Understanding the Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit

Nov. 19, 2025, 6:27 p.m.
Oregon is one of only a few states in the U.S. that does not charge diesel fuel tax at the pump for heavy trucks. Instead, the state uses a Weight-Mile Tax system, which requires many carriers to obtain an Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit before operating on Oregon highways. This system ensures that heavier vehicles pay their fair share for road use based on actual miles traveled. This guide breaks down who needs the permit, how the tax works, registration steps, reporting requirements, and compliance tips.
Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit

1. What Is the Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit?

The Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit authorizes qualified motor carriers to operate heavy vehicles in the state and requires them to report and pay a tax based on:

  • The weight of the truck

  • The number of miles traveled in Oregon

This replaces the traditional per-gallon fuel tax model for heavy trucks.

2. Who Needs the Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit?

You must obtain this permit if you operate:

  • A commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs GVW, or

  • A combination vehicle (truck + trailer) with a combined weight over 26,000 lbs

  • Any vehicle operating for hire with a weight that meets Oregon’s taxable thresholds

Common examples that require the permit:

  • Semi-trucks

  • Heavy dump trucks

  • Large box trucks

  • Logging trucks

  • Heavy equipment haulers

If your vehicle is 26,000 lbs or below, you pay regular fuel tax and do not need the weight-mile permit.

3. How the Oregon Weight-Mile Tax Works

Oregon charges a tax per mile driven in the state, based on:

  • The declared weight of the vehicle

  • The weight group assigned by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Heavier trucks pay higher rates.

Key points:

  • You must track Oregon miles accurately.

  • Taxes are typically reported monthly (some carriers may qualify for quarterly reporting).

  • Carriers must submit payments on time to avoid penalties.

Oregon does not charge fuel tax on diesel at the pump for taxable carriers — that cost is replaced by the weight-mile tax.

4. Types of Weight Distance Permits in Oregon

 Permanent Weight-Mile Account

  • Required for carriers operating regularly in Oregon.

  • Includes ongoing reporting and tax payments.

 Temporary Enrollment Document (TED)

  • Used for one-time or occasional trips.

  • Allows operation without opening a permanent weight-mile account.

  • Must still track and pay tax for miles driven.

5. How to Register for the Oregon Weight Distance Tax Permit

To open a permanent weight-mile account, carriers must:

  1. Apply with  https://www.oregontruckingonline.org/

  2. Provide carrier details:

    • USDOT number

    • EIN

    • Company information

    • Vehicle weights and configurations

  3. Financial responsibility (insurance, bonding if required)

  4. Set up a bond (if applicable)

  5. Receive an Oregon Weight-Mile account number and credentials

6. Reporting Requirements

Most carriers must:

  • File monthly weight-mile tax reports

  • Report Oregon-only miles

  • Calculate tax based on weight group assigned

  • Submit payments electronically or by mail

Some carriers may qualify for:

  • Quarterly filing, depending on account size and compliance history

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Oregon has strict enforcement for the weight-mile system. Violations may result in:

  • Fines

  • Account suspension

  • Additional audits

  • Being stopped by Oregon DOT enforcement officers

  • Requirement to pay past-due taxes with interest

Operating in Oregon without a weight-mile permit can result in immediate enforcement action.

8. Common Mistakes Carriers Should Avoid

  • Failing to track Oregon-only miles

  • Underreporting weight groups

  • Missing monthly filings

  • Using temporary permits repeatedly instead of opening a permanent account

  • Forgetting to update vehicle weights or fleet changes

  • Not maintaining required financial responsibility documentation

9. Best Practices for Staying Compliant

  • Install reliable mileage-tracking tools or ELD reports

  • Keep organized records of Oregon miles at all times

  • Set reminders for monthly filing deadlines

  • Audit driver logs regularly for accuracy

  • Understand weight groups and declare proper operating weights