Multnomah County, OR Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) (Multnomah County, OR). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule (UTCR) 3.180 (Multnomah County). No lockers are needed at Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Oregon court rule to Multnomah County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (971) 274-0500 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland)
- Address
- 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (971) 274-0500
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~2,820 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.courts.oregon.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Multnomah County Juror Parking Facility (Portland Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Multnomah County Juror Garage in downtown Portland. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Portland local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Multnomah County)
Authority: Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule (UTCR) 3.180 (Multnomah County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Oregon); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Multnomah County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) UTCR 3.180 Notice: "Cell phones and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse. All electronic devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used for recording without judge approval."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) UTCR 3.180 Notice: "Cell phones and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse. All electronic devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used for recording without judge approval."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Multnomah County Juror Parking Facility (Portland Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Multnomah County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Multnomah County Juror Parking Facility (Portland Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) UTCR 3.180 Notice: "Cell phones and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse. All electronic devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used for recording without judge approval."” |
| Security line wait times | ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Multnomah County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) UTCR 3.180 Notice: "Cell phones and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse. All electronic devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used for recording without judge approval."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Multnomah County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | Validated free (Multnomah County Juror Parking Facility (Portland Judicial Garage)) |
| Multnomah County Traffic & Misdemeanor Annex Traffic, Small Claims & Branch Court · Annex Facility, Portland, OR 97204 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers on site | Surface lot / metered street parking around annex |
What to Know Before You Go to Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Multnomah County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~18 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Multnomah County, OR
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Multnomah County, OR, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Multnomah County Courthouse in Portland, OR?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) (Multnomah County, OR). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule (UTCR) 3.180 (Multnomah County).
Does Multnomah County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at Multnomah County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Multnomah County Juror Parking Facility (Portland Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Multnomah County Juror Garage in downtown Portland. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Multnomah County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Multnomah County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 18-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Multnomah County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (971) 274-0500 or consult a local Multnomah County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- Oregon jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in Oregon
- Washington County (Hillsboro)
- Clackamas County (Oregon City)
- Lane County (Eugene)
- Marion County (Salem)
- Deschutes County (Bend)
- Jackson County (Medford)
- Linn County (Albany)
- All 8 Oregon counties →
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Multnomah County Courthouse (Portland)? Submit a verified update.