Sunriver police to regain traffic citation power

10:17 AM PDT on Sunday, June 3, 2007

Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. -- Traffic tickets in the Central Oregon resort communities of Sunriver and Black Butte Ranch are about to make a comeback.

The Oregon Senate gave final approval on Friday to legislation that adds the private roadways of the popular resorts to the state's definition of "highways."

After little opposition, the legislation is now headed to the desk of Governor Kulongoski, who is expected to sign it.

The new definition will remove uncertainty about the authority of police to enforce traffic laws in Sunriver, south of Bend, and at Black Butte Ranch near Sisters.

The bill has an "emergency clause," so it will go into effect as soon as the ink hits the paper -- and traffic offenders will again see flashing lights in the rearview mirror.