Programs like Green Light Weigh Station Preclearance improve freight flow and reduce inspection delays

Oct. 17, 2025, 4:09 p.m.
Here’s a clear and detailed explanation of Oregon’s Green Light Weigh Station Preclearance Program — including how it works, its benefits, and its impact on the state’s trucking and freight operations:
Programs like Green Light Weigh Station Preclearance improve freight flow and reduce inspection delays

Oregon’s Green Light Weigh Station Preclearance Program

1. Overview

The Green Light Program, operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Motor Carrier Transportation Division, is an electronic preclearance system that allows qualified commercial trucks to bypass weigh stations across the state.

Instead of stopping for manual inspection or weighing, equipped trucks are electronically screened in motion, saving time, fuel, and improving freight efficiency.

2. How It Works

  • Transponder-Based System:

    • Participating trucks are equipped with a transponder mounted inside the cab.

    • As the vehicle approaches a weigh station, roadside sensors and scales detect its presence and automatically check:

      • Weight (using weigh-in-motion scales)

      • Safety records and credentials (e.g., IFTA, IRP, insurance, tax compliance)

    • The system then determines whether the truck can bypass or must report in.

  • Green Light Signal:

    • If the truck is compliant and within weight limits, the driver receives a “green light” signal, allowing them to continue on the highway without stopping.

    • Non-compliant vehicles receive a “red light” instruction and must enter the weigh station for further inspection.

  • Data Integration:

    • The system connects with ODOT databases, ensuring up-to-date compliance records and quick enforcement of regulations.

3. Benefits to Trucking Operations

  • Reduced Delays:

    • Drivers spend less time idling or waiting in inspection lines, improving on-time delivery rates.

  • Fuel and Emission Savings:

    • Fewer stops and idling reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Operational Efficiency:

    • Fleets can maintain tighter schedules and save on labor and operating costs.

  • Safety Improvements:

    • Reduces congestion at weigh stations, minimizing risks of rear-end collisions or merging incidents.

4. Benefits to the State and Enforcement Agencies

  • Focus on High-Risk Vehicles:

    • Allows ODOT inspectors to prioritize non-compliant carriers instead of inspecting every vehicle.

  • Data Accuracy:

    • Continuous data collection supports better freight planning, safety monitoring, and infrastructure maintenance.

  • Economic Competitiveness:

    • Enhances Oregon’s freight system reliability — a key factor for industries that depend on timely transport, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.

5. Participation and Coverage

  • Over 20 weigh stations across Oregon are part of the Green Light network, including sites along I-5, I-84, US 97, and other major corridors.

  • Participation is voluntary and free for carriers that maintain good safety and compliance records.

  • Oregon’s system also integrates with national preclearance programs like Drivewyze and PrePass, expanding coverage for interstate carriers.

✅ Summary

The Green Light Weigh Station Preclearance Program is a key component of Oregon’s freight efficiency strategy. By leveraging technology to automate safety and compliance checks, it helps carriers save time and fuel while allowing enforcement agencies to focus resources where they’re most needed. The result is a safer, faster, and more sustainable freight transportation network across Oregon.