Oregon DOT Trucking Permits Explained

Jan. 7, 2026, 1:25 p.m.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) requires special permits when commercial trucks exceed legal size or weight limits on Oregon highways. These permits ensure safety, protect infrastructure, and make sure oversized or overweight vehicles use approved routes.
Oregon DOT Trucking Permits

What Is a Trucking Permit in Oregon?

In Oregon, a trucking permit (also called an over-dimension permit) is official authorization from ODOT that allows a vehicle or load to exceed state legal limits for:

  • Width

  • Height

  • Length

  • Weight
    (beyond standard limits without a permit)  

ODOT’s Commerce and Compliance Division issues these through its permitting systems.  

When Do You Need a Permit?

A trucking permit is required before operating if your vehicle or load:

 Is wider than the legal width limits (typically 8′6″ without a permit)
 Is taller than the legal height limits (over 14′ high)
 Exceeds legal length limits
 Exceeds the legal gross weight or axle weights
 Exceeds any other combination limits requiring special approval 

State law makes you responsible for all potential damage if you move oversize loads without the correct permit. 

Types of Oregon Trucking Permits

Oregon issues two main permit types:

1. Single-Trip Permits

  • For one specific trip, route, and date.

  • Useful when occasional oversize/overweight moves are needed.

  • Examples: hauling long beams, heavy equipment, or large structural components. 

2. Annual (Continuous) Permits

  • Valid for 1 year.

  • Allow multiple trips within defined dimensions/weights and routes.

  • Great for carriers with recurring oversize/overweight operations. 

ODOT also recognizes special categories like superload permits for extremely large/heavy moves, and specialized permits (e.g., towing, fire apparatus) depending on the load type. 

How to Get an Oregon Trucking Permit

Online via https://www.oregontruckingonline.org/

  • Order single-trip and annual permits

  • Get automated routing suggestions

  • Apply 24/7 online without visiting an office 

This system makes it easier and faster to get permits compared with older systems. 

Weight & Dimension Rules

Oregon defines both legal limits (no permit needed) and permittable limits (permit required):

  • Legal gross weight: up to about 80,000 lbs for many vehicles

  • Extended permitted weight: up to 105,500 lbs or more with annual permits

  • Height or width beyond legal limits: need a permit and sometimes escorts

  • Length beyond standard limits: must be covered by a permit with approved routing 

ODOT uses weight tables to calculate exactly what weights and configurations are permissible with or without a permit. 

Important Tips for Carriers

Permits must be in hand before movement — you cannot enter Oregon oversize/overweight without a valid permit. 

Proper routing is critical — oversize loads may require routes that avoid bridges, low overpasses, or highways that cannot handle your dimensions. 

Fees apply — annual and single trip permits have statutory fees; annual oversize/overweight permits have a base administrative cost per truck. 

Summary

Permit Type Valid For Use Case
Single-Trip One move Occasional oversize/overweight loads
Annual 1 year, multiple trips Frequent oversized moves
Superload Specific extra-large loads Very heavy/oversize special projects

 

 

Oregon DOT Trucking Permits