Oregon Trip Permit Requirements for Out-of-State Carriers

Nov. 4, 2025, 7:04 p.m.
Here’s a detailed guide to trip permit requirements in Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for out-of-state carriers operating in Oregon. Note: This is a general overview. Because commercial vehicle regulations can vary based on weight/axles/registration (e.g., IRP, IFTA, weight-distance tax, etc.), always check with ODOT’s Commercial Vehicle Division for your specific scenario.
Oregon Temporary Trip Permit

Key Points

  • Oregon issues “trip permits” under statute ORS 803.600 for vehicles not registered in the state, among other uses.  

  • For out-of-state carriers, the need for a trip permit arises when the vehicle isn’t legally entitled via registration/apportioned plan (e.g., IRP) to operate in Oregon — or is operating in a way not covered by its registration.

  • If you hold valid out-of-state registration (and possibly IRP/IFTA credentials) and your vehicle is properly credentialed, you may not need an Oregon-specific trip permit. For example: “You can drive in Oregon using your valid trip permit from another state.”  

  • However, secondary rules and publications note: If your power unit has 3 or more axles, or gross or registered weight over 26,000 lbs (or combined power unit + trailer over 26,000 lbs), and you’re not under IRP/IFTA, then a temporary trip (and/or fuel) permit is needed.  

 Specific Requirements for a Trip Permit in Oregon

Here are the main criteria, process, and what to watch out for:

Vehicle / Registration Status

  • If your vehicle is not registered in Oregon, a “heavy motor vehicle trip permit” or “heavy trailer trip permit” may apply. Under ORS 803.600:

    • A heavy motor vehicle trip permit may be issued for a vehicle (not registered in Oregon) with combined weight or loaded weight over 10,000 lbs, or a truck-tractor over 8,000 lbs.  

  • For lighter vehicles (<10,001 lbs combined or loaded weight) that are not registered in Oregon, a “light vehicle trip permit” may apply (valid for up to 21 consecutive days).  

  • The vehicle must comply with insurance requirements: proof of liability insurance as per ORS 806.080 must be shown.  

Validity / Duration & Fee

  • Valid periods depend on the permit type:

    • Light vehicle trip permit — up to 21 consecutive days.  

    • Heavy motor vehicle trip permit — up to 10 consecutive days (usually for unregistered commercial heavier vehicles).  

  • Sample fees (as of the data found):

    • Light vehicle trip permit (21 days) — $135.  

    • Heavy motor vehicle trip permit (10 days) — $143.  

Issuance & Agent Procedures

  • Permits must be purchased prior to operation. For example, one forum post warns:

    “You MUST, MUST buy the permit before you cross into Oregon. You cannot buy them at the POE.”  

  • The issuing agent must complete and record vehicle & owner information, date effective & expiration, signature of issuer.  

  • For heavy vehicle trip permits (unregistered vehicles) the permit authorises the operation of that single unregistered vehicle. If both tractor and trailer are not registered in Oregon and entering, both may need permits.  

Out-of-State Vehicle Considerations

  • If the vehicle is registered under an apportioned plan such as IRP (International Registration Plan) and is recognized for interstate operations, then you might be exempt from obtaining a separate Oregon trip permit — check registration credentials.

  • If you're simply passing through Oregon or making pickups/deliveries and are properly registered/apportioned, ensure you’re also compliant with Oregon’s weight-distance tax or other state taxes if applicable.  

Key Things to Watch / Common Pitfalls

  • Do not assume that because you have out-of-state registration you’re automatically exempt: registration status, vehicle weight, number of axles, and whether you’re operating under IRP/IFTA all matter.

  • Make sure weight-axle configuration is properly declared. For example, carriers mention large fines if you exceed the weight declared on the permit.  

  • If you cross into Oregon with an invalid or missing permit when required, you risk enforcement action, fines, vehicle impoundment.

  • Even if you hold a valid permit from another state, keep proof of insurance and registration with you. Oregon states: “You can drive in Oregon using your valid trip permit from another state. You must keep proof of insurance in the vehicle.”  

  • If you plan heavy operations in Oregon (e.g., longer than a short trip), check whether a more permanent credential (apportioned registration) or weight-distance tax enrollment is required rather than a single‐trip permit.

 Practical Steps for Out-of-State Carriers

  1. Determine vehicle weight and axle count, and whether you’re operating under IRP/IFTA or not.

  2. Check registration state: Is your vehicle registered to operate interstate? Is Oregon listed?

  3. If not covered: Apply for an Oregon trip permit before entry. Choose correct type (heavy vs light).

  4. Complete paperwork: Vehicle make, model, VIN, license plate, effective & expiration dates, insurance info. (See OAR 735-150-0080) 

  5. Pay the appropriate fee.

  6. Display the permit properly: For non‐self-propelled vehicles (trailers) the permit must be carried on either the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle, visible for inspection.  

  7. Keep documentation in the vehicle: permit copy, insurance proof, registration/IRP credentials.

  8. If you’ll be operating extensively in Oregon, evaluate whether a temporary permit is sufficient or if you need to register/apportion or pay weight-distance tax.