the date of such consent and thereafter until such consent is revoked in writing, notwithstanding default in the payment of such judgment, or of any installments thereof prescribed in Section 7317, provided the judgment debtor furnishes proof of financial responsibility.


Laws 1961, p. 359, § 7312.  

§477313.  Exception when insurer liable.

No license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege of any person shall be suspended under the provisions of this chapter if the Department shall find that an insurer was obligated to pay the judgment upon which suspension is based, at least to the extent and for the amounts required in this chapter, but has not paid such judgment for any reason.  A finding by the Department that an insurer is obligated to pay a judgment shall not be binding upon such insurer and shall have no legal effect whatever except for the purpose of administering this section.  Whenever in any judicial proceedings it shall be determined by any final judgment, decree or order that an insurer is not obligated to pay any such judgment, the Department, notwithstanding any contrary finding theretofore made by it, shall forthwith suspend the license and registration and any nonresident's operating privilege of any person against whom such judgment was rendered, as provided in Section 7310.


Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7313.  

§477314.  Suspension to continue until judgments paid and proof given.

Such license, registration and nonresident's operating privilege shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall any such license or registration be thereafter issued in the name of such person, including any such person not previously licensed, unless and until every such judgment is stayed, satisfied in full or to the extent hereinafter provided and until the said person gives proof of financial responsibility subject to the exemptions stated in Sections 7312, 7313 and 7317.


Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7314.  

§477315.  Discharge in bankruptcy.

A discharge in bankruptcy following the rendering of any such judgment shall relieve the judgment debtor from the security requirements which are the subject of the discharge in bankruptcy, but shall not relieve the judgment debtor from any of the other requirements of this chapter.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7315, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 189, § 4, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-7-316.  Payments sufficient to satisfy requirements.

A.  Judgments herein referred to shall, for the purpose of this chapter only, be deemed satisfied:

1.  When at least Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of one person as the result of any one collision;

2.  When, subject to the minimum limit of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of one person, the sum of at least Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons as the result of any one collision; or

3.  When at least Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of injury to or destruction of property of others as a result of any one collision.

B.  Provided, however, payments made in settlements of any claims because of bodily injury, death or property damage arising from the collision shall be credited in reduction of the amounts provided for in this section.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7-316, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 5, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§477317.  Installment payment of judgments  Default.

(a) A judgment debtor upon due notice to the judgment creditor may apply to the court in which such judgment was rendered for the privilege of paying such judgment in installments and the court, in its discretion and without prejudice to any other legal remedies which the judgment creditor may have, may so order and fix the amounts and times of payment of the installments.

(b) The Department shall not suspend a license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege and shall restore any license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege suspended following nonpayment of a judgment when the judgment debtor gives proof of financial responsibility and obtains such an order permitting the payment of such judgment in installments, and while the payment of any said installments is not in default.


Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7317.  

§477318.  Action if breach of agreement.

In the event the judgment debtor fails to pay any installment as specified by such order, then upon notice of such default the Department shall forthwith suspend the license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege of the judgment debtor until such judgment is satisfied, as provided in this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 360, § 7318.  

§47-7-319.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§477320.  Alternate methods of giving proof.

Proof of financial responsibility when required under this article, with respect to such a vehicle or with respect to a person who is not the owner of such a vehicle, may be given by filing:

1.  A certificate of insurance as provided in Section 7321 or Section 7322 of this title;

2.  A bond as provided in Section 7327 of this title;

3.  A certificate of deposit of money or securities as provided in Section 7330 of this title; or

4.  A certificate of selfinsurance, as provided in Section 7503 of this title, supplemented by an agreement by the selfinsurer that, with respect to accidents occurring while the certificate is in force, he will pay the same amounts that an insurer would have been obliged to pay under an owner's motor vehicle liability policy if it had issued such a policy to said selfinsurer.

Laws 1961, p. 361, § 7320; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477321.  Certificate of insurance as proof.

Proof of financial responsibility required by this article may be furnished by filing with the Department the written certificate of any insurance carrier duly authorized to do business in this state certifying that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability policy for the benefit of the person required to furnish proof of financial responsibility.  Such certificate shall give the effective date of such motor vehicle liability policy, which date shall be the same as the effective date of the certificate, and shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all vehicles covered thereby, unless the policy is issued to a person who is not the owner of a motor vehicle.  The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to persons found to be in violation of Article VI of this chapter.

Laws 1961, p. 361, § 7321; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477322.  Certificate furnished by nonresident as proof.

A nonresident may give proof of financial responsibility by filing with the Department a written certificate or certificates of an insurance carrier authorized to transact business in the state in which the vehicle or vehicles owned by such nonresident is registered, or in the state in which such nonresident resides, if he does not own a vehicle, provided such certificate otherwise conforms with the provisions of this chapter, and the Department shall accept the same upon condition that said insurance carrier complies with the following provisions with respect to the policies so certified:

1.  Said insurance carrier shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the Commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action arising out of a motor vehicle accident in this state;

2.  Said insurance carrier shall agree in writing that such policies shall be deemed to conform with the laws of this state relating to the terms of motor vehicle liability policies issued therein.


Laws 1961, p. 361, § 7322.  

§477323.  Default by nonresident insurer.

If any insurance carrier not authorized to transact business in this state, which has qualified to furnish proof of financial responsibility, defaults in any said undertakings or agreements, the Department shall not thereafter accept as proof any certificate of said carrier whether theretofore filed or thereafter tendered as proof, so long as such default continues.


Laws 1961, p. 361, § 7323.  

§477324.  Motor vehicle liability policies - Contents and coverages.

(a)  Certification.  A "motor vehicle liability policy" as the term is used in this article shall mean an "owner's policy" or an "operator's policy" of liability insurance, certified as provided in Section 7321 or Section 7322 of this title as proof of financial responsibility, and issued, except as otherwise provided in Section 7322 of this title, by an insurance carrier duly authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person named therein as insured.

(b)  Owner's policy.  Such owner's policy of liability insurance:

1.  Shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby to be granted; and

2.  Shall insure the person named therein and any other person except as herein provided, as insured, using any such vehicle or vehicles with the express or implied permission of such named insured, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of such vehicle or vehicles within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada, subject to limits exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each such vehicle, as follows:  Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

3.  May by agreement in a separate written endorsement between any named insured and the insurer exclude as insured any person or persons designated by name from coverage under the policy.

(c)  Operator's policy.  Such operator's policy of liability insurance shall insure the person named as insured therein against loss from the liability imposed upon him by law for damages arising out of the use by him of any motor vehicle not owned by him, within the same territorial limits and subject to the same limits of liability as are set forth above with respect to an owner's policy of liability insurance.

(d)  Required statements in policies.  Such motor vehicle liability policy shall state the name and address of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, the premium charged therefor, the policy period and the limits of liability, and shall contain an agreement or be endorsed that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage defined in this chapter as respects bodily injury and death or property damage, or both, and is subject to all the provisions of this title.

(e)  Policy need not insure workmen's compensation.  Such motor vehicle liability policy need not insure any liability under any workmen's compensation law nor any liability on account of bodily injury to or death of an employee of the insured while engaged in the employment, other than domestic, of the insured, or while engaged in the operation, maintenance or repair of any such vehicle nor any liability for damage to property owned by, rented to, in charge of or transported by the insured.

(f)  Provisions incorporated in policy.  Every motor vehicle liability policy shall be subject to the following provisions which need not be contained therein:

1.  The liability of the insurance carrier with respect to the insurance required by this title shall become absolute whenever injury or damage covered by said motor vehicle liability policy occurs; said policy may not be canceled or annulled as to such liability by any agreement between the insurance carrier and the insured after the occurrence of the injury or damage; no statement made by the insured or on his behalf and no violation of said policy shall defeat or void said policy.

2.  The satisfaction by the insured of a judgment for such injury or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the right or duty of the insurance carrier to make payment on account of such injury or damage.

3.  The insurance carrier shall have the right to settle any claim covered by the policy, and if such settlement is made in good faith, the amount thereof shall be deductible from the limits of liability specified in paragraph 2 of subsection (b) of this section.

4.  The policy, the written application therefor, if any, and any rider or endorsement which does not conflict with the provisions of this title shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

(g)  Excess or additional coverage.  Any policy which grants the coverage required for a motor vehicle liability policy may also grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the coverage specified for a motor vehicle liability policy and such excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of this title.  With respect to a policy which grants such excess or additional coverage, the term "motor vehicle liability policy" shall apply only to that part of the coverage which is required by this section.

(h)  Reimbursement provision permitted.  Any motor vehicle liability policy may provide that the insured shall reimburse the insurance carrier for any payment the insurance carrier would not have been obligated to make under the terms of the policy except for the provisions of this title.

(i)  Proration of insurance permitted.  Any motor vehicle liability policy may provide for the prorating of the insurance thereunder with other valid and collectible insurance.

(j)  Multiple policies.  The requirements for a motor vehicle liability policy may be fulfilled by the policies of one or more insurance carriers which policies together meet such requirements.

(k)  Binders.  Any binder issued pending the issuance of a motor vehicle liability policy shall be deemed to fulfill the requirements for such a policy.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 361, § 7324, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 2004, c. 519, § 32, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§477325.  Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.

When an insurance carrier has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under Section 7321 or Section 7322 of this title, a notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified shall not be effective unless filed with the Department, within fifteen (15) days after such termination or cancellation except that such a policy subsequently procured and certified shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified with respect to any vehicle designated in both certificates.


Amended by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 3, operative July 1, 1982.  

§477326.  Articles not to affect other policies.

(a)  This article and Article II of this chapter shall not be held to apply to or affect policies of automobile insurance against liability which may now or hereafter be required by any other law of this state, and such policies, if they contain an agreement or are endorsed to conform with the requirements of this article and Article II of this chapter, may be certified as proof of financial responsibility under this article and Article II of this chapter.

(b)  This article and Article II of this chapter shall not be held to apply to or affect policies insuring solely the insured named in the policy against liability resulting from the maintenance or use by persons in the insured's employ or on his behalf of vehicles not owned by the insured.

Laws 1961, p. 363, § 7326; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§47-7-327.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§47-7-328.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§47-7-329.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§47-7-330.  Cash or certificate of deposit as proof.

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the certificate of the Department of Public Safety that the person named therein has deposited with the Department at least Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in cash, or a certificate of deposit issued by a financial institution located in Oklahoma in an amount of at least Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00).  The Department shall deposit any cash it receives for this purpose in a special account of the Department which shall be held in escrow until necessary to pay judgments as described in Section 7-331 of this title.  The Department shall obtain a written acknowledgment from any financial institution issuing a certificate of deposit which is used for the purpose of this section, showing the certificate of deposit has been pledged to the Department for this purpose.  The Department shall not accept any deposit and issue a certificate therefor and the Department shall not accept the certificate unless accompanied by evidence that there are no unsatisfied judgments of any character against the depositor in the county where the depositor resides.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 363, § 7-330, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1998, c. 85, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 6, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§47-7-331.  Application of deposit.

Such deposit shall be held by the Department to satisfy, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, any execution on a judgment issued against such a person making the deposit, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use or operation of a vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state after such deposit was made.  Money or securities so deposited shall not be subject to attachment or execution unless such attachment or execution shall arise out of a suit for damages as aforesaid.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 364, § 7-331, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1998, c. 85, § 4, eff. July 1, 1998.


§477332.  Owner may give proof for others.

The owner of a motor vehicle may give proof of financial responsibility on behalf of his employee or a member of his immediate family or household in lieu of the furnishing of proof by any said person.  The furnishing of such proof shall permit such person to operate only a motor vehicle covered by such proof.  The Department shall endorse appropriate restrictions on the face of the license held by such person, or may issue a new license containing such restrictions.


Laws 1961, p. 364, § 7332. Laws 1961, p. 364, § 7332.  

§477333.  Substitution of proof.

The Department shall consent to the cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance or the Department shall direct and the State Treasurer shall return any money or securities to the person entitled thereto upon the substitution and acceptance of other adequate proof of financial responsibility pursuant to this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 364, § 7333.  

§477334.  Other proof may be required.

Whenever any proof of financial responsibility filed under the provisions of this chapter no longer fulfills the purposes for which required, the Department shall, for the purpose of this chapter, require other proof as required by this chapter and shall suspend the license and registration pending the filing of such other proof.  

Laws 1961, p. 364, § 7334.  

§477335.  Duration of proof  When proof may be canceled or returned.

(a)  The Department shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or the Department shall direct and the State Treasurer shall return to the person entitled thereto any money or securities deposited pursuant to this article or Article II of this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the Department shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:

1.  In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf such proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of such person to operate a motor vehicle; or

2.  In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his license and registration to the Department.

(b)  Provided, however, that the Department shall not consent to the cancellation of any bond or the return of any money or securities in the event any action for damages upon a liability covered by such proof is then pending or any judgment upon any such liability is then unsatisfied, or in the event the person who has filed such bond or deposited such money or securities has within one (1) year immediately preceding such request been involved as a driver or owner in any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or damage to the person or property of others.  An affidavit of the applicant as to the nonexistence of such facts, or that he has been released from all of his liability, or has been finally adjudicated not to be liable, for such injury or damage, shall be sufficient evidence thereof in the absence of evidence to the contrary in the records of the Department.

Laws 1961, p. 365, § 7335; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§47-7-401.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 15, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.

§477402.  Surrender of license and registration.

(a) Any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended under any provision of this act, or whose policy of insurance or bond, when required under this act, shall have been canceled or terminated, shall immediately return his license and registration to the Department.  If any person shall fail to return to the Department the license or registration as provided herein, the Department shall forthwith direct any peace officer to secure possession thereof and to return the same to the Department.

(b) Any person willfully failing to return license or registration as required in paragraph (a) of this section shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.


Laws 1961, p. 365, § 7402.  

§477403.  Forged proof.

Any person who shall forge, or, without authority, sign any evidence of proof of financial responsibility, or who files or offers for filing any such evidence of proof knowing or having reason to believe that it is forged or signed without authority, shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one (1) year, or both.

Laws 1961, p. 365, § 7403; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§477404.  Reciprocity.

(a) The Department is hereby authorized to enter into, negotiate, and execute reciprocal compacts and agreements with the proper authorities, bureaus or divisions of other states regarding the use, application and operation of the financial responsibility provisions of this Code.

(b) Such compacts and agreements shall grant to the residents of other states privileges substantially like and equal to those granted by such states to residents of Oklahoma; provided that such compacts and agreements shall not supersede or suspend any laws, rules or regulations of the State of Oklahoma applying to vehicles operated intrastate in this state.  Privileges so granted shall extend only to persons who comply with the vehicle laws of the state of their residence.


Laws 1961, p. 365, § 7404.  

§477501.  Assigned risk plans.

After consultation with the insurance companies authorized to issue automobile liability policies in this state, the Insurance Commissioner shall approve a reasonable plan or plans, fair to the insurers and equitable to their policyholders, for the apportionment among such companies of applicants for such policies and for motor vehicle liability policies who are in good faith entitled to but are unable to procure such policies through ordinary methods.  When any such plan has been approved, all such insurance companies shall subscribe thereto and participate therein.  Any applicant for any such policy, any person insured under any such plan, and any insurance company affected may appeal to the Insurance Commissioner from any ruling or decision of the manager or committee designated to operate such plan.  Any order or act of the Insurance Commissioner under the provisions of this section shall be subject to review by appeal to the district court of Oklahoma County at the instance of any party in interest.  The court shall determine whether the filing of the appeal shall operate as a stay of any such order or act of the Insurance Commissioner and the court shall summarily hear the matter.  The court may, in disposing of the issue before it, modify, affirm or reverse the order or act of the Insurance Commissioner in whole or in part.


Laws 1961, p. 365, § 7501.  

§477502.  Exception in relation to vehicles insured under other laws.

Except for Sections 10108 and 7322, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply with respect to any vehicle which is subject to regulation by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission under provisions of any laws requiring insurance or other security.


Laws 1961, p. 366, § 7502.  

§477503.  Selfinsurers.

(a) Any person in whose name more than twentyfive vehicles are registered in this state may qualify as a selfinsurer by obtaining a certificate of selfinsurance issued by the Department as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) The Department may, in its discretion, upon the application of such a person, issue a certificate of selfinsurance when it is satisfied that such person is possessed and will continue to be possessed of ability to pay judgment obtained against such person. Such certificate may be issued authorizing a person to act as a selfinsurer for either property damage or bodily injury, or both.

(c) Upon not less than five (5) days' notice and a hearing pursuant to such notice, the Department may upon reasonable grounds cancel a certificate of selfinsurance.  Failure to pay any judgment within thirty (30) days after such judgment shall have become final shall constitute a reasonable ground for the cancellation of a certificate of selfinsurance.


Laws 1961, p. 366, § 7503.  

§477504.  Chapter not to prevent other process.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as preventing the plaintiff in any action at law from relying for relief upon the other processes provided by law.


Laws 1961, p. 366, § 7504.  

§477505.  Relief by court in cases of hardship.

(a)  In order to furnish a means of relief from extreme and unusually severe hardship in the application of this chapter, it is hereby provided that any owner or operator whose license or registration has been suspended by the Department under the provisions of this chapter for failure to furnish security or for failure to satisfy a judgment may make application for modification of the order of suspension to the district court of the county where such owner or operator resides.

The application shall contain the following:

1.  The name and address of the applicant.

2.  The date and location of the accident, names of any fatality or fatalities, names of persons injured, and/or names of persons whose real or personal property was damaged in said accident.

3.  That applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of the Financial Responsibility Act by either failing to post security or to satisfy a judgment.

4.  The facts creating an unusual or severe hardship impairing the ability of the applicant to earn a livelihood.

5.  That applicant has initiated action to post proof of financial responsibility by a method enumerated in Section 7320 of this title.

6.  A true copy of the order of suspension attached thereto.

7.  A verification by the applicant.

(b)  The district court shall set the application for hearing not less than fifteen (15) days nor more than thirty (30) days from the date of filing the application.

(c)  A certified copy of the application, bond, order for hearing and any other pleadings shall be served upon the Department of Public Safety, all judgment creditors and/or persons on whose behalf security has been required or by mailing a copy to their last-known address at least ten (10) days before said hearing.

(d)  Persons required to be notified of the hearing may appear and resist the application.  At said hearing the court shall take testimony concerning the hardship of the applicant, testimony of any interested party, and allow the driving and accident record of the applicant to be introduced into evidence by the Department of Public Safety.  After hearing on the application, but not before, if the court finds that such suspension has resulted or will result in extreme and unusually severe hardship, seriously impairing the ability of the applicant to earn a livelihood, the court may modify, but not vacate, the order of suspension and the extent to which said applicant must comply with the provisions of Articles II and III of this chapter with respect to furnishing security or satisfying a judgment.  If the court finds the order of suspension should be modified, then the court shall require that the applicant furnish proof of financial responsibility by a method enumerated in Section 7320 of this title.  Such proof shall be furnished to the Department of Public Safety.  The modification shall not become effective until such proof is furnished to the Department together with a certified order of the court setting forth the modification.

(e)  An appeal may be taken by any interested party from the order of the district court to the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma.

(f)  It shall be the duty of the district attorney in the county where said application is filed to represent the Department of Public Safety in the proceedings under the statute upon request from the Department of Public Safety.

Laws 1961, p. 366, § 7505; Laws 1994, c. 181, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.


§47-7-506.  Driving privilege or registration reinstatement fee.

Whenever a person's driving privilege or a registration is suspended or revoked and the filing of proof of financial responsibility is made a prerequisite to reinstatement of such privilege or registration, or both, or the issuance of a driver license or registration, or both, no such privilege or registration shall be reinstated or a driver license or registration issued unless the licensee or registrant, in addition to complying with the other provisions of this chapter, pays to the Department the fees provided for in Section 6-212 of this title.

Added by Laws 1965, c. 187, § 11, emerg. eff. June 8, 1965.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 23, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 18, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 154, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 8, eff. April 1, 1995.


§47-7-508.  Renumbered as § 941 of Title 36 by Laws 1988, c. 27, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.

§47-7-600.  Definitions.

As used in Section 7-600 et seq. of this title:

1.  "Owner's policy".  An owner's policy of liability insurance:

a. shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby to be granted,

b. shall insure the person named therein and insure any other person, except as provided in subparagraph c of this paragraph, using an insured vehicle with the express or implied permission of the named insured, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of such vehicle,

c. may provide for exclusions from coverage in accordance with existing laws, and

d. shall be issued by an authorized carrier providing coverage in accordance with Section 7-204 of this title.

2.  "Operator's policy".  An operator's policy of liability insurance shall insure the named person against loss from the liability imposed upon the named person by law for damages arising out of the operation or use by the named person of any motor vehicle not owned by the named person, subject to the same limits of liability required in an owner's policy.

3.  "Security".  Security means:

a. a policy or bond meeting the requirements of Section 7-204 of this title,

b. a deposit of cash or securities having the equivalency of limits required under Section 7-204 of this title as acceptable limits for a policy or bond,

c. self-insurance, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7-503 of this title, having the equivalency of limits required under Section 7-204 of this title as acceptable limits for a policy or bond, or

d. for vehicles registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 1127 of this title, a policy or bond meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 7-204 of this title; provided, the policy or bond may be issued by an insurance company or surety company authorized to do business in the state of residence or domicile of the member of the Armed Forces and the motor license agent or other registering agency shall accept the security verification form issued by such insurance company or surety company.

4.  "Compulsory Insurance Law".  Compulsory Insurance Law is the law requiring liability insurance in conjunction with the operation of a motor vehicle in this state as found in Section 7-600 et seq. of this title.

5.  "Security verification form".  A security verification form is a form, approved by the Insurance Commissioner, verifying the existence of security required by the Compulsory Insurance Law of the State of Oklahoma.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 1, operative Jan. 1, 1983.  Amended by Laws 1989, c. 181, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1997, c. 154, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.


§477600.1.  Statement or endorsement to be included in policies  Excess or additional coverage  Binders.

A.  The following statement or endorsement shall be included in owner's policies and operator's policies except certified policies issued pursuant to Section 7324 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes:  "Liability insurance is provided in this policy in accordance with coverage required by the Compulsory Insurance Law of Oklahoma."

B.  Excess or additional coverage.  A policy may also grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the coverage specified for policies defined in Section 1 of this act and such excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of the Compulsory Insurance Law.

C.  Binders.  Any binder issued pending the issuance of a policy shall be deemed to fulfill the requirements for such a policy.


Added by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 2, operative Jan. 1, 1983.  

§477601.  Liability requirements - Proof of compliance - Nonresidents.

A.  Until January 1, 1983, every owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state, other than a licensed used motor vehicle dealer, shall, at all times, maintain in force with respect to such vehicle security for the payment of loss resulting from the liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death and property damage sustained by any person arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of the vehicle.  As used herein, "security" means:

1.  A policy or bond meeting the requirements of Section 7204 of this title;

2.  A deposit of cash or securities having the equivalency of limits required under Section 7204 of this title as acceptable limits for a policy or bond; or

3.  Selfinsurance, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7503 of this title, having the equivalency of limits required under Section 7204 of this title as acceptable limits for a policy or bond.

B.  On and after January 1, 1983, every owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state, other than a licensed used motor vehicle dealer, shall, at all times, maintain in force with respect to such vehicle security for the payment of loss resulting from the liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death and property damage sustained by any person arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of the vehicle.  Every person, while operating or using a motor vehicle registered in this state which is not owned by such person, shall maintain in force security for the payment of loss resulting from the liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death or property damage sustained by any person arising out of the operation or use of the vehicle, unless such security has been provided by the owner in accordance with this section which does not exclude said person from coverage.

C.  1.  On and after September 1, 1993, unless otherwise provided by law, no motor vehicle shall be operated in this state unless there is in effect with respect to such vehicle security for the payment of loss resulting from the liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death and property damage sustained by any person arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of the vehicle.  Every person, while operating or using a motor vehicle in this state which is not owned by such person, shall maintain in force security for the payment of loss resulting from the liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death or property damage sustained by any person arising out of the operation or use of the vehicle, unless such security has been provided by the owner in accordance with this section which does not exclude said person from coverage.  Proof of such security shall be carried in the vehicle at all times and shall be produced for inspection upon request by any law enforcement officer or representative of the Department and, in case of collision, such proof shall be shown upon request of any person affected by the collision.

2.  The nonresident owner of a motor vehicle not registered in this state may give proof of financial responsibility by providing proof of compliance with the financial responsibility laws of the state in which the vehicle is registered or by filing with the Department a certificate of an insurance company authorized to transact insurance in the state in which the vehicle is registered, or if such nonresident does not own a motor vehicle, then in the state in which the insured resides, provided such certificate otherwise conforms to the provisions of this article, and the Department shall accept the same upon condition that said insurance company complies with the following provisions with respect to the policy so certified:

a. the insurance company shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the Department to accept service on its behalf or notice of process in any action arising out of a motor vehicle accident in this state, and

b. the insurance company shall agree in writing that such policies shall be deemed to conform with the laws of this state relating to the terms of motor vehicle liability policies issued in this state.

3.  The provisions of this subsection shall apply to nonresident owners and operators of vehicles that are not registered in this state only if the state in which the vehicle is registered requires compulsory liability insurance.  In such cases, compliance with the requirements of the law of the state of registration shall be deemed compliance with the laws of this state.

Laws 1976, c. 176, § 1, operative Dec. 11, 1976; Laws 1980, c. 85, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 355, § 4, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1993, c. 301, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.


§477601.1.  Owner's and operator's security verification forms  Contents.

A.  Every carrier, upon issuing an owner's policy, a renewal thereof, or a binder, shall supply a security verification form in duplicate to an owner for each insured vehicle on a form approved by the Insurance Commissioner.

1.  The owner's security verification form shall contain the following minimum information:

a. the name and address of the carrier,

b. the name and address of the agent or office where the existence of security may be verified, if other than the carrier,

c. the name of the named insured,

d. a notice that an owner's liability insurance policy has been issued pursuant to the Compulsory Insurance Law of this state,

e. the year of manufacture, make and at least the last three (3) digits of the vehicle identification number of each insured motor vehicle,

f. the inclusive dates the motor vehicle liability insurance is in effect, and

g. a warning to the owner that state law:

(1)  requires a current copy of the owner's security verification form must be surrendered to the motor license agent or other registering agency upon application or renewal for a motor vehicle license plate,

(2)  requires the other copy of the owner's security verification form to be carried in the motor vehicle at all times, and produced by any driver of the vehicle upon request for inspection by any peace officer or representative of the Department of Public Safety.  In case of a collision, the security verification form shall be shown upon request of any person affected by the collision.

The security verification form shall not include the address of the named insured.

2.  The owner's security verification form shall contain the following statement:  "Examine policy exclusions carefully.  This form does not constitute any part of your insurance policy."

3.  When a carrier issues an owner's policy providing blanket liability coverage for a fleet of motor vehicles, the year of manufacture, make and at least the last three (3) digits of the vehicle identification number specified in subparagraph e of paragraph 1 of this subsection may be deleted.  The security verification form shall bear the term "Fleet Coverage" and otherwise meet the provisions of Section 7600 et seq. of this title.

4.  In the event the effective dates within an owner's policy exceed one (1) year, the carrier shall furnish the owner a copy of the owner's security verification form at least annually in addition to the time of issuance or renewal in order for the owner to submit such copy for motor vehicle registration purposes.

5.  In the event an owner's policy also provides liability coverage which meets the requirements of an operator's policy, the carrier may also issue to each person entitled thereto an operator's security verification form as provided in this section.

B.  Every carrier, upon issuing an operator's policy, a renewal thereof, or a binder, may issue to the insured person a written operator's security verification form of a size which may conveniently be carried upon the person, containing the following minimum information:

1.  The name and address of the carrier;

2.  The name and address of the person or office where an inquiry may be made to verify the existence of security;

3.  The name of the named insured;

4.  A notice that in accordance with the Compulsory Insurance Law of this state, liability coverage has been issued for the named insured;

5.  A statement reflecting the form may be carried in lieu of an owner's form pursuant to the Compulsory Insurance Law while operating a motor vehicle.  Such form shall be produced upon request of any peace officer or representative of the Department of Public Safety.  In case of a collision, the form shall be shown upon request of a person affected by a collision with a vehicle operated by the insured; and

6.  The inclusive dates of liability coverage.

C.  A carrier may provide any additional information consistent with the Compulsory Insurance Law of this state in an owner's or operator's security verification form, but shall not be required to list the actual amounts of liability coverage thereon.  The security verification form shall not constitute nor be construed as any part of an insurance policy, renewal or binder.


Added by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 5, operative Jan. 1, 1983. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 103, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 181, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.  

§477601.2.  Insurance carriers prohibited from canceling, terminating, increasing or requiring higher premiums for certain peace officers, firefighters or emergency vehicle operators.

No insurance carrier issuing a vehicle liability policy pursuant to this article to a person employed as a peace officer, firefighter, or operator of emergency vehicles as defined in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, in this state shall cancel, terminate, increase the premiums due on such policy, or require such officer, firefighter, or operator of emergency vehicles to pay higher premiums because of any accident in which such person was involved if the accident occurred in the performance of the duty of such person.  The provisions of this section shall apply whether or not the motor vehicle driven by the peace officer, firefighter, or operator of emergency vehicles as defined in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, involved in the accident was owned by such person.


Added by Laws 1985, c. 129, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.  

§47-7-602.  Certification of existence of security - Exemptions.

A.  1.  The owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state shall carry in such vehicle at all times a current owner's security verification form listing the vehicle or an equivalent form which has been issued by the Department of Public Safety and shall produce such form upon request for inspection by any law enforcement officer or representative of the Department and, in case of a collision, the form shall be shown upon request to any person affected by the collision.

2.  Every person registering a motor vehicle in this state, except a motor vehicle which is not being used upon the public highways or public streets, or a manufactured home while on a permanent foundation, at the time of registration of such vehicle, shall certify the existence of security with respect to such vehicle by surrendering to a motor license agent or other registering agency a current owner's security verification form or an equivalent form issued by the Department.  A motor license agent or other registering agency shall require the surrender of such form prior to processing an application for registration or renewal.

3.  Fleet vehicles operating under the authority of the Corporation Commission, the Federal Highway Administration, or vehicles registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 1120 of this title, shall certify the existence of security with respect to such vehicle at the time of registration by submitting one of the following:

a. a current owner's security verification form verifying the existence of security as required by Section 7-600 et seq. of this title, or

b. a permit number verified by the Corporation Commission indicating the existence of a current liability insurance policy.  Provided, in the event the Corporation Commission is unable to verify the existence of such insurance as provided herein in a prompt and timely fashion, the Corporation Commission may accept a current single state registration form issued by the Corporation Commission or any other regulating entity with which the Corporation Commission has entered into a reciprocal compact or agreement regarding the regulation of motor vehicles engaged in interstate or foreign commerce upon and over the public highways.

4.  The following shall not be required to carry an owner's or operator's security verification form or an equivalent form from the Department during operation of the vehicle and shall not be required to surrender such form for vehicle registration purposes:

a. any vehicle owned or leased by the federal or state government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof,

b. any vehicle bearing the name, symbol, or logo of a business, corporation or utility on the exterior and which is in compliance with the provisions of Sections 7-600 through 7-610 of this title according to records of the Department of Public Safety which reflect a deposit, bond, self-insurance, or fleet policy,

c. fleet vehicles maintaining current vehicle liability insurance as required by the Corporation Commission or any other regulating entity,

d. any licensed taxicab, and

e. any vehicle owned by a licensed used motor vehicle dealer.

5.  Any person who knowingly issues or promulgates false or fraudulent information in connection with either an owner's or operator's security verification form or an equivalent form which has been issued by the Department of Public Safety shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B.  Each motor license agent is authorized to charge a fee of One Dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) to each person to whom the agent issues a certificate of registration and who is required to surrender proof of financial responsibility pursuant to the provisions of Sections 7-600 through 7-609 of this title.  The fee may be retained by the agent as compensation for services in processing the proof of financial responsibility and for processing the driver's license information, insurance verification information, and other additional information furnished to the agent pursuant to Section 1112 of this title, if such agent does not receive the maximum compensation as authorized by law.

Added by Laws 1976, c. 176, § 2, operative Dec. 11, 1976.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 85, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1980, c. 235, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 355, §§ 6, 11, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 49, § 1; Laws 1990, c. 298, § 1; Laws 1999, c. 232, § 4, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2004, c. 522, § 5, eff. July 1, 2004.


§477602.1.  Possession of security verification form while operating or using certain vehicles.

Every operator of a motor vehicle registered in this state shall, while operating or using such vehicle, carry either an operator's or an owner's security verification form issued by a carrier or an equivalent form issued by the Department of Public Safety, reflecting liability coverage.  An owner's security verification form issued to the owner of a motor vehicle may be used as an operator's security verification form by an operator who is not the owner of the motor vehicle, if said operator is not excluded from coverage on the motor vehicle liability insurance policy for the vehicle.  Any such exclusions from said policy shall be included on the owner's security verification form.


Added by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 7, operative July 1, 1983. Amended by Laws 1986, c. 45, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.  

§477603.  Verification of security.

A.  From its own records, the Department of Public Safety may verify the existence of security made in the form of a deposit or of selfinsurance for which a certification has been made.

B.  The Department may, either at the time of registration or at other intervals thereafter as it may determine, forward copies of certifications to insurance companies and surety companies, as the case may be, for verification of the security certified to in policies or bonds issued by such companies.  The companies thereafter and not later than thirty (30) days following receipt of such copies shall cause to be filed with the Department a written record of those certifications as respects which no policy or bond is applicable.

C.  Until July 1, 1991, the Department shall randomly verify the existence of security pursuant to the provisions of Section 7-603.1 of this title.

Amended by Laws 1988, c. 243, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 298, § 2.


§47-7-603.1.  Repealed by Laws 1990, c. 298, § 12, eff. July 1, 1991.

§47-7-604.  Repealed by Laws 1982, c. 355, § 11, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982.

§47-7-605.  Suspension of driving privilege and registration.

A.  1.  Every owner of a motor vehicle who permits the operation of the motor vehicle in this state, and every person who operates a motor vehicle in this state without the security required by this title, and any person who receives a deferred sentence, forfeits a bond, or is convicted in any state or municipal court for failure to carry a security verification form, shall be subject to suspension of his or her driving privilege and suspension of the registration of any motor vehicle not covered by security.

2.  The suspension shall remain in effect until payment is made of the fees provided for in Section 6-212 of this title and proof of security is furnished to the Department of Public Safety which complies with the requirements of Section 7-601 of this title.  Suspension under this section shall be effective when notice thereof is given pursuant to Section 2-116 of this title.

3.  Any person whose driving privilege or registration has been suspended pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall surrender to the Department his or her driver license and the license plate of any motor vehicle registered in his or her name and not covered by security.  Any person failing to voluntarily relinquish his or her driver license or license plate or plates to the Department within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice specified in paragraph 2 of this subsection shall pay a fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) in addition to the fees provided for in Section 6-212 of this title.

4.  If a person furnishes proof to the satisfaction of the Department that security was in effect at the time of the alleged offense, the Department shall vacate the suspension order and shall not require the filing of a certificate of insurance nor payment of either of the above fees.

B.  1.  When suspending a driver license or motor vehicle registration for violation of the Compulsory Insurance Law, Section 7-600 et seq. of this title, or for violation of a municipal ordinance requiring security or the carrying of a security verification form, the Department may rely upon court records which indicate that a person was either convicted or failed to appear upon the charge when the record is obtained from any court of competent jurisdiction which indicates one of the following:

a. a charge and the imposition of a deferred sentence,

b. a conviction, or

c. a notice of bond forfeiture.

2.  A court record is sufficient under paragraph 1 of this subsection which includes a statement such as "No Security Form", "No Insurance" or other term indicating lack of security.

3.  The Department may continue to rely on such records until proof is submitted from the issuing court clerk which indicates that the record either:

a. was issued in error, or

b. was not related to a violation of:

(1) the Compulsory Insurance Law,

(2) a security verification form as required by Chapter 7 of this title, or

(3) a municipal ordinance requiring security or the carrying of a security verification form.

C.  If a nonresident's driving privilege or registration is suspended pursuant to subsection A of this section, the Department shall transmit a certified copy of the record of such action to the official or officials in charge of the issuance of licenses and registration certificates in the state in which the nonresident resides.

Added by Laws 1976, c. 176, § 5, operative Dec. 11, 1976.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1982, c. 355, § 8, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 19, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 155, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 243, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 298, § 3; Laws 1991, c. 335, § 15, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 301, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 9, eff. April 1, 1995; Laws 1999, c. 119, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1990, c. 219, § 44 repealed by Laws 1991, c. 335, § 36, emerg. eff. June 15, 1991.


§47-7-606.  Failure to maintain insurance or security - Penalties.

A.  1.  An owner or operator who fails to comply with the Compulsory Insurance Law of this state, or who fails to produce for inspection a valid and current security verification form or equivalent form which has been issued by the Department of Public Safety upon request of any peace officer, representative of the Department of Public Safety or other authorized person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine of not more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and in addition thereto, shall be subject to suspension of license and registration in accordance with Section 7605 of this title.

2.  An owner other than an owner of an antique or a classic automobile as defined by the Oklahoma Tax Commission who files an affidavit that a vehicle shall not be driven upon the public highways or public streets, pursuant to Section 7607 of this title, who drives or permits the driving of the vehicle upon the public highways or public streets, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and in addition thereto, shall be subject to suspension of license and registration in accordance with Section 7605 of this title.

B.  A sentence imposed for any violation of Section 7600 et seq. of this title may be suspended or deferred in whole or in part by the court.

C.  Any person producing proof in court that a current security verification form or equivalent form which has been issued by the Department reflecting liability coverage for such person was in force at the time of the alleged offense shall be entitled to dismissal of such charge upon payment of court costs; however, if proof of security verification is presented to the court within fortyeight (48) hours after the violation, the charge shall be dismissed without payment of court costs.

D.  Upon conviction, bond forfeiture or deferral of sentence, the court clerk shall forward an abstract to the Department of Public Safety within ten (10) days reflecting the action taken by the court.

Added by Laws 1976, c. 176, § 6, operative Dec. 11, 1976.  Amended by Laws 1981, c. 271, § 1; Laws 1982, c. 355, § 9, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1984, c. 181, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1988, c. 243, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 110, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 298, § 4; Laws 1991, c. 74, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 2001, c. 131, § 7, eff. July 1, 2001.


§477607.  Exemptions.

A.  Every owner of a motor vehicle which is not used upon the public highways or public streets shall be exempt from the provisions of Sections 7600 through 7606 of this title if the owner of such vehicle has filed an affidavit with the appropriate motor license agent which states that the vehicle shall not be driven upon the public highways or public streets during the uninsured period.

The form of the affidavit shall be prescribed by the Oklahoma Tax Commission and shall contain blanks for the owner to specify the length of time the vehicle shall not be driven upon the public highways or public streets, the reason the vehicle shall not be driven, and any other information deemed necessary by the Tax Commission.

B.  The owner or transporter of a manufactured home, as defined by Section 1102 of this title, who is moving or transporting such manufactured home on state roads or federal highways shall comply with the provisions of Sections 7600 through 7606 of this title.

C.  Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of operating a taxicab or taxicabs shall be exempt from the provisions of Sections 7600 through 7606 of this title if the person, firm or corporation has complied with the provisions of Section 8104 of this title.


Amended by Laws 1984, c. 253, § 3, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1986, c. 138, § 1, emerg. eff. April 17, 1986.  

§47-7-608.  Nonpayment or refund of premium - Termination - Notice to Department - Request for proof of insurance.

A.  Each insurance carrier, which issues a vehicle liability policy pursuant to the provisions of Sections 7-601 through 7-610 of this title, shall provide notice, either by means of written or electronic communication, to the Department of Public Safety of the termination of the policy for nonpayment or refund of premium if the termination is final and occurs within the first one hundred eighty (180) days of the inception date of such policy.  Each insurance carrier also shall provide such notice for any such policy which has been issued for a period of less than six (6) months which expires without renewal.  Any notice required by this subsection shall be provided to the Department within a reasonable time after the expiration of any applicable grace period.

B.  If an insurance carrier, required to provide notification pursuant to subsection A of this section, has knowledge that relinquishment of vehicle ownership is the reason for termination or expiration without renewal of a policy, that fact shall be included in the notification.

C.  The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules governing the notification requirements specified in subsections A and B of this section, including the development of procedures which would permit insurance carriers to provide the required notices to the Department by means of written or electronic communication on a monthly basis.

D.  Upon receipt of a notice of termination of insurance from a carrier pursuant to subsection A of this section, the Department of Public Safety shall notify the vehicle owner of the receipt of the termination notice and shall request proof of insurance from the vehicle owner.  Within thirty (30) days of the postmark date of the request for proof of insurance, the vehicle owner shall submit such proof of insurance on a form prescribed by the Department.  The Department shall not be required to notify or request proof of insurance from a former vehicle owner if the Department receives the notification as provided in subsection B of this section, unless the Department has reason to believe that the person should be maintaining an operator's policy.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 298, § 5.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 351, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1997, c. 322, § 3, emerg. eff. May 29, 1997.


§47-7-609.  Suspension of driving privilege and registration for failure to provide proof of insurance - Submission, surrender or seizure of driver license and license plate - Disposition of fees - Liability.

A.  Whenever any owner fails to timely furnish proof of insurance or fails to timely respond as required by subsection D of Section 7-608 of this title, the Department of Public Safety shall suspend the person's driving privilege and the registration of any motor vehicle registered in the name of such person as owner which is not covered by security.  The suspension shall be effective immediately upon the lapse of the thirty-day response period in subsection D of Section 7-608 of this title.  The suspension shall remain in effect until payment is made of the fees provided for in Section 6-212 of this title and proof of insurance is presented to the Department; provided, if the person is not an owner of any motor vehicle or is not subject to the Compulsory Insurance Law of this state or provides proof the vehicle was insured prior to the suspension date, then proof of insurance and payment of the processing and reinstatement fee shall not be required and the Department shall vacate the suspension of the person's driving privilege.

B.  Any person whose driving privilege and registration have been suspended pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of this section shall surrender to the Department his or her driver license and the license plate of any motor vehicle registered in his or her name and not covered by security within thirty (30) days from the date of the suspension.  Any owner failing to surrender his or her driver license or license plate or plates to the Department within such time shall pay a fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) which shall be in addition to the fees provided for in Section 6-212 of this title.

C.  Whenever any person's driving privilege or registration of any motor vehicle is suspended pursuant to this section according to the records of the Department, the Department may accordingly notify any peace officer of the suspension.

D.  Any peace officer who has been notified that a person's driving privilege or registration of a motor vehicle is currently under suspension according to the records of the Department may, upon observing the person or motor vehicle anywhere upon a public street, highway, roadway, turnpike, or public parking lot, within this state, forthwith stop the person or motor vehicle and seize the person's driver license or license plate or both.

E.  No person shall have a property interest in a driver license, vehicle registration, or vehicle license plate issued pursuant to the laws of this state and it shall be the duty of every person whose driving privilege or motor vehicle registration has been suspended to forthwith surrender such driver license or license plate or both upon the request of any peace officer or representative of the Department.

F.  Any person upon a public street, highway, roadway, turnpike, or public parking lot, within this state, who willfully refuses to surrender possession of a driver license or license plate after being informed by a peace officer or representative of the Department that his or her driving privilege or motor vehicle registration is currently under suspension according to the records of the Department, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ten (10) days or a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by both such fine and imprisonment.

G.  Any driver license or license plate surrendered to or seized by a peace officer pursuant to this article shall be submitted to a representative of the Department in a manner and with a form or method approved by the Department.

H.  The Department shall deposit fees collected pursuant to subsection B of this section and paragraph 3 of subsection A of Section 7-605 of this title in a special account of the Department maintained with the office of the State Treasurer.  The State Treasurer shall credit these fees to this special account to be distributed as hereinafter provided.

I.  The Department shall identify the name of the employing law enforcement agency from which a suspended driver license or license plate has been received pursuant to this section, and determine that the fee required by subsection B of this section or paragraph 3 of subsection A of Section 7-605 of this title has been paid.  The Department shall reimburse the law enforcement agency so identified the sum of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each driver license and the sum of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each vehicle license plate from the special account.

J.  Any unencumbered monies remaining in the special account at the close of each calendar month shall be transferred by the Department to the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury.

K.  The State of Oklahoma, the departments and agencies thereof, including the Department of Public Safety, all political subdivisions, and the officers and employees of each, shall not be held legally liable in any suit in law or in equity for any erroneous entry of a suspension upon the records of the Department, nor for the enforcement of the provisions of the Compulsory Insurance Law, Section 7-600 et seq. of this title, performed in good faith.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 298, § 6, eff. July 1, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 351, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 77, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 218, § 10, eff. April 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 193, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 119, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 136, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 11, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-7-610.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 218, § 12, eff. April 1, 1995.

§47-7-700.  Reinstatement of driving privileges following subsequent withdrawal - Liability for fees.

Any person whose driving privileges have been withdrawn by the Department under the provisions of Chapter 7 of this title, and whose driving privileges are subsequently withdrawn for another violation of Chapter 7 of this title arising out of the same incident, shall not be required to pay to the Department any additional fees required by Section 6-212 of this title, as a condition of reinstatement of driving privileges from the subsequent withdrawal.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 58, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 394, § 7, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§478101.  Owner of forrent vehicle to give proof of financial responsibility.

(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles without drivers to rent a motor vehicle without a driver otherwise than as a part of a bona fide transaction involving the sale of such motor vehicle, unless he has previously notified the Department of the intention to so rent such vehicle and has given proof of financial responsibility, and the Tax Commission shall not register any such vehicle unless and until the owner gives proof of financial responsibility either as provided in this section or, in the alternative, as provided in Section 8102 of this title.  The Department shall cancel the registration of any motor vehicle rented without a driver whenever the Department ascertains that the owner has failed or is unable to give and maintain such proof of financial responsibility.

(b) Such owner shall submit to the Commissioner evidence that there has been issued to him by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in this state a public liability insurance policy or policies covering each such motor vehicle so rented in the amounts as hereinafter stated and insuring every person operating such vehicle under a rental agreement or operating the vehicle with the express or implied permission of the owner against loss from the liability imposed by law upon such person arising out of the operation of said vehicle in the amount of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for bodily injury to or death of one person and, subject to said limit as respects bodily injury to or death of any one person, the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) on account of bodily injury to or death of more than one person in any one accident and Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for damage to property of others in any one accident.  Provided, that the Commissioner is authorized to accept, in lieu of such public liability insurance policy covering specific vehicles, proof by evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of a valid and binding lease contract between the owner and a renter wherein it is agreed between such owner and the lesseerenter that such lesseerenter accepts responsibility for loss from any liability imposed by law upon any person arising out of the operation, either by express or implied permission of the lesseerenter, of any vehicle covered by such lease in amounts not less than the minimum amounts before set out in this subsection, together with satisfactory evidence of issuance to such lesseerenter, by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in this state, proper public liability insurance policies in amounts of not less than the minimum amounts before set out in this subsection or sufficient showing of financial responsibility of such lesseerenter as is required of owners by the provisions of Section 8102 of this title.

(c) The owner shall maintain such policy or policies in full force and effect during all times that he is engaged in the business of renting any motor vehicle without a driver unless said owner shall have given proof of financial responsibility as provided in Section 8102 of this title.

(d) Said policy or policies need not cover any liability incurred by the renter of any vehicle to any passenger in such vehicle.

(e) When any suit or action is brought against the owner of a forrent motor vehicle upon a liability under this title, it shall be the duty of the judge of the court before whom the case is pending to cause a preliminary hearing to be had, in the absence of the jury, for the purpose of determining whether the owner has obtained and there is in full force and effect, a policy or policies of insurance covering the person operating the vehicle under a rental agreement, in the limits above mentioned.  When it appears that the owner has obtained such policy or policies and that the same are in full force and effect, the judge or magistrate before whom such action is pending shall dismiss the action as to the owner of the motor vehicle.

(f) Whenever the owner of a motor vehicle rents such vehicle without a driver to another, it shall be unlawful for the latter to permit any other person to operate such vehicle without the permission of the owner.

(g) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 367, § 8101, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 235, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 2004, c. 519, § 33, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§478102.  Owner of forrent vehicle liable when no policy obtained.

(a) In the event the owner of a forrent motor vehicle has not given proof of financial responsibility as provided in Section 8101 of this title, then the Tax Commission shall not register any motor vehicle owned by such person and rented, or intended to be rented, to another unless such owner shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, his financial ability to respond in damages as follows:

1.  If he applies for registration of one motor vehicle, in the sum of at least Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) for any one person injured or killed and in the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for any number more than one injured or killed in any one accident.

2.  If he applies for the registration of more than one motor vehicle, then in the foregoing sums for one motor vehicle, and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) additional for each motor vehicle in excess of one, but it shall be sufficient for the owner to demonstrate ability to respond in damages in the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) for any number of motor vehicles.

(b) The Department shall cancel the registration of any motor vehicle rented without a driver whenever the Department ascertains that the owner has failed or is unable to comply with the requirements of this section.

(c) Any owner of a forrent motor vehicle who has given proof of financial responsibility under this section or who in violation of this act, has failed to give proof of financial responsibility shall be jointly and severally liable with any person operating such vehicle for any damages caused by the negligence of any person operating the vehicle by or with the permission of the owner, except that the foregoing provision shall not confer any right of action upon any passenger in any such rented vehicle as against the owner.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent an owner from making defense in any such action upon the ground of comparative or contributory negligence to the extent to which such defense is allowed in other cases.


Laws 1961, p. 368, § 8102; Laws 1980, c. 235, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1981.  

§47-8-103.  Renting motor vehicle to another.

A.  No person shall rent a motor vehicle to any other person unless the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented is duly licensed to operate a motor vehicle as required under this act or, in the case of a nonresident, then duly licensed under the laws of the state or country of his or her residence.

B.  No person shall rent a motor vehicle to another until he or she has inspected the driver license of the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented and compared and verified the signature thereon with the signature of such person written in his or her presence.

C.  Every person renting a motor vehicle to another shall keep a record of the registration number of the motor vehicle so rented, the name and address and driver license number of the person to whom the vehicle is rented, the expiration date of said license and place where said license was issued.  Such record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or officer or employee of the Department.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 368, § 8-103, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 23, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2005, c. 355, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-8-104.  Financial responsibility of taxicab operators.

A.  1.  Every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of operating a taxicab or taxicabs within a municipality shall file with the governing board of the municipality in which such business is operated proof of financial responsibility.

2.  No governing board of a municipality shall hereafter issue any certificate of convenience and necessity, franchise, license permit or other privilege or authority to any person, firm or corporation authorizing such person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of operating a taxicab or taxicabs within the municipality unless such person, firm or corporation first files with the governing board proof of financial responsibility.

3.  Every person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of operating a taxicab or taxicabs without the corporate city limits of a municipality or municipalities shall file with the Department of Public Safety, Financial Responsibility Division, of the state, proof of financial responsibility.

4.  No person, firm or corporation shall hereafter engage in the business of operating a taxicab or taxicabs without the corporate city limits of a municipality or municipalities in the state unless such person, firm or corporation first files with the Department of Public Safety proof of financial responsibility.

B.  As used in this section, "proof of financial responsibility" shall mean a certificate of any insurance carrier or risk retention group, as defined in Section 6453 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, authorized to do business in the state certifying that there is in effect a policy of liability insurance insuring the owner and operator of the taxicab business, his agents and employees while in the performance of their duties against loss from any liability imposed by law for damages including damages for care and loss of services because of bodily injury to or death of any person and injury to or destruction of property caused by accident and arising out of the ownership, use or operation of such taxicab or taxicabs, subject to minimum limits, exclusive of interest and cost, with respect to each such motor vehicle as follows:

1.  Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person;

2.  Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and

3.  Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 369, § 8-104, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by  Laws 1980, c. 235, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Laws 1986, c. 138, § 2, emerg. eff. April 17, 1986; Laws 1998, c. 85, § 5, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 165, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2004, c. 519, § 34, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§4710101.  Provisions of chapter apply throughout state.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply upon highways and elsewherethroughout the state.

Laws 1961, p. 370, § 10101; Laws 1972, c. 160, § 2. Laws 1961, p. 370, § 10101; Laws 1972, c. 160, § 2.  

§47-10-102.  Accidents involving nonfatal injury.

A.  The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in a nonfatal injury to any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he has fulfilled the requirements of Section 10104 of this title.  Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

B.  Any person willfully, maliciously, or feloniously failing to stop to avoid detection or prosecution or to comply with said requirements under such circumstances, shall upon conviction be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than ten (10) days nor more than two (2) years, or by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall revoke the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege of the person so convicted.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 370, § 10-102, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 112, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1992, c. 382, § 5, emerg. eff. June 9, 1992; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 478, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 345, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 478 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-10-102.1.  Accidents involving death.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he has fulfilled the requirements of Section 10-104 of this title.  Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

B.  Any person willfully, maliciously, or feloniously failing to stop to avoid detection or prosecution, or to comply with said requirements under such circumstances, shall upon conviction be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years, or by a fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall revoke the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege of the person so convicted.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 382, § 6, emerg. eff. June 9, 1992.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 479, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 346, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 479 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§4710103.  Accidents involving damage to vehicle.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of such accident until he has fulfilled the requirements of Section 10104 of this title.  Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.  Any person failing to stop or comply with said requirements under such circumstances shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.  In addition to the criminal penalties imposed by this section, any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to liability for damages in an amount equal to three times the value of the damage caused by the accident.  Said damages shall be recoverable in a civil action.  Nothing in this section shall prevent a judge from ordering restitution for any damage caused by a driver involved in an accident provided for in this section.

Amended by Laws 1987, c. 224, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.  

§47-10-104.  Duty to give information and render aid - Drug and alcohol testing.

A.  The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall give his correct name, address and registration number of the vehicle he is driving, and shall upon request exhibit his driver license and his security verification form, as defined in Section 7-600 of this title, to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with, and shall render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.  Any driver who provides information required by this section which is intentionally inaccurate shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10-103 of this title.

B.  Any driver of any vehicle involved in an accident who could be cited for any traffic offense where said accident resulted in the immediate death or great bodily injury, as defined in subsection B of Section 646 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, of any person shall submit to drug and alcohol testing as soon as practicable after such accident occurs.  The traffic offense violation shall constitute probable cause for purposes of Section 752 of this title and the procedures found in Section 752 of this title shall be followed to determine the presence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances within the driver's blood system.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10-104, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 134, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1991, c. 237, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 192, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 313, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 8, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§4710105.  Duty upon striking unattended vehicle.

The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle of the correct name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle, and provide said operator or owner with information from his security verification form, as defined by Section 7600 of this title, or shall leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking, and providing information from his security verification form, as defined by Section 7600 of this title, and a statement of the circumstances thereof.

Amended by Laws 1985, c. 134, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.  

§47-10-106.  Duty upon striking fixtures upon a highway.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to fixtures or other property legally upon or adjacent to a highway shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of such property of such fact and of the driver's name and address and of the registration number of the vehicle being driven and shall upon request exhibit a driver license and security verification form, as defined in Section 7-600 of this title, and shall make report of such accident when and as required in Section 10-108 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10-106, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 134, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1995, c. 23, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.


§4710107.  Immediate notice of accident.

The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of such accident to the local police department, if such accident occurs within a municipality, or to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the State Highway Patrol after complying with the requirements of Section 10104.

Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10107.  

§47-10-108.  Written report of accident - Notice to other parties - Ancillary proceedings.

A.  The operator of a motor vehicle which is in any manner involved in a collision upon any road, street, highway or elsewhere within this state resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person or in which it is apparent that damage to one vehicle or other property is in excess of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) shall forward a written report of the collision to the Department if settlement of the collision has not been made within six (6) months after the date of the accident and provided that if a settlement has been made a report of the settlement must be made by the parties.

B.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7-202 of this title, if any party involved in a collision files a report under this section, the Department shall be responsible for providing the most up-to-date and accurate location information within the Department for either party involved at no cost, and notify all other parties involved in the collision, as specified in the report, that a report has been filed and all other parties shall then furnish the Department, within twenty (20) days, the information as the Department may request to determine whether the parties were in compliance with the requirements of Sections 7-601 through 7-609 of this title at the time of the collision.  Upon a finding that an owner or driver was not in compliance with Sections 7-601 through 7-609 of this title, the Department shall then commence proceedings under the provisions of Sections 7-201 and 7-301 through 7-335 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10-108, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1968, c. 99, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968; Laws 1980, c. 100, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 295, § 2, emerg. eff. June 29, 1981; Laws 1993, c. 192, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 9, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§4710109.  Form of report.

(a) The form of the report required by this section shall be prescribed by the Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall cause to be prepared such blanks and shall make such blanks available to the motoring public by leaving a supply with sheriffs, chiefs of police, justices of the peace, judges of the district court and other officials as the Commissioner may deem advisable.

(b) Such report, in addition to such other information as may be prescribed by the Commissioner, shall contain information to enable the Commissioner to determine whether the requirements for the deposit of security under Section 7202 are inapplicable by reason of the existence of insurance or other exceptions specified in this act, and shall be accompanied by a copy of an estimate made by some motor vehicle agency or established garage as to the cost of reparing the vehicle of which the person making the report was the operator or owner, which report shall be signed by an authorized representative of such agency or garage.

Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10109. Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10109.  

§4710110.  Additional information.

The Department may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the Department.

Laws 1961, p. 316, § 1110.  

§4710111.  When driver unable to report.

(a) An accident report is not required under this chapter from any person who is physically incapable of making report during the period of such incapacity.

(b) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving an immediate notice of an accident as required in Section 10107 and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, such occupant shall make or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver.

Laws 1961, p. 371, § 10111.  

§4710112.  False reports.

Any person who gives information in reports as required in Sections 10108, 10110 or 10111 knowing or having reason to believe that such information is false shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than one (1) year, or both.

Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10112.  

§4710113.  Accident report forms.

(a) The Department shall prepare and upon request supply to police departments, coroners, sheriffs, garages and other suitable agencies or individuals forms for accident reports required hereunder, appropriate with respect to the persons required to make such reports and the purposes to be served.  The written reports to be made by persons involved in accidents and by investigating officers shall call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose with reference to a traffic accident the cause, conditions then existing and the persons and vehicles involved.

(b) Every accident report required to be made in writing shall be made on the appropriate form approved by the Department and shall contain all of the information required therein unless not available.

Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10113.  

§4710114.  Penalty for failure to report.

The Commissioner of Public Safety may suspend the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privileges of any person failing to report an accident as herein provided until such report has been filed, and the Commissioner may extend such suspension not to exceed thirty (30) days.  Any person convicted of failing to make a report as required herein shall be punished as provided in section 17101.

Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10114.  

§47-10-115.  Confidentiality of reports relating to collisions.

A.  All collision reports made by persons involved in collisions shall be without prejudice to the individual so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the Department or other state agencies having use for the records for collision prevention purposes, or for the administration of the laws of this state relating to the deposit of security and proof of financial responsibility by persons driving or the owners of motor vehicles, except that the Department may disclose the identity of a person involved in a collision when the identity is not otherwise known or when the person denies any presence at a collision.

B.  All collision reports and supplemental information filed in connection with the administration of the laws of this state relating to the deposit of security or proof of financial responsibility shall be confidential and not open to general public inspection, nor shall copying of lists of the reports be permitted, except, however, that the reports and supplemental information may be examined by, or the Department may provide a copy to, any person named therein, a representative of the person as designated in writing by the person, or as provided in Section 40-102 of this title.

C.  No reports or information mentioned in this section shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of a collision, except that the Department shall furnish upon demand of any party to a trial, or upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified collision report has or has not been made to the Department in compliance with law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10-115, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 324, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 10, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§4710116.  Department to tabulate and analyze accident reports.

The Department may tabulate and analyze all accident reports and shall publish annually, or at more frequent intervals, statistical information based thereon as to the number and circumstances of traffic accidents.

Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10116.  

§4710117.  Any incorporated city may require accident reports.

Any incorporated city, town, village or other municipality may by ordinance require that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall also file with a designated city department a report of such accident or a copy of any report herein required to be filed with the Department.  All such reports shall be for the confidential use of the city department and subject to the provisions of Section 10115 of this Code.

Laws 1961, p. 372, § 10117.  

§4711101.  Provisions of chapter refer to vehicles upon the highways  Exceptions.

The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon the highways except:

1.  Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section.

2.  The provisions of Chapter 10 and Article IX of this chapter shall apply upon highways, turnpikes and public parking lots throughout the state.

Laws 1961 P. 373, Sec. 11101.


§4711102.  Required obedience to traffic laws.

It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11102.  

§4711103.  Obedience to police officers.

No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11103; Laws 1968, c. 58, § 1, emerg. eff. March 18, 1968.  

§4711104.  Persons riding animals or drivanimaldrawn vehicles.

Every person riding an animal or driving any animaldriven vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11104.  

§4711105.  Persons working on highways  Exceptions.

Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter except those contained in Article IX hereof shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment, while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway, or to persons, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in construction, maintenance or repair of public utilities provided that all highway and public utility operations shall be protected by adequate warning signs, signals, devices or flagmen, but the provisions of this chapter shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11105.  

§47-11-106.  Authorized emergency vehicles.

A.  The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privilege set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.

B.  The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:

1.  Park, or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;

2.  Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;

3.  Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as speeding does not endanger life or property;

4.  Disregard regulations governing direction of movement; and

5.  Disregard regulations governing turning in specified directions.

C.  The exemptions herein granted to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver is properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal or of flashing red or blue lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights meeting the requirements of Section 12-218 of this title, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red or blue light visible from in front of the vehicle.  This subsection shall not be construed as requiring a peace officer operating a police vehicle properly and lawfully in response to a crime in progress to use audible signals.

D.  The exemptions in paragraphs 3 and 5 of subsection B of this section shall be granted to a law enforcement officer operating an authorized emergency vehicle for law enforcement purposes without using audible and visual signals required by this section as long as the action does not endanger life or property if the officer is following a suspected violator of the law with probable cause to believe that:

1.  Knowledge of the presence of the officer will cause the suspect to:

a. destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony,

b. end a suspected continuing felony before the officer has obtained sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest, or

c. evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or the vehicle of the suspect; or

2.  Because of traffic conditions, vehicles moving in response to the audible or visual signals may increase the potential for a collision.

The exceptions granted in this subsection shall not apply to an officer who is in actual pursuit of a person who is eluding or attempting to elude the officer in violation of Section 540A of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

E.  The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11-106, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1998, c. 168, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 189, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2002, c. 229, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 12, eff. July 1, 2004.


§4711107.  Military convoys exempt from municipal traffic regulation  Right of way  Exceptions.

The military forces of the United States and organizations of the National Guard, performing any military duty, shall not be restricted by municipal traffic regulations, and shall have the right of way on any street or highway through which they may pass against all, except carriers of the United States mail, fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles in the necessary discharge of their respective duties.  Said mounted military moving in convoy shall have lights burning, with lead and trail vehicles prominently marked, and shall travel, while inside the corporate limits of a city or town, in compliance with such speeds as are legally posted within the corporate limits of the city or town and shall maintain a closed interval of not more than seventyfive (75) feet.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11107.  

§4711201.  Obedience to and required trafficcontrol devices.

(a) The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official trafficcontrol device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this act, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this act.

(b) No provision of this act for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that signs are required, such section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place.

Laws 1961, p. 373, § 11201.  

§4711202.  Trafficcontrol signal legend.

Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights or colored lighted arrows successively one at a time, or in combination, only the colors green, red and yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word legend, and said lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows:

1.  Green indication:

a.  Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal, except when prohibited under Section 111302 of this title, may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn.  But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the rightofway to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited.

b.  Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time.  Such vehicular traffic shall yield the rightofway to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

c.  Unless otherwise directed by a pedestriancontrol signal, as provided in Section 11203 of this title, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

2.  Steady yellow indication:

a.  Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter.

b.  Pedestrians facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 11203 of this title, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red indication is shown, and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway.

3.  Steady red indication:

a.  Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown except as provided in paragraph 3b of this section.

b.  Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right or to turn left from a oneway street into a oneway street after stopping as required by paragraph 3a of this section.  Such vehicular traffic shall yield the rightofway to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

c.  In order to prohibit right turns or left turns as prescribed in paragraph 3b of this section on the red signal after the required stop, a municipality must erect clear, concise signs informing drivers that such turns are prohibited.  The Highway Department shall specify the design of the sign to be used for this purpose, and it shall be used uniformly throughout the state.

d.  Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 11203 of this title, pedestrians facing a steady circular red signal alone shall not enter the roadway.

In the event an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.  Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.

Laws 1961, p. 374, § 11202; Laws 1972, c. 92, § 2; Laws 1974, c. 110, § 1; Laws 1977, c. 21, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977.  

§4711203.  Pedestriancontrol signals.

Whenever special pedestriancontrol signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Wait" or "Don't Walk" are in place, such signals shall indicate as follows:

1.  Walk.  Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right of way in the direction of the signal by the drivers of all vehicles.

2.  Wait or Don't Walk.  No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the walk signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the wait signal is showing.

Laws 1961, p. 374, § 11203.  

§4711204.  Flashing signals.

A.  Whenever an illuminated red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:

1.  Flashing red (stop signal).  When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the requirements of law applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

2.  Flashing yellow (caution signal).  When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.

B.  This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings.  Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed as set forth in Section 11701 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 375, § 11204, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§4711204.1.  Lane use control signals.

When lane use control signals are placed over individual lanes, said signals shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles as follows:

1.  Green indication  Vehicular traffic may travel in any lane over which a green signal is shown;

2.  Steady yellow indication  Vehicular traffic is thereby warned that a lane control change is being made;

3.  Steady red indication  Vehicular traffic shall not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal is shown; and

4.  Flashing yellow indication  Vehicular traffic may use the lane only for the purpose of approaching and making a left turn.

Laws 1977 c. 21, § 2, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977.  

§4711205.  Pedestriancatuated school crossing signals.

Whenever a pedestrianactuated school crossing signal is provided, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic and pedestrians in accordance with Sections 11202 and 11203 of this title.

Laws 1961, p. 375, § 11205; Laws 1977, c. 21, § 3, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977.  

§4711206.  Display of unauthorized signs, signals or markings.

(a) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official trafficcontrol device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which projects any flashing or revolving beams of light, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official trafficcontrol device or any railroad sign or signal, and no person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any street or highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising; provided, however, that the governing board of any city or town may permit, under such conditions as the said board may deem proper, commercial or other advertising upon any traffic sign located on streets or highways within said city or town and not designated as either state or federal highways or extensions thereof.

(b) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.

(c) Every such prohibited sign, signal or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway is hereby empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice.

Laws 1961, p. 375, § 11206.  

§47-11-207.  Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals - Violation resulting in personal injury or death - Penalty.

A.  No person shall, without lawful authority, attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any official traffic-control device, including any nine-one-one (911) emergency telephone service route markers, or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield or insignia thereon, or any other part thereof.

B.  If a violation of subsection A of this section results in personal injury to or death of any person, the person committing the violation shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not more than two (2) years, or by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 376, § 11-207, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by  Laws 1993, c. 127, § 3, emerg. eff. May 4, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 480, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1998, c. 23, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 347, eff. July 1, 1999.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 480 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-11-208.  Traffic signal preemption device - Possession, use, interference with, or sale.

A.  As used in this section, the term "traffic signal preemption device" shall mean a device designed for use by authorized emergency vehicles to improve traffic movement by temporarily controlling signalized intersections.

B.  It shall be unlawful for a person to possess, use, or interfere with a traffic signal preemption device unless:

1.  The person is the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle upon which the device is installed; and

2.  The person is responding to an existing or potential emergency and there is a threat of immediate danger to life or property which reasonably requires the use of the device in order to protect the life, safety, health, or property of another person.

C.  It shall be unlawful to advertise, offer for sale, sell, or otherwise distribute any traffic signal preemption device to any individual person in this state.  Advertising, offering for sale, selling, and distribution of these devices shall be limited to trade publications and companies whose target market is law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and ambulance service providers of this state or its political subdivisions.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 130, § 8, emerg. eff. April 20, 2004.


§47-11-225.  Renumbered as § 12-225 of this title by Laws 2000, c. 189, § 13, eff. July 1, 2000.

§47-11-301.  Drive on right side of roadway - Exceptions.

A.  Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

1.  When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the laws governing such movement;

2.  When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the rightofway to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

3.  Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the laws applicable thereon;

4.  Upon a roadway restricted to oneway traffic; or

5.  Upon a roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for twoway movement of traffic.

B.  Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the righthand lane when available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway and may be temporarily driven upon the right-hand shoulder for the purpose of permitting other vehicles to pass.  This subsection shall not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

C.  Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for twoway movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under paragraph 2 of subsection (a) of this section.  However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 376, § 11-301, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1977, c. 21, § 4, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977; Laws 1978, c. 129, § 1; Laws 1996, c. 22, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 20, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§4711302.  Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least onehalf (1/2) of the maintraveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

Laws 1961, p. 376, § 11302.  

§4711303.  Overtaking a vehicle on the left  Signal.

The following requirements shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special requirements hereinafter stated:

1.  The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

2.  Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

3.  Every driver who intends to pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, which requires moving his vehicle from one lane of traffic to another, shall first see that such movement can be made with safety and shall proceed to pass only after giving a proper signal by hand or mechanical device.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 376, § 11303, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1968, c. 96, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§4711304.  When overtaking on the right is permitted.

(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

1.  When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

2.  Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;

3.  Upon a oneway street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.  In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11304.  

§4711305.  Limitations on overtaking on the left.

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.  In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the righthand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred (100) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11305.  

§4711306.  Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

1.  When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;

2.  When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing unless otherwise indicated by official traffic control devices;

3.  When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

(b) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a oneway roadway; nor under the conditions described in Section 11301, subsection (a), paragraph 2 of this title, nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11306; Laws 1977, c. 21, § 5, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977.  

§4711307.  Nopassing zones.

(a) The Oklahoma Department of Highways or other designated authorities are hereby authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones and when such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.

(b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a nopassing zone as set forth in paragraph (a) no driver shall at any time drive to the left side of the roadway within such nopassing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such nopassing zone throughout its length.

Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11307.  

§4711308.  Oneway roadways and rotary traffic island.

(a) The State Highway Commission or local authorities, within their respective jurisdictions, may designate any street or highway or any separate roadway under their respective jurisdictions for oneway traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.

(b) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for oneway traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.

(c) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such islands.

Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11308.  

§4711308a.  Speed limits  Traffic control regulations  Violations.

Upon application by the governing board of a public trust, as defined in Sections 164 and 176 of Title 60 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Transportation Commission may set speed limits and promulgate regulations governing uniform traffic control to comply with the provisions of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes for the reasonable and safe operation of motor vehicles on property situated within the state and owned by or under the control of the public trust.

Speed limits and regulations so established shall be enforceable when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected.  The cost of such signs shall be borne by the public trust. Any person driving on such property in violation of the speed limit or regulation so established shall, upon conviction, be punished in the same manner as provided for persons convicted of violating other provisions of Sections 11101 et seq. of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Laws 1977, c. 100, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1977.  

§4711308b.  Public trusts  Contracts and agreements  Enforcement of speed limits and regulations.

A public trust authorized to make application under this section may enter into contracts and agreements with local authorities for the enforcement of speed limits and regulations governing uniform traffic control on property owned or controlled by the public trust.

Laws 1977, c. 100, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1977.


§47-11-309.  Driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following requirements in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply.

1.  A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane.

2.  A vehicle shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety and then given a signal, not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle, of his intention to change lanes.

3.  Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of the allocation.

4.  Upon a roadway which is divided into four or more lanes, a vehicle proceeding at less than the maximum posted speed, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, shall not impede the normal flow of traffic by driving in the left lane.  The vehicle shall be driven in the right-hand lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

5.  Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 377, § 11-309, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 47, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 2002, c. 397, § 22, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 11, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§4711310.  Following too closely.

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or another vehicle.

(c) No vehicle which has more than six tires in contact with the road shall approach from the rear of another vehicle which has more than six tires in contact with the road closer than three hundred (300) feet except when passing such said vehicle.

(d) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger.  The distance between such vehicles shall be a minimum of two hundred (200) feet under all conditions.  This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.


Laws 1961, p. 378, § 11310.  

§47-11-311.  Driving on divided highways.

Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the righthand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic control devices or peace officers.  No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, except through a permanent opening in the dividing space, barrier or section or at a permanent crossover or intersection as established unless specifically prohibited by public authority.  No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any temporary opening in a dividing space, barrier or section or at a temporary cross-over or intersection unless specifically authorized by a public authority or at the direction of a peace officer.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 378, § 11-311, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1977, c. 21, § 6, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977; Laws 1996, c. 22, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996.


§4711312.  Restricted access.

No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlledaccess roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.


Laws 1961, p. 378, § 11312.  

§4711313.  Restrictions on use of controlledaccess roadway.

The Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, or local authorities may, with respect to any controlledaccess roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of any such roadway by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motordriven cycle.  The Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, or local authorities adopting any such prohibitory regulations shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlledaccess roadway on which such regulations are applicable and when so erected no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on such signs.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 378, § 11313.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-314.  Approaching stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights.

A.  The driver of a motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying a flashing combination red or blue light or any combination of red or blue lights, shall:

1.  If traveling on a highway that consists of two or more lanes that carry traffic in the same direction of travel as that of the driver, the driver shall proceed with due caution and shall, if possible and with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle; or if the driver is not able to change lanes or if to do so would be unsafe, the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions; and

2.  If traveling on a highway other than a highway described in paragraph 1 of this subsection, the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

B.  This section does not relieve the operator of a stationary authorized emergency vehicle from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 14, eff. July 1, 2001.  Renumbered from § 11-405.1 of this title by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-11-401.  Vehicle approaching or entering intersection.

A.  Whether a stop sign or yield sign is present, visible or not, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall not proceed until it is safe to do so, when the driver is:

1.  On a county road upon approaching an intersection with a state or federal highway;

2.  On a private drive or any road not maintained by the county or state upon approaching an intersection with a state or federal highway or a county road;

3.  On an unpaved county road upon approaching an intersection with a paved county road; or

4.  On a county road, which ends at, merges with, or does not otherwise continue directly across an intersecting through county road, upon approaching the intersection with the through county road.

For purposes of this subsection, "paved road" means a road improved with a surface of concrete, asphalt, or what is commonly referred to as oil and chip, and "unpaved road" means all other roads.

B.  When two vehicles enter or approach an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, except as provided in subsection A of this section, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

C.  The right-of-way rules declared in subsections A and B of this section are modified at through highways and otherwise as hereinafter stated in this chapter.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 379, § 11-401, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 324, § 3; Laws 1997, c. 232, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 85, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2002, c. 45, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§4711402.  Vehicle turning left at intersection.

The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the rightofway to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver, having so yielded and having given a signal when and as required by this chapter, may make such left turn and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection from said opposite direction shall yield the rightofway to the vehicle making the left turn.


Laws 1961, p. 379, § 11402.  

§47-11-403.  Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection.

A.  Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized in Section 15-108 of this title.

B.  Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop as required by subsection (d) of Section 11-703 of this title and after having stopped shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on said highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver having so yielded may proceed and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection shall yield the rightofway to the vehicle so proceeding.

C.  The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to such sign slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, or shall stop if necessary as provided in subsection (e) of Section 11-703 of this title, and shall yield the rightofway to any pedestrian legally crossing the roadway on which the driver is driving, and to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.  Said driver having so yielded may proceed and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection shall yield to the vehicle so proceeding, provided, however, that if such driver is involved in a collision with a pedestrian in a crosswalk or vehicle in the intersection after driving past a yield sign without stopping, such collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the driver's failure to yield right-of-way.

D.  Where two or more vehicles face stop, slow, warning or caution signs or signals on two or more intersecting cross streets, and are approaching so as to enter the intersection at the same time, where each vehicle is required to stop, the vehicle coming from the right shall have the right-of-way.  Where each vehicle is required to slow, the vehicle coming from the right shall have the right-of-way.  Where each vehicle is required to take caution, the vehicle coming from the right shall have the right-of-way.  Where one vehicle is required to stop and the other to slow or take caution, the one slowing or taking caution shall have the right-of-way.  Where one vehicle is required to slow and the other to take caution, the one required to take caution shall have the right-of-way.  In any event, a vehicle which has already entered the intersection shall have the right-of-way over one which has not so entered the intersection.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 379, § 11-403, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 468, § 76, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 199, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§4711404.  Vehicle entering highway from private road or driveway.

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from a private road or driveway shall yield the rightofway to all vehicles approaching on said highway.


Laws 1961, p. 379, § 11404.  

§47-11-405.  Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.

A.  Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 12218 of this act, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal or red flashing lights, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the rightofway and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the righthand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

B.  This section shall not be construed to require a peace officer operating a police vehicle properly and lawfully in response to a crime in progress to use audible signals nor shall this section operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the road or highway.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 379, § 11-405, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 322, § 4, emerg. eff. May 29, 1997.


§47-11-405.1.  Renumbered as § 11-314 of this title by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§47-11-406.  Farm tractors or implements - Operation on highways - Permission from Department required - Wide vehicles - Duty of operator - Yield of right-of-way.

A.  A farm tractor, as defined in Section 1-118 of this title, or any implement of husbandry, as defined in Section 1-125 of this title, except trailers and semitrailers when operated in accordance with statutory limits or provisions of Section 14-101 of this title, shall not be permitted to travel upon any highway in this state which is a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.  However, the Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to permit such travel in certain geographic areas of the state as deemed necessary.  Such tractor or implement may be operated on any other roadway in this state if the operator has attached all the safety devices required by law and has taken reasonable steps to reduce the width of the tractor or implement as provided for by the manufacturer.  Whenever the width of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry exceeds the width of that portion of a roadway on which the tractor or implement is driven, which is marked as a single lane of traffic, or, if the roadway has not been marked for lanes of traffic and the width of the tractor or implement exceeds more than fifty percent (50%) of the width of the roadway, the operator shall move the tractor or implement, as soon as possible, as far to the right-hand side of the roadway as is practicable and safe upon approach of any oncoming or following vehicle and upon approaching the crest of a hill.

B.  Upon the immediate approach of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry which cannot be moved by the operator thereof to the far right-hand side of the roadway, as required in subsection A of this section, due to the existence of any bridge or guardrail, sign or any other physical impediment which would not safely allow such tractor or implement to travel on the far right-hand side of the road, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately pull over to the far right-hand side of the road and remain in such position until the tractor or implement has passed.

C.  This section shall not operate to relieve any operator of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the roadway.

Added by Laws 1991, c. 156, § 1, emerg. eff. May 6, 1991.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 27, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995.


§4711501.  Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations.

(a)  A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official trafficcontrol device specifically applicable to him, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

(b)  Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic and pedestriancontrol signals as provided in Sections 11202 and 11203 of this title.

(c)  At all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11501; Laws 1977, c. 21, § 7, emerg. eff. April 15, 1977.  

§47-11-501.1.  Rights and duties of persons operating wheelchair or motorized wheelchair.

Every person operating a wheelchair or a motorized wheelchair shall have all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to a pedestrian contained in Chapter 11 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§4711502.  Pedestrians' rightofway in crosswalks.

(a) When trafficcontrol signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the rightofway, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(b) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

(c) Paragraph (a) shall not apply under the conditions stated in Section 11503(b).

(d) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11502.  

§4711503.  Crossing at other than cross walks.

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the rightofway to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the rightofway to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which trafficcontrol signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11503.  

§4711504.  Drivers to exercise due care.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11504. Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11504.  

§4711505.  Pedestrians to use right half of crosswalks.

Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11505.  

§4711506.  Pedestrians on roadways or bridges.

(a) Where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.

(b) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction and shall yield to approaching vehicles.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to enter upon any portion of a bridge for the purpose of diving or jumping therefrom into a lake, river or stream for recreation, and it shall be unlawful for a pedestrian to use a bridge where sidewalks are not provided for the purpose of standing or sightseeing.


Amended by Laws 1986, c. 279, § 20, operative July 1, 1986.  

§4711507.  Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.

No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, donation, employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle.


Laws 1961, p. 380, § 11507.  

§4711601.  Required position and method of turning at intersections.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

1.  Right turns.  Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway.

2.  Left turns on twoway roadways.  At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered.  Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

3.  Left turns on other than twoway roadways.  At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme lefthand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the lefthand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered.

4.  Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause markers, buttons or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons or signs are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such markers, buttons or signs.


Laws 1961, p. 381, § 11601.  

§4711602.  Turning on curve or crest of grade prohibited.

No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred (500) feet.


Laws 1961, p. 381, § 11602.  

§4711603.  Starting parked vehicle.

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.


Laws 1961, p. 381, § 11603.  

§47-11-604.  Turning movements and required signals.

A.  No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection, a public or private road, or a driveway, unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in Section 11-601 of this title, or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.  No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal as provided in subsection B of this section, in the event any other traffic may be affected by such movement.

B.  A signal of intention to turn right or left as required by law shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

C.  No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in subsection B of this section to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal.

D.  When any person is properly preparing for, attempting or executing a left turn, as described in subsection A of this section, no other person operating another vehicle immediately following the turning vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass the turning vehicle to the left.  Such other person shall come to a complete stop if necessary at a safe distance behind the person preparing for, attempting or executing the turn or may proceed to the right of the turning vehicle as provided by Section 11-304 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 381, § 11-604.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 152, § 1, emerg. eff. April 25, 1997.


§4711605.  Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps.

(a) Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by signal lamps, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b).

(b) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, signal lamps when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds twentyfour (24) inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen (14) feet.  The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles.


Laws 1961, p. 381, § 11605.  

§4711606.  Method of giving handandarm signals.

All signals herein required given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and such signals shall indicate as follows:

1.  Left turn.  Hand and arm extended horizontally.

2.  Right turn.  Hand and arm extended upward.

3.  Stop or decrease speed.  Hand and arm extended downward.


Laws 1961, p. 382, § 11606.  

§4711701.  Obedience to signal indicating approach of train.

A.  Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty (50) feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely.  The foregoing requirements shall apply when:

1.  A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train;

2.  A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;

3.  A railroad train approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and such railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard;

4.  An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing; or

5.  The tracks at the crossing are not clear.

B.  No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed or fail to obey the directions of a law enforcement officer at the crossing.

C.  The operator of any Class A, B, or C commercial vehicle not required to stop at all railroad crossings, as prescribed in Section 11-702 of this title, shall slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 382, § 11701, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 169, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.


§47-11-702.  Commercial motor vehicles - Railroad crossing.

The driver of any commercial motor vehicle as defined in 49 C.F.R., Section 390.5, shall comply with the railroad crossing provisions as prescribed in 49 C.F.R., Section 392.10.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 382, § 11-702, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 201, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 2001, c. 309, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 461, § 8, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 13, eff. July 1, 2004.


§4711703.  Stop signs and yield signs.

(a)  Preferential right of way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized in Section 15108 of this act.

(b)  Every stop sign and every yield sign shall be erected as near as practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if there is no crosswalk, then as near as practicable to the nearest line of the intersecting roadway, however such yield signs shall not be erected upon the approaches of but one of the intersecting streets.

(c)  Every stop sign shall bear the word "Stop".  Every yield sign hereafter erected or replaced shall bear the word "Yield". Every stop sign and every yield sign shall at nighttime be rendered luminous by internal illumination, or by a floodlight projected on the face of the sign, or by efficient reflecting elements in or on the face of the sign.

(d)  Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or trafficcontrol signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection.

(e)  The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign if required for safety to stop shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.


Laws 1961, p. 382, § 11703; Laws 1974, c. 287, § 9, emerg. eff. May 29, 1974.  

§4711704.  Emerging from alley, driveway or building.

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the rightofway to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the rightofway to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.


Laws 1961, p. 382, § 11704.  

§47-11-705.  Meeting or overtaking stopped school bus - Violation and penalty - Reporting violations.

A.  The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus that is stopped to take on or discharge school children, and on which the red loading signals are in operation, is to stop the vehicle before it reaches the school bus and not proceed until the loading signals are deactivated and then proceed past such school bus at a speed which is reasonable and with due caution for the safety of such school children and other occupants.  Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

B.  Visual signals, meeting the requirements of Section 12-228 of this title, shall be actuated by the driver of said school bus whenever, but only whenever, such vehicle is stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.

C.  The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

D.  If the driver of a school bus witnesses a violation of the provisions of subsection A of this section, within twenty-four (24) hours of the alleged offense, the driver shall report the violation, the vehicle color, license tag number, and the time and place such violation occurred to the law enforcement authority of the municipality where the violation occurred.  The law enforcement authority of a municipality shall issue a letter of warning on the alleged violation to the person in whose name the vehicle is registered.  The Office of the Attorney General shall provide a form letter to each municipal law enforcement agency in this state for the issuance of the warning provided for in this subsection.  Such form letter shall be used by each such law enforcement agency in the exact form provided for by the Office of the Attorney General.  A warning letter issued pursuant to this subsection shall not be recorded on the driving record of the person to whom such letter was issued.  Issuance of a warning letter pursuant to this section shall not preclude the imposition of other penalties as provided by law.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 383, § 11-705, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1973, c. 112, § 1; Laws 1989, c. 207, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 130, § 9, emerg. eff. April 20, 2004.


§47-11-705.1.  Church buses - Definition - Meeting and overtaking stopped bus - Signs and signals.

A.  The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a church bus that is stopped to take on or discharge passengers, and on which the red loading signals are in operation, is to stop the vehicle before it reaches the church bus and not proceed until the loading signals are deactivated and then proceed past such bus at a speed which is reasonable and with due caution for the safety of such occupants.

B.  If the church bus is equipped with visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 12-228 of this title, the signals shall be actuated by the driver of said church bus whenever, but only whenever, such vehicle is stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.

C.  The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a church bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the church bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

Added by Laws 1978, c. 262, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-11-801.  Basic rule - Maximum limits - Fines and penalties.

A.  Any person driving a vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and any other conditions then existing.  No person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit the driver to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

B.  Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subsection A of this section, the limits specified by law or established as hereinafter authorized shall be maximum lawful speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

1.  Seventy-five (75) miles per hour in locations comprising:

a. the turnpike system, and

b. rural segments of the interstate highway system, as may be designated by the Transportation Commission.  Provided, however, the Commission shall determine prior to the designation of such segments that the public safety will not be jeopardized;

2.  Seventy (70) miles per hour in locations which are:

a. four-lane divided highways including, but not limited to, the interstate highway system, and

b. super two-lane highways.  As used in this section, a super two-lane highway shall mean any two-lane highway with designated passing lanes, and consisting of paved shoulders not less than eight (8) feet in width;

3.  Sixty-five (65) miles per hour in other locations;

4.  For a school bus, fifty-five (55) miles per hour on paved two-lane highways except on multilane divided highways, turnpikes, and interstate highways where the maximum shall be sixty-five (65) miles per hour;

5.  On any highway outside of a municipality in a properly marked school zone, twenty-five (25) miles per hour, provided the zone is marked with appropriate warning signs placed in accordance with the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.  The Department of Transportation may determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that a speed limit higher than twenty-five (25) miles per hour may be reasonable and safe under conditions as they exist upon a highway, and post an alternative school zone speed limit.  The Department shall mark such school zones, or entrances and exits onto highways by buses or students, so that the maximum speed provided by this section shall be established therein.  Exits and entrances to controlled-access highways which are within such school zones shall be marked in the same manner as other highways.  The county commissioners shall mark such school zones along the county roads so that the maximum speed provided by this section shall be established therein.  The signs may be either permanent or temporary.  The Department shall give priority over all other signing projects to the foregoing duty to mark school zones.  The Department shall also provide other safety devices for school zones which are needed in the opinion of the Department;

6.  Twenty-five (25) miles per hour or a posted alternative school zone speed limit through state schools located on the state-owned land adjoining or outside the limits of a corporate city or town where a state educational institution is established;

7.  Thirty-five (35) miles per hour on a highway in any state park or wildlife refuge.  Provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph shall not include the State Capitol park area, and no person shall drive any vehicle at a rate of speed in excess of  fifty-five (55) miles per hour on any state or federal designated highway within such areas; and

8.  For any vehicle or combination of vehicles with solid rubber or metal tires, ten (10) miles per hour.

The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in Sections 11-802 and 11-803 of this title.

C.  The Commission is hereby authorized to prescribe maximum and minimum speeds for all vehicles and any combinations of vehicles using controlled-access highways.  Such regulations shall become effective after signs have been posted on these highways giving notice thereof.  Such regulations may apply to an entirely controlled-access highway or to selected sections thereof as may be designated by the Commission.  It shall be a violation of this section to drive any vehicle at a faster rate of speed than such prescribed maximum or at a slower rate of speed than such prescribed minimum.  However, all vehicles shall at all times conform to the limits set forth in subsection A of this section.

Copies of such regulations certified as in effect on any particular date by the Secretary of the Commission shall be accepted as evidence in any court in this state.  Whenever changes have been made in speed zones, copies of such regulations shall be filed with the Commissioner of Public Safety.

D.  The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection A of this section, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hillcrest, when driving upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic, or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

E.  1.  No person shall drive a vehicle on a county road at a speed in excess of fifty-five (55) miles per hour unless posted otherwise by the board of county commissioners, as provided in subparagraphs a through c of this paragraph, as follows:

a. the board of county commissioners may determine, by resolution, a maximum speed limit which shall apply to all county roads which are not otherwise posted for speed,

b. the board of county commissioners shall provide public notice of the speed limit on all nonposted roads by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.  The notice shall be published once weekly for a period of four (4) continuous weeks, and

c. the board of county commissioners shall forward the resolution to the Director of the Department and to the Commissioner of Public Safety.

2.  The Department shall post speed limit information, as determined pursuant to the provisions of subparagraphs a through c of paragraph 1 of this subsection, on the county line marker where any state highway enters a county and at all off-ramps where interstate highways or turnpikes enter a county.  The signs shall read as follows:

ENTERING __________ COUNTY

COUNTY ROAD SPEED LIMIT

_____ MPH

UNLESS POSTED OTHERWISE

The appropriate board of county commissioners shall reimburse the Department the full cost of the signage required herein.

F.  Any person convicted of a speeding violation pursuant to subsection B or E of this section shall be punished by a fine as follows:

1.  One to ten miles per hour over the limit $10.00

2.  Eleven to fifteen miles per hour over the limit $20.00

3.  Sixteen to twenty miles per hour over the limit $35.00

4.  Twenty-one to twenty-five miles per hour over the limit $75.00

5.  Twenty-six to thirty miles per hour over the limit $135.00

6.  Thirty-one to thirty-five miles per hour over the limit $155.00

7.  Thirty-six miles per hour or more over the limit $205.00

or by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) days; for a second conviction within one (1) year after the first conviction, by imprisonment for not more than twenty (20) days; and upon a third or subsequent conviction within one (1) year after the first conviction, by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 383, § 11-801, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 200, § 1; Laws 1970, c. 336, § 1, emerg. eff. April 23, 1970; Laws 1973, c. 112, § 2; Laws 1996, c. 324, § 1; Laws 1999, c. 145, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 1999, c. 328, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 285, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 133, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 7, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 279, § 4, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.


NOTE:  Laws 1999, c. 299, § 1 repealed by Laws 2000, c. 285, § 5, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-11-801a.  Repealed by Laws 1996, c. 324, § 6.

§47-11-801b.  Renumbered as § 944 of Title 36 by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§47-11-801c.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§47-11-801d.  Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 190, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§4711802.  Establishment of state speed zones.

Whenever the State Highway Commission shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any maximum speed hereinbefore set forth is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of the state highway system, said Commission may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereat which, when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected, shall be effective at all times, or during hours of daylight or darkness or at such other times as may be determined at such intersection or other place or part of the highway.


Laws 1961, p. 384, § 11802.  

§4711803.  When local authorities may and shall alter maximum limits.

A.  Whenever local authorities in their respective jurisdictions determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the maximum speed permitted under this article is greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon a highway or part of a highway, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which:

1.  Decreases the limit at intersections; or

2.  Increases the limit within an urban district, but not to more than sixtyfive (65) miles per hour; or

3.  Decreases the limit outside an urban district, but not to less than thirty (30) miles per hour.

B.  Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions shall determine by an engineering and traffic investigation the proper maximum speed for all arterial streets and shall declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which may be greater or less than the maximum speed permitted under Section 1-101 et seq. of this title for an urban district.

C.  Any altered limit established as hereinabove authorized shall be effective at all times or during hours of darkness or at other times as may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon such street or highway.

D.  As to streets and highways within the corporate limits which have been constructed or reconstructed with state or federal funds, local authorities shall have joint authority with the Transportation Commission to establish or alter speed limits; provided, however, the speed limit on an interstate highway within such corporate limits shall not be decreased to less than sixty (60) miles per hour; and provided further, that no local authority shall impose speed limits on any such street or highway substantially lower than those justified by the highway design, capacity, and traffic volume as determined by engineering studies.

E.  Not more than six such alterations as hereinabove authorized shall be made per mile along a street or highway except in the case of reduced limits at intersections, and the difference between adjacent limits shall not be more than ten (10) miles per hour.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 385, § 11803, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 98, § 5, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1996, c. 324, § 2.


§4711804.  Minimum speed regulation.

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

(b) Whenever the State Highway Commission or local authorities within their respective jurisdictions determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the Commission or such local authority may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.


Laws 1961, p. 385, § 11804.  

§47-11-805.  Speed limitation on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized scooters.

A.  No person shall operate any motorcycle at a speed greater than the legally posted speed limit; provided, in no event nor at any time shall an operator under the age of sixteen (16) years drive a motorcycle on a highway which has a minimum speed limit established and posted.

B.  No person shall operate any motor-driven cycle at a speed greater than the legally posted speed limit; provided, in no event nor at any time shall any operator drive a motor-driven cycle at a speed greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

C.  No person shall operate a motorized scooter at a speed greater than the legally posted speed limit; provided, in no event nor at any time shall any operator drive a motorized scooter:

1.  At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour; and

2.  On any roadway with a posted speed limit of greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.

Any municipality or board of county commissioners is hereby authorized to adopt ordinances and regulations for the operation of motorized scooters as provided in Section 19 of this act.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 385, § 11-805.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-805.1.  Low-speed electrical vehicles - Restrictions on operation.

A.  No person shall operate any low-speed electrical vehicle on any street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

B.  The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

C.  This section shall not prevent a city from adopting any ordinance that would further restrict low-speed electrical vehicles from operating on certain city-owned streets in order to ensure the public health and safety.

D.  This section shall be a part of and supplemental to the rules of the road as provided in Section 11-101 et seq. of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 243, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.


§47-11-805.2.  Electric-assisted bicycle operators.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, operators of electric-assisted bicycles, as defined in Section 1-104 of this title, shall:

1.  Possess a Class A, B, C or D license, but shall be exempt from a motorcycle endorsement;

2.  Not be subject to motor vehicle liability insurance requirements only as they pertain to the operation of electric-assisted bicycles;

3.  Be authorized to operate an electric-assisted bicycle wherever bicycles are authorized to be operated;

4.  Be prohibited from operating an electric-assisted bicycle wherever bicycles are prohibited from operating; and

5.  Wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation Standards for protective headgear for use in bicycling, provided such operator is eighteen (18) years of age or less.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 285, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.  Renumbered from § 19-201 of this title by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-805.3.  Electric personal assistive mobility devices - Registration - Operation requirements - Warning notice.

A.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in Section 1 of this act, shall not be:

1.  Registered pursuant to the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act; or

2.  Operated on the highways or turnpikes of this state except as provided in subsection B of this section.

B.  An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated upon the sidewalks, walking trails, bikeways, and municipal streets of this state.  A municipality may prohibit the operation of an electric personal assistive mobility device on public streets where the speed limit is greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour but, except for enforcement of the provisions of subsection C of this section, may not otherwise restrict the operation of an electric personal assistive mobility device.   

C.  1.  A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device shall:

a. not be required to have an Oklahoma driver license to operate the device,

b. obey all speed limits,  

c. yield the right of way to pedestrians and human powered devices at all times,

d. give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian, and

e. wear or equip the electric personal assistive mobility device with reflectors and a headlight when operating at night.

2.  Failure to comply with any requirement set forth in subparagraphs b through e of paragraph 1 of this subsection shall result in a warning for the first offense, a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for the second offense, and impoundment of the electric personal assistive mobility device for up to thirty (30) days for subsequent offenses.  Each act of noncompliance shall be considered a separate offense.

D.  1.  It shall be unlawful to manufacture, assemble, sell, offer to sell, or distribute an electric personal assistive mobility device in this state unless the device is accompanied by a warning notice.  The warning notice shall be substantially similar to the following:  "REDUCE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY AND ONLY USE WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE HELMET, WRIST GUARDS, ELBOW PADS, AND KNEE PADS".

2.  A person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity that regularly engages in the business of manufacturing, assembling, selling, or distributing electric personal assistive mobility devices and complies with the requirements of this subsection shall not be liable in a civil action for damages for any physical injury sustained by an operator of an electric personal assistive mobility device as a result of the operator's failure to wear protective gear in accordance with the notice required by paragraph 1 of this subsection.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 58, § 4, emerg. eff. April 11, 2002.  Renumbered from Title 47, § 19-211 by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 16, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.


§47-11-805.4.  Electric gopeds.

Electric gopeds shall be operated as provided in subsections A and B of Section 11-805.3 of this title.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 418, § 14, eff. July 1, 2004.


§4711806.  Special speed limitations.

A.  No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure, when the structure is signposted as provided in this section.

B.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and local authorities may conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway, and if they shall thereupon find that the structure cannot, with safety to itself, withstand vehicles driving at speeds otherwise permissible under this act, they shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which the structure can safely withstand, and may cause and permit suitable signs stating the maximum speed to be erected and maintained at a distance of one hundred feet before each end of the structure.

C.  Where any state or federal highway or turnpike shall be under construction, maintenance, or repair or when a detour shall have been designated by reason of construction, maintenance, or repairs in progress and a maximum safe, careful, and prudent speed shall have been determined by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation on the highway or highway detour or by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority on the turnpike or turnpike detour during the period of the construction, maintenance, or repairs and shall have plainly posted at each terminus thereof and at not less than each half mile along the route thereof the determined maximum speed, no person shall drive any vehicle upon the portion of the highway or the highway detour or upon the portion of the turnpike or the turnpike detour at a speed in excess of the speed so determined and posted.  Violation of the posted speed limit in the repair, maintenance, or construction zone shall result in the doubling of the appropriate fine.  For purposes of this section, "repair, maintenance, or construction zone" means any location where repair, maintenance, or construction work is actually in progress and workers present.

D.  Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the Department of Transportation or by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority and the existence of the signs shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety as provided in subsections B and C of this section.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 385, § 11806, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 127, § 1; Laws 2001, c. 202, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.


§47-11-806.1.  Reduced speed limit at certain times in school zone.

Where any portion of a road, street, or highway is a properly marked school zone, as indicated with appropriate warning signs placed in accordance with the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and a reduced speed limit as properly posted, shall be in effect during certain times due to the presence or potential presence of school children, no person shall drive any vehicle upon that portion of the highway which is the school zone in excess of the reduced speed limit so posted when the reduced speed limit is in effect.  Violation of the posted reduced speed limit in the school zone shall result in the doubling of the appropriate fine.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 199, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-11-806.2.  Reduced speed limit in toll booth zone.

Where any portion of a turnpike is a properly marked toll booth zone, as indicated with appropriate signs placed in accordance with the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and a reduced speed limit, as properly posted shall be in effect within the zone, no person shall drive any vehicle upon that portion of the turnpike which is the toll booth zone in excess of the reduced speed limit so posted.  Violation of the posted reduced speed limit in the toll booth zone shall result in the doubling of the appropriate fine.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 114, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§4711807.  Charging violations and rule in civil actions.

A.  In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this article, the complaint, also the summons or notice to appear, shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, also the maximum speed applicable within the district or at the location.

B.  The provision of this article declaring maximum speed limitations shall not be construed to relieve the plaintiff in any action from the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant as the proximate cause of an accident.

C.  Unless another penalty is provided in this title, every person convicted of violating any provision of Sections 11801 through 11-806 of this title, shall be punished as provided in Section 17-101 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 386, § 11807, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 8, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-11-808.  Jammers and speed measuring devices - Use, possession, manufacture, sale or distribution prohibited - Exemption.

A.  As used in this section:

1.  "Jammer" means any instrument, device, or equipment designed or intended for use with a vehicle or otherwise to jam or interfere with in any manner a speed measuring device operated by a law enforcement officer in the vicinity; and

2.  "Speed measuring device" shall include, but is not limited to, devices commonly known as radar speed meters or laser speed meters.

B.  It shall be unlawful for any person to use or possess a jammer.

C.  It shall be unlawful to manufacture, advertise or offer for sale, sell or otherwise distribute any jammer in this state.

D.  This section shall not apply to any person who lawfully possesses a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission for the use of a jammer.

Added by Laws 1981, c. 270, § 1.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§4711809.  Exemptions.

The provisions of this act shall not apply to:

1.  Any receiver of radio waves of any frequency lawfully licensed by any state or federal agency;

2.  Any such device owned or operated by the federal or state government or any political subdivision used by employees thereof in their official duties, or the sale of any such device to law enforcement agencies for use in their official duties; or

3.  Any citizens band radio.


Laws 1981, c. 270, § 2.  

§47-11-810.  Points - Convictions for speeding.

A.  Except when the person is the holder of a commercial driver license and commits the offense while operating any vehicle or when the person who commits the offense is operating a commercial motor vehicle, the Department of Public Safety shall not report or assess points to the driving record of any person, as maintained by the Department, for a conviction of exceeding the speed limit by at least one (1) mile per hour but not more than ten (10) miles per hour.

B.  Except when the person is the holder of a commercial driver license committing the offense while operating any vehicle or when the person committing the offense is operating a commercial motor vehicle, the Department of Public Safety shall not record or assess points for convictions for traffic offenses on the driving record of any person as maintained by the Department, where such conviction is for exceeding the speed limit prescribed in this title, but not exceeding the speed limit previously in force where the violation occurred.

C.  Except when the person is the holder of a commercial driver license committing the offense while operating any vehicle or when the person committing the offense is operating a commercial motor vehicle, the Department of Public Safety shall not record or assess points against a person for out-of-state convictions of exceeding the speed limits of that state, provided the person did not exceed the speed limit previously in force as of January 1, 1974, in the state where the conviction occurred.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 303, § 30, eff. July 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 124, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 2005, c. 190, § 9 repealed by Laws 2006, c. 16, § 28, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.


§4711901.  Reckless driving.

A.  It shall be deemed reckless driving for any person to drive a motor vehicle in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property or in violation of the conditions outlined in Section 11801 of this title.

B.  Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished upon a first conviction by imprisonment for a period of not less than five (5) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment; on a second or subsequent conviction, punishment shall be imprisonment for not less than ten (10) days nor more than six (6) months, or by a fine of not less than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 386, § 11901, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 285, § 2, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 133, § 2, emerg. eff. April 24, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 435, § 9, eff. July 1, 2001.


§47-11-901a.  Renumbered as § 15-102.1 of this title by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§47-11-901b.  Full time and attention to driving.

The operator of every vehicle, while driving, shall devote their full time and attention to such driving.

No law enforcement officer shall issue a citation under this section unless the operator of the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 108, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.


§47-11-902.  Persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance or combination thereof - Penalty - Enhancement.

A.  It is unlawful and punishable as provided in this section for any person to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state, whether upon public roads, highways, streets, turnpikes, other public places or upon any private road, street, alley or lane which provides access to one or more single or multi-family dwellings, who:

1.  Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration, as defined in Section 756 of this title, of eight-hundredths (0.08) or more at the time of a test of such person's blood or breath administered within two (2) hours after the arrest of such person;

2.  Is under the influence of alcohol;

3.  Is under the influence of any intoxicating substance other than alcohol which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle; or

4.  Is under the combined influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle.

B.  The fact that any person charged with a violation of this section is or has been lawfully entitled to use alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance or any other intoxicating substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.

C.  1.  Any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense and shall participate in an assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes and shall follow all recommendations made in the assessment and evaluation and be punished by imprisonment in jail for not less than ten (10) days nor more than one (1) year.  Any person convicted of a violation for a first offense shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

2.  Any person who, within ten (10) years after a previous conviction of a violation of this section or a violation pursuant to the provisions of any law of another state prohibiting the offense provided in subsection A of this section, is convicted of a second offense pursuant to the provisions of this section or has a prior conviction in a municipal criminal court of record for the violation of a municipal ordinance prohibiting the offense provided for in subsection A of this section and within ten (10) years of such municipal conviction is convicted pursuant to the provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a felony and shall participate in an assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes and shall be sentenced to:

a. follow all recommendations made in the assessment and evaluation for treatment at the defendant's expense, or

b. placement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year and not to exceed five (5) years and a fine of not more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00), or

c. treatment, imprisonment and a fine within the limitations prescribed in subparagraphs a and b of this paragraph.

However, if the treatment in subparagraph a of this paragraph does not include residential or inpatient treatment for a period of not less than five (5) days, the person shall serve a term of imprisonment of at least five (5) days.

3.  Any person who is convicted of a second felony offense pursuant to the provisions of this section shall participate in an assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes and shall be sentenced to:

a. follow all recommendations made in the assessment and evaluation for treatment at the defendant's expense, two hundred forty (240) hours of community service and use of an ignition interlock device, or

b. placement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year and not to exceed seven (7) years and a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or

c. treatment, imprisonment and a fine within the limitations prescribed in subparagraphs a and b of this paragraph.

However, if the treatment in subparagraph a of this paragraph does not include residential or inpatient treatment for a period of not less than ten (10) days, the person shall serve a term of imprisonment of at least ten (10) days.

4.  Any person who is convicted of a third or subsequent felony offense pursuant to the provisions of this section shall participate in an assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes and shall be sentenced to:

a. follow all recommendations made in the assessment and evaluation for treatment at the defendant's expense, followed by not less than one (1) year of supervision and periodic testing at the defendant's expense, four hundred eighty (480) hours of community service, and use of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of thirty (30) days, or

b. placement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year and not to exceed ten (10) years and a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or

c. treatment, imprisonment and a fine within the limitations prescribed in subparagraphs a and b of this paragraph.

However, if the person does not undergo residential or inpatient treatment pursuant to subparagraph a of this paragraph the person shall serve a term of imprisonment of at least ten (10) days.

5.  Any person who, within ten (10) years after a previous conviction of a violation of murder in the second degree or manslaughter in the first degree in which the death was caused as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance, is convicted of a violation of this section shall be deemed guilty of a felony.

6.  Provided, however, a conviction from another state shall not be used to enhance punishment pursuant to the provisions of this subsection if that conviction is based on a blood or breath alcohol concentration of less than eight-hundredths (0.08).

7.  In any case in which a defendant is charged with a second or subsequent driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance offense within any municipality with a municipal court other than a court of record, the charge shall be presented to the county's district attorney and filed with the district court of the county within which the municipality is located.

D.  Any person who is convicted of a violation of driving under the influence with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of fifteen-hundredths (0.15) or more pursuant to this section shall be deemed guilty of aggravated driving under the influence.  A person convicted of aggravated driving under the influence shall participate in an assessment and evaluation by an assessment agency or assessment personnel certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes and shall comply with all recommendations for treatment.  Such person shall be sentenced to not less than one (1) year of supervision and periodic testing at the defendant's expense, four hundred eighty (480) hours of community service, and an ignition interlock device for a minimum of thirty (30) days.  Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the defendant from being charged or punished as provided in paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of subsection C of this section.

E.  When a person is sentenced to imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the person shall be processed through the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center or at a place determined by the Director of the Department of Corrections.  The Department of Corrections shall classify and assign the person to one or more of the following:

1.  The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to paragraph 1 of subsection A of Section 612 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes; or

2.  A correctional facility operated by the Department of Corrections with assignment to substance abuse treatment.

F.  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to reinstate any suspended or revoked driving privilege when the person meets the statutory requirements which affect the existing driving privilege.

G.  Any person who is found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section shall be ordered to participate in, prior to sentencing, an alcohol and drug substance abuse evaluation and assessment program offered by a certified assessment agency or certified assessor for the purpose of evaluating and assessing the receptivity to treatment and prognosis of the person.  The court shall order the person to reimburse the agency or assessor for the evaluation and assessment.  The fee for an evaluation and assessment shall be the amount provided in subsection C of Section 3-460 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The evaluation and assessment shall be conducted at a certified assessment agency, the office of a certified assessor or at another location as ordered by the court.  The agency or assessor shall, within seventy-two (72) hours from the time the person is evaluated and assessed, submit a written report to the court for the purpose of assisting the court in its final sentencing determination.  If such report indicates that the evaluation and assessment shows that the defendant would benefit from a ten-hour or twenty-four-hour alcohol and drug substance abuse course or a treatment program or both, the court shall, as a condition of any sentence imposed, including deferred and suspended sentences, require the person to follow all recommendations identified by the evaluation and assessment and ordered by the court.  No person, agency or facility operating an evaluation and assessment program certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall solicit or refer any person evaluated and assessed pursuant to this section for any treatment program or substance abuse service in which such person, agency or facility has a vested interest; however, this provision shall not be construed to prohibit the court from ordering participation in or any person from voluntarily utilizing a treatment program or substance abuse service offered by such person, agency or facility.  If a person is sentenced to imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections and the court has received a written evaluation report pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, the report shall be furnished to the Department of Corrections with the judgment and sentence.  Any evaluation and assessment report submitted to the court pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be handled in a manner which will keep such report confidential from the general public's review.  Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the court from ordering judgment and sentence in the event the defendant fails or refuses to comply with an order of the court to obtain the evaluation and assessment required by this subsection.  If the defendant fails or refuses to comply with an order of the court to obtain the evaluation and assessment, the Department of Public Safety shall not reinstate driving privileges until the defendant has complied in full with such order.  Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the court from ordering judgment and sentence and any other sanction authorized by law for failure or refusal to comply with an order of the court.

H.  Any person who is found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section may be required by the court to attend a victims impact panel program, if such a program is offered in the county where the judgment is rendered, and to pay a fee, not less than Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) nor more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) as set by the governing authority of the program and approved by the court, to the program to offset the cost of participation by the defendant, if in the opinion of the court the defendant has the ability to pay such fee.

I.  Any person who is found guilty of a felony violation of the provisions of this section may be required to submit to electronic monitoring as authorized and defined by Section 991a of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

J.  Any person who, within ten (10) years after a previous conviction of a violation of this section or a violation pursuant to the provisions of law of another state prohibiting the offense provided in subsection A of this section or a violation of a municipal ordinance prohibiting the offense provided in subsection A of this section, pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is convicted of a violation of this section shall not be required to undergo the alcohol and drug substance evaluation program required by subsection G of this section.  The court shall, as a condition of any sentence imposed, including deferred and suspended sentences, require the person to participate in and successfully complete all recommendations from the evaluation, such as an alcohol and drug substance abuse treatment program pursuant to Section 3-452 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes.

K.  Any person who is found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section who has been sentenced by the court to perform any type of community service shall not be permitted to pay a fine in lieu of performing the community service.

L.  When a person is found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section, the court shall order, in addition to any other penalty, the defendant to pay a one-hundred-dollar assessment to be deposited in the Drug Abuse Education and Treatment Revolving Fund created in Section 2-503.2 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, upon collection.

M.  In any case in which a person is convicted of violating the provisions of this section and who was transporting in the motor vehicle a child fifteen (15) years of age or younger, the fine shall be enhanced to double the amount of the whole sum otherwise prescribed.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 386, § 11-902, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 58, § 1, emerg. eff. April 17, 1967; Laws 1971, c. 153, § 1; Laws 1978, c. 108, § 1; Laws 1982, c. 294, § 9, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. May 17, 1983; Laws 1984, c. 254, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1985, c. 338, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1986, c. 279, § 21, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1988, c. 242, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 51, § 109, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 382, § 7, emerg. eff. June 9, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 276, § 13, emerg. eff. May 27, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 387, § 5, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 1, § 17, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995; Laws 1995, c. 313, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 481, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1997, c. 420, § 5, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1998, c. 89, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 106, § 5, emerg. eff. April 19, 1999; Laws 1999, c. 170, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 1999, c. 395, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 6, § 11, emerg. eff. March 20, 2000; Laws 2000, c. 285, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 8, § 20, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 437, § 23, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 460, § 33, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 3, § 38, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003; Laws 2003, c. 178, § 3, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2003, c. 437, § 1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 548, § 1, emerg. eff. June 9, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 54, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005; Laws 2005, c. 189, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005; Laws 2006, c. 16, § 29, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.

NOTE:  Laws 1994, c. 308, § 3 and Laws 1994, c. 314, § 2 repealed by Laws 1995, c. 1, § 40, emerg. eff. March 2, 1995.  Laws 1997, c. 420, § 4, as amended by Laws 1999, c. 106, § 4 repealed by Laws 1999, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 5, § 452, eff. July 1, 1999.  Laws 1999, c. 308, § 1 and Laws 1999, c. 391, § 2 repealed by Laws 2000, c. 6, § 33, emerg. eff. March 20, 2000.  Laws 2000, c. 368, § 1 repealed by Laws 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 8, § 34, eff. July 1, 2000.  Laws 2001, c. 435, § 10 repealed by Laws 2002, c. 442, § 2, emerg. eff. June 5, 2002.  Laws 2002, c. 442, § 1 repealed by Laws 2003, c. 3, § 39, emerg. eff. March 19, 2003.  Laws 2004, c. 418, § 15 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 55, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.  Laws 2005, c. 167, § 2 repealed by Laws 2006, c. 16, § 30, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 481 from July 1, 1998 to July 1, 1999.  Laws 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 26 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 420, § 5 from July 1, 1998 to July 1, 1999.


§47-11902.1.  Renumbered as § 3-451 of Title 43A by Laws 1990, c. 265, § 77, operative July 1, 1990.

§4711902.2.  Renumbered as § 3-452 of Title 43A by Laws 1990, c. 265, § 77, operative July 1, 1990.

§4711902.3.  Renumbered as § 3-453 of Title 43A by Laws 1990, c. 265, § 77, operative July 1, 1990.

§47-11-902a.  Allowing use of motor vehicle without ignition interlock device.

A.  No person shall knowingly authorize or permit a motor vehicle owned or under the control of that person which is not equipped with an ignition interlock device to be driven upon any street or highway of this state by any person who is required to have an ignition interlock device installed upon the vehicle of that person.

B.  No person shall make an overt or conscious attempt to physically disable, disconnect or wire around an ignition interlock device, unless certified pursuant to rule or Oklahoma Statutes, or intentionally fail to return an ignition interlock device when it is no longer required in the vehicle or upon request by the owner of the device.

C.  A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 170, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 167, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47-11-902b.  Forfeiture of motor vehicle.

A.  The district attorney may file a motion requesting forfeiture of the motor vehicle involved in the commission of an eligible offense as provided in this section.  The provisions of this section shall apply to any person who has been previously convicted of an offense under Section 11-902, 11-903, or 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes and who on or after the effective date of this act is convicted of an offense under Section 11-902, 11-903 or 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes within ten (10) years of any prior conviction under Section 11-902, 11-903, or 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes and where at least one of the offenses, current or prior, involved the death or serious bodily injury to another person.

B.  A motion for forfeiture may be filed at the time of charging but not later than thirty (30) days after the verdict or plea of guilty or nolo contendere.  If a motion of intent to forfeit is filed prior to the verdict or plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the proceedings shall be stayed until the disposition of the criminal case.  Notice shall be required even though the proceedings are stayed.  If the motion is filed prior to the disposition on the criminal case, the district attorney shall notify the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Tax Commission shall place a lien upon the vehicle title.  No person shall sell, damage, destroy, transfer or perfect a security interest on any vehicle subject to forfeiture.  Prior to filing a motion for forfeiture, the district attorney shall verify whether the vehicle was sold during any period of impoundment as provided by law.  Any vehicle sold in an impound sale to pay towing, wrecker services or storage expenses shall not be subject to forfeiture as provided in this act.

C.  Upon filing a motion for forfeiture, except when the proceedings are stayed pursuant to subsection B of this section, the court shall schedule a hearing on the matter.  The hearing shall be not less than twenty (20) days nor more than forty-five (45) days from the date the motion is filed.  The district attorney within three (3) days of filing a motion of intent to forfeit shall notify the convicted person, lienholders of record, and any person appearing to have an ownership or security interest in the vehicle.  The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing.  When a motion for forfeiture has been stayed pending disposition of the criminal case and a verdict or plea of guilty or nolo contendere has been entered, the district attorney shall give notice of the forfeiture hearing not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing.  The notice of persons specified in this subsection shall be by certified mail to the address shown upon the records of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.  For owners or interested parties, other than lienholders of record, whose addresses are unknown, but who are believed to have an interest in the vehicle, notice shall be by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the motion is filed.  The written notice shall include:

1.  A full description of the motor vehicle;

2.  The date, time and place of the forfeiture hearing;

3.  The legal authority under which the motor vehicle may be forfeited; and

4.  Notice of the right to intervene to protect an interest in the motor vehicle.

D.  A forfeiture proceeding shall not extinguish any security interest of a lienholder of record; provided, however, the court may order the sale of the motor vehicle and the satisfaction of that security interest from the proceeds of sale as provided in subsection K of this section.

For purposes of a forfeiture proceeding, an affidavit obtained from the lienholder of record, in the absence of evidence of bad faith, shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of secured indebtedness owed to that lienholder.  It shall be the responsibility of the district attorney to obtain such affidavit prior to the forfeiture proceeding.

In the absence of evidence of bad faith, no lienholder of record shall be required to attend the forfeiture proceeding to protect its interest in the motor vehicle.  However, each lienholder of record shall be given notice of the forfeiture hearing as provided in subsection C of this section.  The district attorney shall notify each lienholder of record at least ten (10) days before the sale of the motor vehicle ordered forfeited pursuant to this section; provided, the lienholder was not represented at the forfeiture proceeding.

E.  Any person having an ownership or security interest in a vehicle subject to forfeiture which is not perfected by a lien of record may file a written objection to the motion to forfeit within ten (10) days of the mailing of the notice of intent to forfeit.

F.  At the hearing, any person who claims an ownership or security interest in the motor vehicle which is not perfected by a lien of record shall be required to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that:

1.  The person has an interest in the motor vehicle and such interest was acquired in good faith;

2.  The person is not the person convicted of the offense that resulted in the forfeiture proceeding; and

3.  The person did not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle would be used in the commission of a felony offense.

G.  If a person satisfies the requirements of subsection F of this section, or if there is a lienholder of record that has provided an affidavit pursuant to subsection D of this section, the court shall order either an amount equal to the value of the interest of that person in the motor vehicle to be paid to that person upon sale of the motor vehicle after payment of costs and expenses or release the vehicle from the forfeiture proceedings if either the lienholder described in subsection D of this section or the person intervening in accordance with subsection F of this section has full right, title and interest in the vehicle.

H.  At the hearing, the court may order the forfeiture of the motor vehicle if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the forfeiture of the motor vehicle will serve one or more of the following purposes:

1.  Incapacitation of the convicted person from the commission of any future offense under Section 11-902, 11-903, or 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

2.  Protection of the safety and welfare of the public;

3.  Deterrence of other persons who are potential offenders under Section 11-902, 11-903, or 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

4.  Expression of public condemnation of the serious or aggravated nature of the conduct of the convicted person; or

5.  Satisfaction of monetary amounts for criminal penalties.

I.  Upon forfeiture of a motor vehicle pursuant to this act, the court shall require the owner to surrender the motor vehicle, the certificate of title, and the registration of the motor vehicle.  The vehicle, the certificate of title, and the registration shall be delivered to the Department of Public Safety within three (3) days of the forfeiture order.  The expense of delivering the vehicle shall be paid by the district attorney.  Costs of delivering the vehicle to the Department shall be reimbursable as costs of conducting the sale.  A motor vehicle forfeited pursuant to this act, shall be sold by the Department of Public Safety as provided by law for the sale of other forfeited property, except as otherwise provided in this section.

J.  If a vehicle was impounded at the time of delivery to the Department and a forfeiture order is subsequently issued, all towing, wrecker services, and storage expenses shall be satisfied from the sale of the vehicle.  If a vehicle is released from forfeiture and the vehicle has been delivered to the Department with impound expenses still owing, all impound expenses, including towing, wrecker service and storage expenses, shall be paid by the person prevailing on the dismissal of the forfeiture proceeding and the release of the vehicle to such person.  If a notice for sale of the vehicle was filed for satisfaction of impound expenses prior to the filing of a motion for forfeiture, the vehicle shall be sold as provided by law for unpaid towing, wrecker services, and storage expenses and shall not be subject to forfeiture.  If the convicted person redeems his or her interest in the vehicle at a sale for impound expenses, a forfeiture proceeding may thereafter proceed as authorized by this act.  Neither the notice of sale for towing, wrecker services, and storage expenses nor the sale of such vehicle for impound expenses shall serve to extend the requirement for filing a motion to forfeit as provided in subsection B of this section.

K.  Except as provided in subsection J of this section, proceeds from the sale of any vehicle forfeited pursuant to this act shall be paid in the following order:

1.  To the Department of Public Safety for the cost of conducting the sale, including expense of delivery, court filing fees, and publication expense;

2.  To satisfy impound expenses, including any towing, wrecker service and storage expenses incurred prior to delivery to the Department of Public Safety;

3.  To satisfy the interest of any lienholder of record;

4.  To satisfy the interest of any person making proof as provided in subsection F of this section;

5.  To satisfy criminal penalties, costs and assessments pursuant to paragraph 5 of subsection H of this section if so ordered by the court;

6.  To the office of the district attorney who filed the forfeiture proceeding not exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of any remaining proceeds.  Such payment shall be deposited in a special fund for such purpose as determined by the district attorney's office; and

7.  The balance of the proceeds to be deposited in the Drug Abuse Education and Treatment Revolving Fund established pursuant to Section 2-503.2 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes for the benefit of drug court treatment as provided by law.

L.  If a motor vehicle subject to forfeiture as provided by this act is a vehicle leased pursuant to a commercial rental agreement for a period of ninety (90) days or less, then the vehicle shall not be subject to the forfeiture proceedings provided by this act.

M.  Upon the court dismissing a forfeiture proceeding, any lien placed upon the vehicle title by the Oklahoma Tax Commission pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be released.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 391, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999.


§47-11-903.  Negligent homicide.

A.  When the death of any person ensues within one (1) year as a proximate result of injury received by the driving of any vehicle by any person in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person so operating such vehicle shall be guilty of negligent homicide.

B.  Any person convicted of negligent homicide shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year or by fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

C.  The Commissioner of Public Safety shall revoke the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege of any person convicted of negligent homicide.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 387, § 11-903, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 112, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 2005, c. 164, § 1, emerg. eff. May 11, 2005.


§47-11-904.  Person involved in personal injury accident while under influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance - Causing great bodily injury.

A.  Any person who is involved in a personal injury accident while driving or operating a motor vehicle within this state and who is in violation of the provisions of subsection A of Section 11902 of this title may be charged with a violation of the provisions of this subsection as follows:

1.  Any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one (1) year, and a fine of not more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00); and

2.  Any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this subsection after having been previously convicted of a violation of this subsection or of Section 11-902 of this title shall be deemed guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years, and a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

B.  1.  Any person who causes an accident resulting in great bodily injury to any person other than himself while driving or operating a motor vehicle within this state and who is in violation of the provisions of subsection A of Section 11902 of this title may be charged with a violation of the provisions of this subsection.  Any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years, and a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

2.  As used in this subsection, "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

Added by Laws 1983, c. 43, § 1, emerg. eff. April 21, 1983.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 30, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1985, c. 112, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1989, c. 316, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 482, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 5, § 348, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2004, c. 275, § 13, eff. July 1, 2004.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 482 from July 1, 1998 to July 1, 1999.


§47-11-906.1.  Drunk Driving Prevention Act - Short title.

Sections 13 through 16 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Drunk Driving Prevention Act".

Added by Laws 1995, c. 320, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 309, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 13, eff. July 1, 2000.  Renumbered from § 6-106.1 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-11-906.2.  Purpose.

The purpose of this act is to reduce the incidence of persons who drive or are in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 320, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 14, eff. July 1, 2000.  Renumbered from § 6-106.2 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-11-906.3.  Oklahoma Driver's Manual - Contents.

A.  The State Department of Education shall develop and administer appropriate driver education programs to be conducted in all of the schools of this state to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

B.  1.  In order to provide education and instruction to all applicants for an original Oklahoma driver license, the Oklahoma Driver's Manual, published and distributed by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Section 2-114 of this title, shall contain accurate information on:

a. the hazards of driving while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, and

b. the legal and financial consequences resulting from violations of this state's laws prohibiting the operation or actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

2.  In addition to the subjects set forth in Section 6-110 of this title, the written examination administered by the Department of Public Safety to every applicant for an original Oklahoma driver license shall contain questions on the subjects listed in this subsection.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 320, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 309, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 15, eff. July 1, 2000.  Renumbered from § 6-106.3 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-11-906.4.  Operating or being in actual physical control of motor vehicle while under the influence while under age.

A.  It is unlawful, and punishable as provided in subsection B of this section, for any person under twenty-one (21) years of age to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state who:

1.  Has any measurable quantity of alcohol in the person's blood or breath at the time of a test administered within two (2) hours after an arrest of the person;

2.  Exhibits evidence of being under the influence of any other intoxicating substance as shown by analysis of a specimen of the person's blood, breath, saliva, or urine in accordance with the provisions of Sections 752 and 759 of this title; or

3.  Exhibits evidence of the combined influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

B.  Any person under twenty-one (21) years of age who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to the seizure of the driver license of that person at the time of arrest or detention and the person, upon conviction, shall be guilty of operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence while under age and shall be punished:

1.  For a first offense, by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by assignment to and completion of twenty (20) hours of community service, or by requiring the person to attend and complete a treatment program, or by any combination of fine, community service, or treatment;

2.  Upon a second conviction, by:

a. assignment to and completion of not less than two hundred forty (240) hours of community service, and

b. the requirement, after the conclusion of the mandatory revocation period, to install an ignition interlock device for a period of not less than thirty (30) days, as ordered by the court, on every vehicle owned by the person and on the vehicle regularly operated by the person, if such vehicle is not owned by the person, pursuant to Section 754.1 or 755 of this title.  The installation of an ignition interlock device, as required by this subparagraph, shall not be construed to authorize the person to drive unless the person is otherwise eligible to drive.

In addition, a second conviction may be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by requiring the person to attend and complete a treatment program, as recommended by the assessment required pursuant to subparagraph c of paragraph 2 of subsection D of this section, or by both; or

3.  Upon a third or subsequent conviction, by:

a. assignment to and completion of not less than four hundred eighty (480) hours of community service, and

b. the requirement, after the conclusion of the mandatory revocation period, to install an ignition interlock device for a period of not less than thirty (30) days, as ordered by the court, on every vehicle owned by the person and on the vehicle regularly operated by the person, if such vehicle is not owned by the person, pursuant to Section 754.1 or 755 of this title.  The installation of an ignition interlock device, as required by this subparagraph, shall not be construed to authorize the person to drive unless the person is otherwise eligible to drive.

In addition, a third or subsequent conviction may be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), or by requiring the person to attend and complete a treatment program, as recommended by the assessment required pursuant to subparagraph c of paragraph 2 of subsection D of this section, or by both.

C.  The court may assess additional community service hours in lieu of any fine specified in this section.

D.  In addition to any penalty or condition imposed pursuant to the provisions of this section, the person shall be subject to:

1.  Upon a first conviction:

a. the cancellation or denial of driving privileges as ordered by the court pursuant to Section 6-107.1 of this title, and

b. the mandatory revocation of driving privileges pursuant to Section 6-205.1, 753 or 754 of this title, which revocation period may be modified as provided by law; and

2.  Upon a second or subsequent conviction:

a. the cancellation or denial of driving privileges for a period of two (2) years or until the person attains eighteen (18) years of age, whichever is longer, pursuant to subsection B of Section 6-107.2 of this title,

b. the mandatory revocation of driving privileges pursuant to Section 6-205.1, 753 or 754 of this title, which period may be modified as provided by law, and

c. an assessment of the person's degree of alcohol abuse, in the same manner as prescribed in subsection H of Section 11-902 of this title, which may result in treatment as deemed appropriate by the court.

E.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the filing of charges pursuant to Section 761 or 11-902 of this title when the facts warrant.

F.  As used in this section:

1.  The term "conviction" includes a juvenile delinquency adjudication by a court; and

2.  The term "revocation" includes the cancellation or denial of driving privileges by the Department.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 309, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 106, § 2, emerg. eff. April 19, 1999; Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 16, eff. July 1, 2000.  Renumbered from § 6-106.4 of this title by Laws 2000, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 8, § 33, eff. July 1, 2000.


§47-11-1001.  Stopping, standing or parking outside of business or residence district - Penalties.

A.  1.  Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district no person shall stop, park or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or main-traveled part of the highway when it is practicable to stop, park or so leave such vehicle off such part of said highway, but in every event an unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of such stopped vehicles shall be available from a distance of four hundred (400) feet in each direction upon such highway.

2.  As used in this section and Section 11-1002 of this title, "highway" means any public road, street, or turnpike used for vehicular travel.

B.  1.  The owner or operator of a vehicle or its cargo which obstructs the regular flow of traffic shall make every reasonable effort to remove the obstructing vehicle or cargo from the roadway so the regular flow of traffic is not blocked.  This subsection shall not apply to collisions resulting in the injury or death of any person.

2.  This subsection shall not apply to vehicles transporting "hazardous materials" as defined in paragraph 5 of Section 230.3 of this title.

3.  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve any person from complying with Section 10-103 of this title.

4.   a. Until January 1, 2006, any person violating this subsection may be issued a written warning of the violation.

b. Any person violating this subsection shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided for in Section 17-101 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 387, § 11-1001, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 100, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 222, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-1002.  Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicle.

A.  Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of subsection A of Section 11-1001 of this title, such officer is hereby authorized to move such vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the same, to a position off the paved or main-traveled part of such highway.

B.  1.  Law enforcement officers, using reasonable care, may remove from the roadway to the nearest safe place any disabled or damaged vehicle or cargo as described in subsection B of Section 11-1001 of this title.

2.  Absent a showing of gross negligence, the law enforcement officer, the employing agency, or any person acting under the direction of the law enforcement officer is not liable for damage to a vehicle or damage or loss to any portion of the contents or cargo of the vehicle when carrying out the provisions of this subsection.

C.  Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any bridge or causeway or in any underpass where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, such officer is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of such vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety.

D.  When any vehicle is left standing or abandoned upon a highway in violation of this section and at such a place or in such manner as to interfere or prevent the maintenance of said highway, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Transportation Authority or their authorized agents may remove such vehicle or request the driver or other persons in charge thereof to move the same to some place of safety off the highway with charge to the owner of the vehicle.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 387, § 11-1002, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 100, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 222, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-1003.  Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places.

A.  No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places:

1.  On a sidewalk;

2.  In front of a public or private driveway;

3.  Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant, or if in an area serviced by a volunteer fire department, within thirty (30) feet of fire hydrant if the governing body of the area so adopts by ordinance;

4.  Within an intersection;

5.  On a crosswalk;

6.  Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;

7.  Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway;

8.  Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the authority having jurisdiction indicates a different length by signs or marking;

9.  Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

  10.  Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five (75) feet of said entrance (when properly signposted);

  11.  Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic;

  12.  On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;

  13.  Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway underpass;

  14.  At any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

B.  No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under the control of the person into any prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 388, § 11-1003, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 58, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995.


§47111004.  Additional parking regulations.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there are adjacent curbs shall be so stopped or parked with the righthand wheels of such vehicle parallel to and within eighteen (18) inches of the righthand curb.

(b) Local authorities may by ordinance permit parking of vehicle with the lefthand wheels adjacent to and within eighteen (18) inches of the lefthand curb of a oneway roadway.

(c) Local authorities may by ordinance permit angle parking on any roadway, except that angle parking shall not be permitted on any federalaid or state highway unless the Department of Highways has determined that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic.

(d) The Oklahoma Department of Highways with respect to highways under its jurisdiction may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on any highway where such stopping, standing or parking is dangerous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic thereon.  Such signs shall be official signs and no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on such signs.

Laws 1961, p. 388, § 111004.  

§47111005.  Authorized emergency vehicles; vehicles used in construction or maintenance of highways  Excepted from certain provisions.

Provisions of this article shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or to vehicles or machinery used in the construction or maintenance of highways, and such vehicles or machinery may be operated on any part of the road, whether same is open to traffic or closed, when such operation is necessary in the maintenance or construction of said highway; provided, that the Department of Highways shall protect all such operations with adequate warnings, signs, signals, lights, devices, or flagmen.

Laws 1961, p. 388, § 111005.  

§47111006.  Parking of vehicles on posted private property  Penalty  Liability of land owner.

(a) It shall be unlawful to place or park a motor vehicle or a trailer upon the posted private property of another, without first obtaining permission from the landowner or the person in charge of such property, except where said placing or parking is casual or involuntary.

(b) Violation of the terms of this section shall be considered to be a misdemeanor and upon conviction violators shall be fined not to exceed Twenty Dollars ($20.00) and, in addition thereto, shall pay any and all reasonable and necessary charges incurred by the landowner or other person in having any vehicle or trailer removed from his property and stored.

(c) The landowner or person in charge of the land shall not be liable for any damages which may occur to a trespassing vehicle or trailer under the terms of this section, while the same is trespassing or while it is being removed from his property, or while it is in storage.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111006.  

§47-11-1007.  Parking areas for physically disabled persons - Violations and penalties.

A.  It shall be unlawful for any person to place or park a motor vehicle in any parking space that is designated and posted as a reserved area for the parking of a motor vehicle operated by or transporting a physically disabled person unless such person has applied for and been issued a detachable insignia indicating physical disability under the provisions of Section 15-112 of this title, and such insignia is displayed as provided in Section 15-112 of this title or in rules adopted pursuant thereto, or has applied for and been issued a physically disabled special license plate pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8 of Section 1136 of this title, and such license plate is displayed pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.  It shall also be unlawful for any person to place or park a motor vehicle, whether with or without a physically disabled placard or plate, in any disabled parking space access aisle, wheelchair ramp, wheelchair loading/unloading area or any portion thereof.

B.  Violation of these provisions shall be a misdemeanor and upon conviction such person shall be fined not less than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) and not more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).  Provided, any person cited for a first offense of a violation of this section who has displayed a placard which has expired pursuant to paragraph 4 or 5 of subsection D of Section 15-112 of this title shall be entitled to dismissal of such charge and shall not be required to pay the fine or court costs if the person presents to the court within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the citation a notice from the Department of Public Safety that the person has obtained a valid placard pursuant to the provisions of subsection D of Section 15-112 of this title.  In addition, vehicles unlawfully parked in violation of these provisions shall be subject to immediate tow by a licensed tow truck operator at the request of the landowner or a duly appointed agent of the landowner, at the request of any person unable to lawfully gain access to or move their vehicle, at the request of any person unable to lawfully gain access to the area blocked by the unlawfully parked vehicle, or at the request of appropriate law-enforcement personnel.  The owner of any vehicle unlawfully parked in violation of these provisions shall pay any and all reasonable and necessary costs associated with towing and storage of the vehicle.

Added by Laws 1980, c. 146, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1980.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 149, § 1, emerg. eff. June 8, 1985; Laws 1995, c. 133, § 1, emerg. eff. April 27, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 21, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 276, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 279, § 6, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 165, § 1, emerg. eff. May 11, 2005.


§47-11-1007.1.  Civilian volunteer handicapped parking violation units.

A.  A city, town or municipality may, by adoption of a local law or ordinance, establish a civilian volunteer handicapped parking violation unit to assist in the enforcement of handicapped parking laws or ordinances.  Persons appointed to such units shall be volunteers, shall serve without compensation, and shall be authorized to provide evidence of violations of handicapped parking laws or ordinances to the appropriate law enforcement authority. Such evidence may include photographing a violation, provided that such photograph is taken in compliance with the requirements of this section.

B.  A local law or ordinance enacted in accordance with the provisions of this section shall:

1.  Establish a training program of no less than two (2) hours in length and require each volunteer to participate in and complete such training program;

2.  Provide for the assignment of an identification number to each volunteer, and provide official identification and equipment to assist volunteer personnel in the conduct of their duties;

3.  Establish uniform procedures for volunteers to follow in determining whether a violation has occurred;

4.  Establish procedures for the uniform reporting of violations, which shall include the identification number of the volunteer making the report;

5.  If such local law or ordinance provides for the taking of photographs of violations:

a. grant only the local law enforcement agency the authority to process or to contract for the processing of all film submitted by volunteers,

b. require any photographs evidencing a violation to be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation,

c. provide that a certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a technician employed by the municipality in which the charged violation occurred, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs produced from film submitted by volunteers, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein, and

d. prohibit the use of such a photograph for any purpose other than as evidence of a handicapped parking violation; and

6.  Provide the following with respect to notices of violation:

a. a notice of violation shall be sent by first class mail to each person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of a handicapped parking law or ordinance.  A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein,

b. a notice of violation shall reference the law which was allegedly violated, and shall contain the name and address of the person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of a handicapped parking law or ordinance, the license tag number of the vehicle involved in such violation, the location where such violation took place, the date and time of such violation, and the identification number of the volunteer who recorded the violation,

c. a notice of violation shall contain information advising the person charged of the manner and the time in which he or she may contest the violation alleged in the notice, and shall also contain a warning to advise the persons charged that failure to contest in the manner and time provided shall be deemed an admission of liability and that a default judgment may be entered thereon.

C.  Upon a conviction of a local law or ordinance which complies with the provisions of subsection B of this section, notwithstanding any other law, the local law enforcement entity shall have the authority:

1.  To confiscate the placard if not valid or used fraudulently, report the conviction, and send the placard to the Department of Public Safety, which shall then revoke the privilege of using the placard; and

2.  To dedicate not less than twelve and one-half percent (12 1/2%) of any fine that resulted from citations or for violations of the handicapped parking regulations, to be deposited in a special dedicated fund to be used by the local municipality for the sole purpose of establishing, maintaining and perpetuating a citizen volunteer handicapped parking violation unit.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 276, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.


§47111008.  Power of municipality or political subdivision to enforce act.

Any municipality or political subdivision of this state may enact and enforce any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted in conformity with this act.  Such ordinance shall also authorize the municipality to investigate accidents on private property where the public is invited or on public property.

Laws 1980, c. 146, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1980.  

§47-11-1009.  Parking on certain state property prohibited  Procedure for enforcement and appeal.

A.  No person shall place, stop, park, or stand any vehicle including trailers or implements of husbandry, contrary to any official sign reserving, restricting, or regulating the placing, stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle at any state building or property, including grounds appurtenant thereto, within Oklahoma and Tulsa Counties.

B.  The Department of Public Safety shall be responsible for the enforcement of subsection A of this section.

C.  Any person violating the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be subject to a civil fine.  A violation shall be indicated by the placing of a notice of such violation on the windshield of the vehicle improperly placed, stopped, parked, or standing.

The notice shall be on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Safety.  The civil fine for such violation shall be Five Dollars ($5.00) if paid within ten (10) days from the date of the violation and Twenty Dollars ($20.00) if paid after ten (10) days from the date of the violation.

D.  The fine shall be paid by mailing or personally delivering the notice and a personal check or money order to cover the fine to the Capitol Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety.  Provided, should the person elect to object to the imposition of the fine and to have a hearing on the violation, the person shall so indicate on the notice and mail or present it to the Department of Public Safety, within ten (10) days from the date of the notice of the violation, with a bond by cash or money order equal to the amount of the fine pending the outcome of the hearing.  The bond may be used to pay the fine in the event the determination of the hearing examiner upholds the imposition of the civil fine.  If no bond accompanies the request for hearing, no hearing shall be granted.  If the request for a hearing is not made within ten (10) days from the date of the notice of the violation, the person shall not be entitled to a hearing and shall be subject to the civil fine prescribed in subsection C of this section.

E.  The request for a hearing shall be submitted to the Department of Public Safety within ten (10) days from the date of the notice of the violation, and the violation shall be set for hearing before a hearing examiner appointed by the Commissioner.  The person requesting the hearing shall be notified of the time and place of the hearing by the Department of Public Safety by mailing a copy of the notice by regular mail to the address indicated on the request for hearing.  The hearing examiner may take evidence of the violation and shall determine if there has been a violation of the provisions of subsection A of this section.  If it is determined that there was a violation, the hearing examiner shall enforce the fine indicated on the notice.

F.  Any vehicle having outstanding fines against it may be immobilized by use of a tire boot or may be impounded by the Department of Public Safety.  The vehicle may remain immobilized or be retained by the Department pending the payment of all fines, towing, and storage charges, and until the owner furnishes to the Department proof of security or an affidavit that the vehicle is insured by a policy of liability insurance or will not be used on public highways or public streets, as required pursuant to Section 7-600 et seq. of this title.  The State of Oklahoma shall have a possessory lien against any vehicle which is found to have outstanding fines against it until such fines are paid.  The lien may be foreclosed pursuant to the procedures provided for in Sections 91 through 96 of Title 42 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

G.  All the monies generated from such fines shall be remitted to the State Treasurer to be credited to the General Revenue Fund in the State Treasury.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 195, § 1, operative July 1, 1982.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 286, § 24, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 157, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1993, c. 153, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1996, c. 219, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2002, c. 75, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-11-1010.  Erection and maintenance of certain parking signs - Window stickers and other parking identification.

A.  The Department of Transportation in coordination with the Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to erect and maintain signs reserving, restricting or regulating the placing, stopping, standing or parking of vehicles within the boundaries of the following:

1.  State Capitol Park; and

2.  State Capitol Complex in Tulsa.

B.  The Department of Public Safety may prepare and issue window stickers or other means of identification except as provided in Section 15.3 of Title 73 of the Oklahoma Statutes as the Commissioner of Public Safety shall deem necessary for the enforcement of this section, Section 11-1009 of this title and Section 15.3 of Title 73 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 195, § 2, operative July 1, 1982.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 279, § 5, emerg. eff. May 26, 2003.


§47-11-1011.  Renumbered as § 15.3 of Title 73 by Laws 1995, c. 288, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995.

§47-11-1012.  Parking meters - Exemption.

In counties with a population over five hundred thousand (500,000) according to the last decennial census, marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles or any vehicle which a law enforcement officer is using in an official capacity shall be exempt from paying a parking meter while parked on a city street.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 381, § 4, eff. July 1, 2002.


§47111101.  Unattended motor vehicle.

The person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall not permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111101.  

§47111102.  Limitations on backing.

No vehicle shall be backed upon any street or highway except for such distance as may be necessary to permit the vehicle to enter the proper driving lane from a parked position.  Such backing shall be done only after the driver of said vehicle has ascertained that such movement can be made without endangering other traffic.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111102.  

§47-11-1103.  Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, motorized bicycles, or electric-assisted bicycle - Restrictions on transporting other persons and on operation.

A.  No person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, or an electric-assisted bicycle on any highway of this state while transporting any other person.

B.  The operator of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, or electric-assisted bicycle who has attained the age of sixteen (16) years or older may carry a passenger if the vehicle has a wheel diameter of twelve (12) inches or greater and is factory-designed and equipped with either:

1.  A double seating device with double foot rests; or

2.  A sidecar attachment providing a separate seat space within such sidecar attachment for each person riding therein so that such person shall be seated entirely within the body of said sidecar.

C.  No rider of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, or electric-assisted bicycle shall hold to any moving vehicle for the purpose of being propelled.

D.  No driver of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, or electric-assisted bicycle shall pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.  This subsection shall not apply to the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 389, § 11-1103.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47111104.  Obstruction to driver's view or control  Overloading school bus.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(b) No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the sides or to interfere with his control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(c) No school bus shall be operated on the streets or highways in this state when loaded with passengers in excess of the number for which such bus is designed to carry.  The number of passengers determined by the local school board which the bus is designed to carry shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the bus.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111104; Laws 1967, c. 256, § 1.  

§47111105.  Opening and closing vehicle doors.

No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.


§47111106.  Driving on mountain highways.

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling through defiles or canyons or on mountain highways shall hold such motor vehicle under control and as near the righthand edge of the highway as reasonably possible.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111106.  

§47111107.  Coasting prohibited.

(a) The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the gears of such vehicle in neutral.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111107.  

§47111108.  Following fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles prohibited.

(a) The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred (500) feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

(b) The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any emergency vehicle or shall not purposely drive to any location on a highway where an emergency exists which would interfere with the free movement of authorized emergency vehicles or any other traffic using the highway at that location.  For the purpose of this subsection the definition of emergency shall include traffic accidents, airplane accidents, disasters, explosions, civil disturbances and (without limitation by the foregoing) any other related circumstances which tend to cause traffic congestion.

The purpose of this subsection is to eliminate sightseers and other persons who do not have official business at the scene of an emergency, and whose presence would tend to cause traffic congestion.

Laws 1961, p. 389, § 111108.  

§47111109.  Crossing fire hose.

No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street or private driveway, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.

Laws 1961, p. 390, § 111109.  

§47-11-1110.  Putting glass, etc., on highway prohibited.

A.  No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substances likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon such highway.

B.  Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.

C.  Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway, highway right-of-way or any other location as the result of an accident shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway or highway right-of-way or other location from such vehicle.  The owner or insurer of the owner of the vehicle if the owner's insurance policy provides coverage for such expense, shall be responsible for the cost of removal of the vehicle and the glass or other injurious substance and any vehicle storage fees pursuant to Section 953.1 of this title.

D.  No person shall throw any substance at a standing vehicle or any occupant thereof, nor shall any person throw any substance at a person on or adjacent to a highway.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 11-1110, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 153, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1978; Laws 1999, c. 285, § 2, emerg. eff. May 27, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 255, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 133, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47-11-1111.  Throwing or dropping object on or at moving vehicles.

A.  No person shall willfully throw or drop any substance at a moving vehicle or any occupant thereof.

B.  No person shall willfully throw or drop any object from a bridge or overpass with intent to damage any property or injure any person.

C.  Any violation of subsection A or B of this section shall be deemed a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punishable by imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for a term of not more than ten (10) years, or by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1978, c. 153, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 483, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 349, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 368, § 1, eff. July 1, 2003.


NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 483 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.


§47-11-1112.  Child passenger restraint system required for certain vehicles - Exemptions.

A.  Every driver, when transporting a child under six (6) years of age in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall provide for the protection of said child by properly using a child passenger restraint system.  For purposes of this section and Section 11-1113 of this title, "child passenger restraint system" means an infant or child passenger restraint system which meets the federal standards as set by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.213.

B.  Children at least six (6) years of age but younger than thirteen (13) years of age shall be protected by use of a child passenger restraint system or a seat belt.

C.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

1.  The driver of a school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts pursuant to state or federal laws;

2.  The driver of an ambulance or emergency vehicle;

3.  The driver of a vehicle in which all of the seat belts are in use;

4.  The transportation of children who for medical reasons are unable to be placed in such devices; or

5.  The transportation of a child who weighs more than forty (40) pounds and who is being transported in the back seat of a vehicle while wearing only a lap safety belt when the back seat of the vehicle is not equipped with combination lap and shoulder safety belts, or when the combination lap and shoulder safety belts in the back seat are being used by other children who weigh more than forty (40) pounds.  Provided, however, for purposes of this paragraph, back seat shall include all seats located behind the front seat of a vehicle operated by a licensed child care facility or church.  Provided further, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a child has met the weight requirements of this paragraph if at the request of any law enforcement officer, the licensed child care facility or church provides the officer with a written statement verified by the parent or legal guardian that the child weighs more than forty (40) pounds.

D.  A law enforcement officer is hereby authorized to stop a vehicle if it appears that the driver of the vehicle has violated the provisions of this section and to give an oral warning to said driver.  The warning shall advise the driver of the possible danger to children resulting from the failure to install or use a child passenger restraint system or seat belts in the motor vehicle.

E.  A violation of the provisions of this section shall not be admissible as evidence in any civil action or proceeding for damages.

F.  In any action brought by or on behalf of an infant for personal injuries or wrongful death sustained in a motor vehicle collision, the failure of any person to have the infant properly restrained in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be used in aggravation or mitigation of damages.

G.  Any person convicted of violating subsection A or B of this section shall be punished by a fine of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and shall pay all court costs thereof.  Revenue from such fine shall be apportioned to the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund and used by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to promote the use of child passenger restraint systems as provided in Section 11-1113 of this title.  This fine shall be suspended and the court costs limited to a maximum of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) in the case of the first offense upon proof of purchase or acquisition by loan of a child passenger restraint system.  Provided, the Department of Public Safety shall not assess points to the driving record of any person convicted of a violation of this section.

Added by Laws 1983, c. 7, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1983.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 97, § 1; Laws 1988, c. 271, § 1, eff. March 1, 1989; Laws 1995, c. 225, § 1; Laws 2000, c. 99, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 55, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 40, § 1, emerg. eff. March 31, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 361, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.


§47111113.  Child passenger restraint system education program.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office shall develop a program of public education to promote the use of child passenger restraint systems.

Added by Laws 1983, c. 7, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1983.  

§47-11-1114.  Allowing passenger to ride outside passenger compartment.

A.  No operator of a motor vehicle shall allow a passenger to ride outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle on the streets, highways or turnpikes of this state; provided, this section shall not apply to persons so riding on private property or for parades or special events nor shall this section apply to passengers riding on the bed of a pickup truck.

B.  Any person convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be punished by a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and shall pay court costs of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00), provided the Department of Public Safety shall not assess points to the driving record of any licensed or unlicensed person convicted of a violation of this section.

Added by Laws 1991, c. 309, § 7, eff. July 1, 1991.


§47-11-1115.  Railroad-highway grade crossings - Class A, B or C commercial vehicles - When crossing prohibited.

At a railroad-highway grade crossing, a person operating a Class A, B or C commercial motor vehicle shall not negotiate the crossing if there is:

1.  Insufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping; or

2.  Insufficient clearance for the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 169, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.


§47-11-1116.  Self-propelled or motor-driven and operated vehicles - Golf carts - All-terrain vehicles - Operation on streets and highways.

A.  The self-propelled or motor-driven and operated vehicles described in this section shall be prohibited from operating or shall be limited in operation on the streets and highways of this state.

B.  Self-propelled or motor-driven cycles, known and commonly referred to as "minibikes" and other similar trade names, shall be prohibited from operating on the streets and highways of this state, except:

1.  When used in a parade; or

2.  When registered, as required by subsection E of Section 1151 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and operated in this state by food vendor services upon streets having a speed limit of thirty (30) miles per hour or less.

All minibikes offered for sale in this state shall bear the following notice to the customer: "This machine is not manufactured or sold for operation on the public streets or highways.  Since it is not provided with equipment required by law for street or highway use, all persons are cautioned that any operation of this vehicle upon a public street or highway will be in violation of the motor vehicle laws of this state and will subject the violator to arrest."

C.  Golf carts shall not be operated on the streets and highways of this state except:

1.  Golf carts owned by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, and operated by employees or agents of the Department or employees of independent management companies working on behalf of the Department, may be operated on the streets and highways of this state during daylight hours or under rules developed by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, when the streets and highways are located within the boundaries of a state park.  The Department shall have warning signs placed at the entrance and other locations at those state parks allowing golf carts to be operated on the streets and highways of this state located within the boundaries of those state parks.  The warning signs shall state that golf carts may be operating on streets and highways and that motor vehicle operators shall take special precautions to be alert for the presence of golf carts on the streets and highways;

2.  The municipal governing body has adopted an ordinance governing the operation of golf carts on city streets, and the operation occurs during daylight hours only;

3.  Golf carts may operate on state highways only if making a perpendicular crossing of a state highway located within the boundaries of a municipality which has adopted an ordinance governing the operation of golf carts; or

4.  The board of county commissioners of a county has approved the operation of golf cart traffic on roadways within the county, and:

a. the roadway has a posted speed limit of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less,

b. the roadway is located in an unincorporated area, and

c. appropriate signage, cautioning motorists of the possibility of golf cart traffic, is erected by the board of county commissioners.

D.  All-terrain vehicles shall not be operated on the streets and highways of this state, except:

1.  On unpaved roads which are located within the boundaries of any property of the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture;

2.  On public streets and highways if:

a. the vehicle needs to make a direct crossing of the street or highway while the vehicle is traveling upon a regularly traveled trail and needs to continue travel from one area of the trail to another and, if the vehicle comes to a complete stop, yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard, and crosses the street or highway at an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees to the direction of the street or highway.  This exception shall not apply to divided highways or streets or highways with a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour in the area of the crossing,

b. the vehicle needs to travel on a public street or highway in order to cross a railroad track.  In that event, the all-terrain vehicle may travel for not more than three hundred (300) feet on a public street or highway to cross a railroad track,

c. the operator of the all-terrain vehicle making the crossing at a street or highway has a valid driver license, and

d. the operator of the vehicle makes a crossing on a street or highway during daylight hours only;  

3.  All-terrain vehicles may be operated on city streets if:

a. the municipal governing body has adopted an ordinance governing the operation of golf carts or all-terrain vehicles on city streets, and

b. operation occurs during daylight hours only.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 418, § 16, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47111201.  Effect of regulations.

A.  It is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of not less than One Dollar ($1.00) nor more than Twentyfive Dollars ($25.00) for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this article.  A conviction for the violation of any offense in this article shall not be recorded on the driving record of the person.

B.  The parent or legal guardian of any child or the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this article.

C.  Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of this article shall apply whenever a bicycle or motorized scooter is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorized scooters.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 111201.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47111202.  Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles or motorized scooters.

Every person riding a bicycle or motorized scooter upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this title, except as to special regulations in this article and except to those provisions of this title which by their nature can have no application.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 111202.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-1203.  Riding on bicycle or motorized scooter.

A.  A person operating a bicycle shall ride upon or astride a permanent and regular attached seat.

B.  No bicycle or motorized scooter shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 11-1203.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47111204.  Clinging to vehicles.

No person riding upon any bicycle, motorized scooter, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 111204.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-1205.  Riding on roadways and paths - Passing other vehicles.

A.  Every person operating a bicycle or motorized scooter upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as near as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:

1.  When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

2.  When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;

3.  When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions and while exercising due care, including but not limited to:

a. fixed or moving objects,

b. parked or moving vehicles,

c. pedestrians or animals,

d. surface hazards, or

e. any time it is unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway; and

4.  When riding in the right-turn-only lane.

B.  Any person riding a bicycle or motorized scooter upon a one-way street or highway with two or more marked lanes of travel may ride as near as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the street or highway.

C.  No person operating a bicycle or motorized scooter shall pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

D.  Persons riding bicycles or motorized scooters upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorized scooters.  Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ridge within a single lane.

E.  Wherever a usable path for bicycles or motorized scooters has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle or motorized scooter riders shall use the path and shall not use the roadway if required by local, municipal or county ordinances.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 390, § 11-1205, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 301, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 521, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47111206.  Carrying articles.

No person operating a bicycle or motorized scooter shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 391, § 111206.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 521, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.


§47-11-1207.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 86, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.

§47111301.  Driving through safety zones prohibited.

No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone.

Laws 1961, p. 391, § 111301.  

§47-11-1302.  Maintenance and construction zones.

A.  The Department of Transportation and any county or city in this state through their respective governing bodies are hereby authorized to close any highway or section thereof, within their respective jurisdiction, to traffic while the highway is under repair, maintenance or construction and, in exercising the authority, shall erect or cause to be erected traffic-control devices and barricades to warn and notify the public that the highway has been closed to traffic.

B.  When any highway has been closed to traffic under the provisions of subsection A of this section and traffic-control devices or barricades have been erected, it shall be unlawful for any person to drive any vehicle through, under, over, or around the traffic-control devices or barricades, or otherwise to enter the closed area.  The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons while engaged in the construction, maintenance and repair of the highway or to persons entering therein for the protection of lives or property; provided, that persons having their places of residence or places of business within the closed area may travel, when possible to do so, through the area at their own risk.

C.  Whenever construction, repair and maintenance of any highway is being performed under traffic, the governing body having jurisdiction over the highway shall erect, or cause to be erected, traffic-control devices to warn and guide the public.  Each person using the highway shall obey all signs, signals, markings, flagmen or other traffic-control devices which are placed to regulate, control, and guide traffic through the construction or maintenance area.  As used in this subsection, "construction or maintenance area" means any area upon or around any highway that is visibly marked as an area where construction, repair, and maintenance is temporarily occurring.  The construction or maintenance area also includes the lanes of highway leading up to the area upon which an activity described in this section is being performed, beginning at the point where properly posted traffic-control devices start to warn and guide the public into and through the construction or maintenance including, but not limited to, instructions to merge from one lane into another lane, to reduce speed, or to follow directions of flagmen.

D.  The initial traffic-control device that is used to warn and guide the public using the highway to merge, shall be located no greater than one (1) mile nor less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet in advance of the highway construction or maintenance area.  Whenever any traffic-control device requires traffic to merge due to the closure of a section or lane of highway, the merge shall be completed:

1.  As soon as practicable after passing the traffic-control device; and

2.  Without passing any other traffic proceeding in the same direction.

E.  No person shall remove, change, modify, deface or alter any traffic-control device or barricade which has been erected on any highway under the provisions of this article.

F.  Nothing in this article shall relieve the state or any of its subdivisions or their contractors, agents, servants or employees from liability for failure to perform any of the duties imposed herein.

G.  Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both such fine and imprisonment, and shall be liable for any damage to property, or injury to or death to persons caused by the violations.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 391, § 11-1302, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 270, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 394, § 13, emerg. eff. June 6, 2005.


§47111401.  Unlawful acts  Speed  Signs  Violations.

A.  It shall be unlawful for any person to enter that part of a turnpike enclosed by fence except in a vehicle at authorized entrances.

B.  It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to fail to pay the toll as prescribed by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority.

C.  It shall be unlawful for any person to cross a turnpike except at grade separations provided for cross traffic or through drainage structures under the turnpike.

D.  It shall be unlawful for any person to travel a turnpike on foot except to leave or service a disabled vehicle, or for any person to hitchhike on a turnpike.

E.  It shall be unlawful for any person to tear down, damage or remove any turnpike fence.

F.  Subsections A through E of this section shall not apply to:

1.  Officers, employees, agents or contractors of the Oklahoma Transportation Authority in performance of their duties;

2.  Commissioned officers of the Department of Public Safety;

3.  Emergency vehicle operators at the request of the Department of Public Safety; or

4.  Agents, employees or contractors of public utilities while actually engaged in work in furtherance of construction, maintenance or repair of such public utilities located on, above or below a turnpike.

G.  It shall be unlawful to drive, operate or ride any bicycle or other manpowered vehicle or means of transportation on a turnpike, and the Oklahoma Transportation Authority may prohibit any light mechanicallypowered vehicle from entering the turnpike, or any other vehicle which it determines would be injurious to the turnpike surfacing or a traffic hazard.

H.  Any person driving a vehicle on a turnpike shall drive the same at a speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the turnpike and any other conditions then existing, and no person shall drive any vehicle upon a turnpike at a speed greater than will permit that person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

I.  The Oklahoma Transportation Authority is hereby authorized to prescribe maximum and minimum speeds for trucks, buses and automobiles using turnpikes.  The regulation pertaining to automobiles shall apply to all vehicles not commonly classified as either trucks or buses.  Such regulations shall become effective only after approval by the Commissioner of Public Safety, and after signs have been posted on the turnpike giving notice thereof.  Such regulations may apply to an entire turnpike project or to selected sections thereof as may be designated by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority.  It shall be a violation of this section to drive a vehicle at a faster rate of speed than such prescribed maximum speed or at a slower rate of speed than such prescribed minimum speed.  However, all vehicles shall at all times conform to the requirements of subsection H of this section.  Copies of such regulations, certified as in effect on any particular date by the Secretary of the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, shall be accepted in evidence in any court in this state.

J.  It shall be unlawful for any vehicle, except:

1.  Authorized emergency vehicles;

2.  Vehicles owned by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, its agents or contractors;

3.  Vehicles owned by public utilities, their agents, employees or contractors, while actually engaged in construction, maintenance or repair of such public utilities; and

4.  Wrecker vehicles while performing services at the request of the Department of Public Safety,

to cross the center dividing strip of a turnpike, or to travel on any lane of a turnpike in a direction contrary to the direction of traffic on such lane.

K.  All vehicles traveling on a turnpike shall comply at all times with signs placed on the turnpike regulating traffic thereon.

L.  No vehicle shall move from one lane to another unless the way is clear to do so and upon proper signaling.

M.  Any person guilty of violating any provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in a sum of not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) and not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or shall be sentenced to serve a term of not less than five (5) days nor more than thirty (30) days in jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 391, § 111401, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 309, § 8, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 303, § 1; Laws 2001, c. 202, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.


§47-11-1401.1.  Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act - Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act".

Added by Laws 1997, c. 278, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1997.


§47-11-1401.2.  Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act - Definitions - Imposition of toll evasion penalties.

A.  For purposes of this section:

1.  "Authority" means the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority;

2.  "Commission" means the Oklahoma Tax Commission;

3.  "Electronic toll collection system" means a system of collecting tolls or charges which is capable of charging an account holder the appropriate toll or charge by transmission of information from an electronic device on a motor vehicle to the toll lane, which information is used to charge the account the appropriate toll or charge;

4.  "Owner" means any person, corporation, partnership, firm, agency, association, or organization who, at the time of the violation and with respect to the vehicle identified in the notice of toll evasion violation:

a. is the beneficial or equitable owner of the vehicle,

b. has title to the vehicle,

c. is the registrant or co-registrant of the vehicle which is registered with the Oklahoma Tax Commission or similar registering agency of any other state, territory, district, province, nation or other jurisdiction,

d. subject to the liability limitations set forth in paragraph 12 of subsection B of this section, uses the vehicle in its vehicle renting and/or leasing businesses, or

e. is a person entitled to the use and possession of a vehicle subject to a security interest in another person;

5.  "Photo-monitoring system" means a vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with a toll collection facility which automatically produces one or more photographs, one or more microphotographs, a videotape or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of toll collection regulations;

6.  "Toll collection regulations" means those rules and regulations of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority or statutes providing for and requiring the payment of tolls and/or charges prescribed by the Authority for the use of turnpikes under its jurisdiction or those rules and regulations of the Authority or statutes making it unlawful to refuse to pay or to evade or to attempt to evade the payment of all or part of any toll and/or charge for the use of turnpikes under the jurisdiction of the Authority; and

7.  "Vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

B.  1.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall be imposed monetary liability on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with the toll collection regulations of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in accordance with the provisions of this section.

2.  The owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section if the vehicle was used or operated with the permission of the owner, express or implied, in violation of the toll collection regulations, and such violation is evidence by information obtained from a photo-monitoring system.  However, no owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this section where the operator of the vehicle has been convicted of a violation of toll collection regulations for the same incident.

3.  A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by an agent of the Authority, or facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by a photo-monitoring system shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein and shall be admissible in any proceeding charging a violation of toll collection regulations.  The photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection and admission into evidence in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for the violation.  Each photo-monitoring system shall be checked bi-monthly for accuracy, and shall be maintained, adjusted or replaced if necessary to ensure the systems are operating properly.

4.  An owner found liable for a violation of toll collection regulations pursuant to this section for a first violation shall be liable for a monetary penalty of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00); for a second violation within eighteen (18) months of the first violation, shall be liable for a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50.00); and for a third or any subsequent violation within eighteen (18) months of the first violation, shall be liable for a monetary penalty of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00).

5.  An imposition of liability pursuant to this section shall be based upon a preponderance of evidence as submitted.  An imposition of liability pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be made part of the motor vehicle operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage.

6. a. A notice of toll evasion shall be sent by registered mail to each person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of toll collection regulations.  The notice shall be mailed no later than forty-five (45) days after the alleged violation.  A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt of the notice.

b. A notice of toll evasion violation shall contain the name and address of the person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of toll collection regulations pursuant to this section, the registration or the license tag number of the vehicle involved in the violation, the location where the violation took place, the date and time of the violation and the identification number of the photo-monitoring system which recorded the violation or other document locator number.

c. Notice of toll evasion violation shall be prepared and mailed by the Authority or its agents and shall contain information advising the person of the applicable monetary penalty and method of payment thereof and the manner and the time in which the person may contest the liability alleged in the notice.  The notice of toll evasion violation shall contain, or be accompanied with, an affidavit of nonliability and information of what constitutes nonliability, information as to the effect of executing the affidavit and instructions for returning the affidavit to the Authority and shall also contain a warning to advise the persons charged that failure to contest in the manner and time provided shall be deemed an admission of liability and that the penalty shall be imposed and may be collected as authorized by law.  Additionally, the notice of toll evasion violation shall contain a notice to the registered owner that, unless the registered owner pays the toll evasion penalty or contests the notice within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of the notice of toll evasion violation or completes and files the affidavit of nonliability, the renewal of the vehicle registration shall be contingent upon compliance with the notice of toll evasion violation.

d. If the toll evasion penalty is received by the Authority and there is no contest as to that toll evasion violation, the proceedings under this section shall terminate.

e. If the registered owner fails to pay the toll evasion penalty as required in this section, or fails to contest the violation as provided in subparagraph a of paragraph 7 of this subsection, the registered owner shall be deemed liable for the violation by operation of law.  The toll evasion penalty and any administrative fees or charges shall be considered a debt due and owing the Authority by the registered owner and the Authority may proceed to collect such penalty, fees or charges under paragraph 9 of this subsection.

7. a. Within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of the notice of toll evasion a person may contest a notice of toll evasion violation.  In that case, the Authority shall do the following:

(1) the Authority shall investigate the circumstances of the notice with respect to the contestant's written explanation of reasons for contesting the toll evasion violation.  If, based upon the results of the investigation, the Authority is satisfied that the violation did not occur or that the registered owner was not responsible for the violation, the Authority shall maintain an adequate record of the findings of the investigation.  Within thirty (30) days of receipt of a notice of contest the Authority shall complete such investigation and mail the results of the investigation to the person who contested the notice of toll evasion violation, and

(2) if the person contesting a notice of toll evasion violation is not satisfied with the results of the investigation provided for in division (1) of this subparagraph, the person may, within fifteen (15) days of the mailing of the results of the investigation, deposit the amount of the toll evasion penalty and request an administrative review.  An administrative review shall be held within ninety (90) calendar days following the receipt of a request for an administrative review, excluding any continuance time.  The person requesting the review may request and shall be allowed one continuance, not to exceed twenty-one (21) calendar days.

b. The administrative review procedure shall consist of the following:

(1) the person requesting an administrative review shall indicate to the Authority his or her election for a review by mail or personal conference and may provide materials in support of the contest of the results of the investigation,

(2) upon ten (10) days' written notice mailed to the contestant, the administrative review shall be conducted before an examiner designated to conduct review by the Authority's governing body or Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.  In addition to any other requirements of employment, an examiner shall demonstrate those qualifications, training, and objectivity prescribed by the Authority's governing body or Director as are necessary and which are consistent with the duties and responsibilities set forth in this act,

(3) the officer or person authorized to issue a notice of toll evasion violation shall be required to participate in an administrative review.  The Authority shall not be required to produce any evidence other than the notice of toll evasion violation or copy thereof, a photograph of the rear of the vehicle, information received from the Commission identifying the registered owner of the vehicle, and a notarized statement from the person reporting the violations.  The documentation in proper form shall be considered prima facie evidence of the violation, and

(4) the review shall be conducted in accordance with paragraph 5 of this subsection and in accordance with the written procedure established by the Authority which shall ensure fair and impartial review of contested toll evasion violations.  The examiner's final decision shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by registered mail to the contestant within ten (10) days of the review.  A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt of such decision.

8. a. Within twenty (20) days after receipt of the final decision described in division (4) of subparagraph b of paragraph 7 of this subsection, the contestant may seek review by filing an appeal to the district court having jurisdiction in the county in which the contestant lives, where the same shall be heard on the record.  A copy of the notice of appeal shall be served in person or by first-class mail upon the Authority by the contestants.  For purposes of computing the twenty-day period, the Code of Civil Procedure, Section 2006 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, shall be applicable.

b. The conduct of the hearing on appeal under this section is a subordinate judicial duty which may be performed by referees, masters or other subordinate judicial officials at the direction of the district court.

c. If no notice of appeal of the Authority's decision is filed within the period set forth in subparagraph a of this paragraph, the examiner's decision shall be deemed final.

9.  Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs 10 and 11 of this subsection, the Authority shall proceed under one or more of the following options to collect an unpaid toll evasion penalty:

a. the Authority may file an itemization of unpaid toll evasion penalties and administrative and service fees with the Commission for collection at the time of registration of the vehicle pursuant to paragraph 17 of this subsection, or

b. the Authority may contract with a collection agency to collect unpaid toll evasion penalties, fees, and charges.

10.  The Authority shall not file a civil judgment with the district court relating to a toll evasion violation which has been filed with the Commission unless the Authority has determined that the registration of the vehicle has not been renewed for sixty (60) days beyond the renewal date and the notice has not been mailed by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 17 of this subsection.

11.  If an owner receives a notice of toll evasion violation pursuant to this paragraph for any time period during which the vehicle was reported to the police department as having been stolen, it shall be a valid defense to an allegation of liability for a violation of toll collection regulations that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time the violation occurred and had not been recovered by such time.  If an owner receives a notice of toll evasion violation pursuant to this paragraph for any time period during which the vehicle was stolen, but not yet reported to the police as having been stolen, it shall be a valid defense to an allegation of liability for a violation of toll collection regulations pursuant to this paragraph that the vehicle was reported as stolen within two (2) hours after the discovery of the theft by the owner.  For purposes of asserting the defense provided by this subsection it shall be sufficient that a certified copy of the police report of the stolen vehicle be sent by first- class mail to the Authority and the district court having jurisdiction.

12.  An owner of a vehicle to which a notice of toll evasion violation was issued pursuant to paragraph 6 of this subsection shall not be liable for the violation of the toll collection regulations provided that the owner sends to the Authority the affidavit of nonliability described in paragraph 6 of this subsection, within twenty-one (21) days after receiving the original notice of toll evasion violation.  Failure to send such information within the time period shall render the owner liable for the penalty prescribed by this section.  If the owner complies with the provisions of this subsection, the operator of the vehicle on the date of the violation shall be subject to liability for the violation of toll collection regulations, provided that the Authority mails a notice of toll evasion violation to the operator within ten (10) days after receipt of such information.

13.  In connection with the preparation and mailing of a notice of toll evasion violation, the Authority shall ensure adequate and timely notice to all electronic toll collection system account holders to inform them when their accounts are delinquent.  An owner who is an account holder under the electronic toll collection system shall not be found liable for a violation of this section unless the Authority has first sent a notice of delinquency to the account holder and the account holder was in fact delinquent at the time of the violation.

14.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an operator of a vehicle for any violation of toll collection laws or regulations.

15.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images prepared pursuant to this section shall be for the exclusive use of the Authority in the discharge of its duties under this section and shall not be open to the public nor be used in any court in any action or proceeding pending therein unless the action or proceeding relates to the imposition of or indemnification for liability pursuant to this section.  The Authority shall not sell, distribute or make available in any way, the names and addresses of electronic toll collection system account holders, without the consent of the account holders, to any entity that will use the information for any commercial purpose.

16. a. Except as provided in subparagraph c of this paragraph, the Commission shall refuse to renew the registration of any vehicle if the registered owner or lessee has been mailed a notice of toll evasion violation, the Authority has transmitted to the Commission an itemization of unpaid toll evasion penalties, including administrative fees, pursuant to paragraph 9 of this subsection, and the toll evasion penalty and administrative fee have not been paid pursuant to paragraph 8 of this subsection, unless the full amount of all outstanding toll evasion penalties and administrative fees, as shown by records of the Commission are paid to the Commission at the time of application for renewal.

b. The Authority shall issue a notice of disposition of toll evasion violation to a lessor, if the lessor provides the Authority with the name, address, and driver's license number of the lessee at the time of the occurrence of the toll evasion violation.

c. The Commission shall renew the registration of any vehicle if the applicant provides the Commission with the notice of disposition of toll evasion violation issued pursuant to subparagraph b of this paragraph for clearing all outstanding toll evasion penalties, fees and assessments, as shown by the records of the Commission, and the applicant has met all other requirements for registration.

17.  The Commission shall include on each vehicle registration renewal notice issued for use at the time of renewal, or on an accompanying document, an itemization of unpaid toll evasion penalties, fees and assessments, showing the amount thereof and the date of toll evasion relating thereto, which the registered owner or lessee is required to pay pursuant to paragraph 16 of this subsection.

18. a. Except as provided in subparagraph b of this paragraph, the Commission shall remit all toll evasion penalties, fees and assessments collected, after deducting the administrative fee authorized by paragraph 19 of this subsection, for each notice of toll evasion violation for which toll evasion penalties, fees and assessments have been collected pursuant to paragraph 16 of this subsection, to the Authority.  Within forty-five (45) days from the time penalties, fees and assessments are paid to the Commission, the Commission shall inform the Authority which of its notices of toll evasion violation have been collected.

b. For each notice of toll evasion for which toll evasion penalties, fees and assessments have been collected by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 16 of this subsection, the Authority is due an amount equal to the sum of the unpaid toll, administrative fees, other costs incurred by the Authority that are related to toll evasion, process service fees, and fees and collection costs related to civil debt collection.  After deducting the Commission's administrative fee authorized by paragraph 19 of this subsection, the Commission shall promptly pay to the Authority the amounts due the Authority for unpaid tolls, administrative fees, other costs incurred by the Authority that are related to toll evasion, process service fees, and fees and collection costs related to civil debt collection.

19.  The Commission shall assess a fee for the recording of the notice of toll evasion violation, which is given to the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9 of this subsection, in an amount, as determined by the Commission, that is sufficient to provide a total amount equal to at least its actual costs of administering paragraphs 16, 17 and 20 of this subsection.

20.  Whenever a vehicle is transferred or not renewed for two (2) renewal periods and the former registered owner or lessee of the vehicle owes a toll evasion penalty and administrative fees for a notice of toll evasion violation filed with the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9 of this subsection, the Commission shall notify the Authority of that fact and is not required thereafter to attempt collection of the toll evasion penalty and administrative fees.

This legislation shall not be construed to affect in any way the power which the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority possesses to establish tolls and other charges in connection with their turnpike facilities, including the authority to establish a one-way toll collection system for any of its facilities or a toll discount structure for certain classes of patrons using any of its facilities.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 278, § 2, emerg. eff. May 27, 1997.


§47-11-1402.  Enforcement of laws - Costs.

A.  Except as otherwise provided herein, enforcement of both traffic laws and the general laws of the State of Oklahoma on the turnpikes shall be the exclusive authority of the Department of Public Safety, and the cost thereof shall be borne by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority.  Provided that the Authority shall be liable only for such costs as may be agreed to by it under contract or agreement with the Commissioner of Public Safety.

B.  On the turnpikes, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shall have the authority to investigate and enforce all laws relating to any crime listed as an exception to the definition of "nonviolent offense" as set forth in section 571 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 392, § 11-1402.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 461, § 14, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 418, § 17, eff. July 1, 2004.


§47-11-1403.  Agreements as to law enforcement - Equipment - Charges - Payments - Funds.

The Commissioner of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Transportation Authority are hereby authorized to enter into contracts and agreements for law enforcement on turnpikes.  The Department of Public Safety is authorized to use any of its automotive and other equipment in policing turnpikes, and to charge the Authority for the use thereon on a rental basis to be agreed to by the Department and the Authority, and to perform such services in connection with policing turnpikes with its general personnel and equipment at such rates, salaries, expenses, and miscellaneous costs as may be agreed to by the Department and the Authority.  It is the intent of this section that rental rates and other costs of policing turnpikes shall be determined on an average actual cost basis, and in accordance with salaries and expenses paid by the Department of Public Safety in its regular operations.  Payments shall be made by the Authority monthly and shall be remitted to the Department of Public Safety to be credited to the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund in the State Treasury. Such monies shall be expended for vehicles, equipment, personnel and other operating expenses for turnpike enforcement.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 393, § 11-1403, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1979, c. 47, § 15, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979; Laws 1983, c. 286, § 25, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 5, § 158, emerg. eff. March 11, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 290, § 15, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 2001, c. 133, § 4, emerg. eff. April 24, 2001.


§47111404.  Flashing and signal lights.

Vehicles or equipment owned by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, its agents or contractors, and public utilities, and engaged in maintenance or emergency operations, shall be equipped with such flashing and signal lights as may be prescribed by this title or by federal regulation, pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Section 571.108.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 393, § 111404, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 397, § 23, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.


§47111405.  Application of general law.

Except as modified by this act, the general law of the State of Oklahoma regulating traffic on public highways shall apply on turnpikes.

Laws 1961, p. 393, § 111405.  

§47-12-101.  Driving or permitting to drive vehicle with unsafe or missing equipment - Other forbidden acts - Exceptions relating to requirements for equipment - Rules - Definitions.

A.  It shall be a misdemeanor, upon conviction, punishable as provided in Section 17-101 of this title, for any person:

1.  To drive or move, or for the owner to cause or permit to be driven or moved on any highway, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which:

a. is known to be in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person,

b. is known not to contain those parts required by this chapter,

c. is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this chapter, or

d. is known to be equipped in any manner in violation of this chapter;

2.  To do any act forbidden under this chapter; or

3.  To fail to perform any act required under this chapter.

B.  Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit on any vehicle:

1.  Equipment required by the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Chapter V; or

2.  The use of additional parts and accessories which are not inconsistent with provisions of this chapter.

C.  The provisions of Article II et seq. of this chapter with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, farm tractors, motorcycles as defined in Section 12-601 of this title, or vehicles designed to be moved solely by animal or human power, except as specifically made applicable in this chapter.

D.  Any specific requirement of this chapter with respect to equipment on any vehicle, other than a bicycle, shall not apply if the vehicle was lawfully designed and manufactured without such equipment; provided, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to any homemade vehicle or any vehicle constructed from a kit or from plans.

E.  A low-speed electrical vehicle which is in compliance with the equipment requirements in 49 C.F.R., Section 571.500 shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

F.  The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to vehicles registered in Oklahoma as antique or classic vehicles pursuant to Section 1136.1 of this title and rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

G.  The Commissioner of Public Safety may promulgate rules regarding vehicle equipment and standards for vehicle equipment required to maintain such equipment in safe condition and in compliance with this chapter.

H.  Any person producing proof within forty-eight (48) hours that a condition or equipment for which the person was cited as defective, missing, prohibited, improper, unauthorized or otherwise in violation of this chapter has been remedied by the person shall be entitled to dismissal of such charge without assessment of court costs.

I.  As used in this chapter:

1.  "Lamp" means an electrical device producing artificial illumination by use of one or more lights, each light of which performs the same function or separate functions as required by this chapter;

2.  "Lightweight vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand (10,000) pounds or less, other than:

a. a vehicle that is being used to transport passengers for hire, or

b. a vehicle that is being used to transport hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded under 49 C.F.R., Section 177.823;

3.  "Nighttime" or "night" means any time from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise; and

4.  "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying ten persons, including the driver, or less except a low-speed electric vehicle or motorcycle, as defined in Section 12-601 of this title.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 393, § 12-101, eff. Sept. 1, 1961.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 13, § 2, emerg. eff. March 24, 1993; Laws 2001, c. 243, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 411, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 44, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 50, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.

NOTE:  Laws 2003, c. 199, § 9 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 45, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.


§47-12-101.1.  Sale of improperly equipped vehicle - Improper equipping or operation of improperly equipped vehicle.

A.  Unl