What Is the Weight-Mile Tax?
In Oregon, instead of the typical heavy-vehicle diesel tax used by most states, commercial vehicles with a gross weight over 26,000 lbs pay a weight-mile tax — a highway-use tax based on how many miles you drive in Oregon and how heavy your vehicle is.
Key Points:
The tax links road use to vehicle weight and distance: heavier trucks traveling more miles pay more.
Vehicles over 26,000 lbs must either enroll in the program or pre-pay tax before operating.
What Are “Weight-Mile Tax Credentials”?
Weight-mile tax credentials are the documentation (permanent or temporary) that shows a motor carrier:
Is registered in Oregon’s Weight-Mile Tax Program, and
Has paid or pre-paid the weight-mile tax for operation in the state.
Permanent Enrollment
A carrier enrolls vehicles in the Oregon Weight-Mile Tax Program through the Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD), you must call to (503) 386-4187
Once enrolled, you report your mileage and pay taxes periodically (monthly or quarterly).
You must declare the maximum weight your vehicle will operate at — this determines the tax rate.
Temporary Tax Pass
For carriers not permanently enrolled (e.g., occasional trips), you can purchase a temporary pass.
It covers a set number of miles or up to 10 days of operation.
This pass proves you’ve prepaid the weight-mile tax for those trips. You can purchase then online at https://www.oregontruckingonline.org/
Why These Credentials Matter
You must have proper credentials before operating in Oregon if your vehicle is subject to the weight-mile tax. Here’s why:
1. They show you’re authorized to operate legally in Oregon public roadways.
2.They allow Oregon mileage tax enforcement and reporting.
3.Temporary passes ensure that even carriers without a permanent account can prepay the required tax before travel.
Lack of proper credentials could lead to fines or enforcement action, and weight-mile tax must be properly reported even if no tax is due.
How to Get Weight-Mile Tax Credentials
Permanent Enrollment:
Set up an account with Oregon Trucking Online by calling to (503) 386-4187
Enroll all vehicles that will operate in Oregon and declare their operating weights.
File periodic weight-mile tax reports and payments.
Temporary Pass:
Provide carrier and vehicle info (USDOT number, weight, miles, route, etc.).
Pay the tax for the expected miles up front plus the temporary pass fee ($9 plus weight-mile tax).
Carry the pass (paper or electronic) while operating.
Reporting & Recordkeeping
If you’re enrolled:
You submit monthly or quarterly mileage reports through Oregon Trucking Online, calling at (503) 386-4187
You keep detailed mileage records (entry/exit points, odometer readings, routes).
Reports are required even if no tax is owed for a particular period.
Weight-mile tax credentials are essential credentials for trucking in Oregon when operating vehicles over 26,000 lbs.
They ensure that carriers are enrolled with the state, have declared vehicle weights, and either pre-paid or periodically report and pay the tax based on miles driven.