Oregon Annual Motor Carrier Permits Overview

Dec. 3, 2025, 4:29 p.m.
Oregon requires many commercial carriers operating within the state to obtain specific annual permits that authorize movement, registration, weight compliance, and certain oversize/overweight operations. These permits simplify repeated travel and reduce the need for single-trip applications.
Oregon Annual Motor Carrier Permits

For permit assistance call to (503) 386-4187

 

1. What Is an Oregon Annual Motor Carrier Permit?

An Oregon Annual Motor Carrier Permit is a year-long authorization issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) that allows commercial carriers to legally operate qualifying vehicles in the state. These permits cover elements such as vehicle use, overweight or over-dimension limitations, and weight-mile tax compliance.

They are most useful for fleets or carriers that routinely enter or operate in Oregon.

2. Types of Oregon Annual Motor Carrier Permits

A. Annual Heavy Vehicle Permit

Authorizes operation of vehicles that exceed standard weight limits but stay within Oregon’s “routine” overweight thresholds.

  • Designed for repeat loads

  • Must follow approved routes

  • Certain bridges require weight checks

B. Annual Over-Dimension Permit

Allows carriers to move loads that exceed legal dimensions but remain within set maximums. For example:

  • Width up to 14 ft (varies by route)

  • Height up to 14 ft

  • Length within stated ODOT annual limits

This reduces the need for single-trip OD permits.

C. Annual Divisible Load Permit

Allows trucks hauling divisible loads (e.g., aggregates, logs, agricultural commodities) to operate above standard weight limits under certain configurations.

Common for:

  • Logging trucks

  • Wood chip haulers

  • Agricultural and bulk transport carriers

D. Oregon Annual Registration/Use Permits

Includes permits like:

  • Oregon Temporary Pass (30-day)

  • Oregon Use Fuel License

  • Oregon Heavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit (substitute)

These supplement Oregon’s unique Weight-Mile Tax system.

3. Requirements to Obtain an Annual Permit

To qualify, carriers typically must:

  • Hold an active ODOT Motor Carrier Account

  • Have a Weight-Mile Tax (WMT) account in good standing

  • Maintain required insurance

  • Lists of vehicles registered to the carrier

  • Submit measurements for equipment (length, axle spacing, GVW)

Carriers with unpaid WMT or past-due reporting cannot obtain or renew annual permits.

4. Costs & Renewal

Costs vary by permit type. Most Oregon annual permits:

  • Are valid for 12 months

  • Must be renewed before expiration

  • May be prorated in some cases

  • Require no additional per-trip fees when used correctly

5. Operating Rules & Restrictions

Even with an annual permit, carriers must follow:

  • Approved routes

  • Posted bridge and road restrictions

  • Seasonal weight limits (especially winter)

  • Holiday and weekend travel restrictions for oversize movement

  • Mandatory pilot car or escort requirements when applicable

Violations can result in:

  • Permit suspension

  • Civil penalties

  • Weight-mile tax audits

6. Benefits of Oregon Annual Permits

  • Faster movement without daily paperwork

  • Lower long-term cost for routine operations

  • Reduced delays at Oregon Ports of Entry

  • Predictable compliance requirements

  • Simplified routing for common commodity hauling

These permits are essential for companies operating frequently within Oregon, especially in logging, agriculture, construction, and regional freight.