OAR 734-082-0015
Weight for Single Non-Divisible Loads

(1) The loaded weight of a group of axles, vehicle, or combination of vehicles shall not exceed that specified in the Permit Weight Table assigned to the permit. In no case shall the loaded weight exceed:
(a) 21,500 pounds per axle, except as described in OAR 734-082-0010 (Tires)(2);
(b) 43,000 pounds per tandem axle;
(c) 98,000 pounds loaded weight for continuous trip permits;
(d) The weight otherwise specified on the permit; or
(e) The sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less.
(2) Auxiliary axle(s) must be deployed, and distribute the weight of the load or vehicle, when failure to do so results in any tire, axle, tandem axle or group of axles exceeding the weight limits allowed by OAR 734-074-0020 (Maximum Allowable Weights).
(3)(a) In a combination of two vehicles other than a truck-tractor and semitrailer, the axle and tandem axle weights listed in subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this rule may be allowed by permit for the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle, but not both, if the gross weight does not exceed that authorized in ORS 818.010 (Maximum allowable weight) except;
(b) When the combination of vehicles is a motor truck and stinger-steered balance trailer, the axle and tandem axle weights listed in subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this rule may be allowed by permit for both vehicles if the load is carried on the balance trailer, and the towing vehicle is unladen.
(4) Overweight permits will be valid only for a single non-divisible load, except a permit may be issued for a single load consisting of multiple assembled parts constituting an integral whole with detached accessories included in the load, if the accessories are detached to reduce width, height, length, or a combination of these dimensions, and an overweight permit could have been issued for the load in its assembled condition.
(a) Single trip permits may be issued for combinations of vehicles having a steering axle followed by four or more consecutive tandem axles, provided the weight does not exceed:
(A) 600 pounds per inch of tire width;
(B) 24,000 pounds per axle, except as described in OAR 734-082-0010 (Tires)(2);
(C) 48,000 pounds per tandem axle;
(D) The weights listed in Permit Weight Table 5 for groups of axles; or
(E) The sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group of axle weights, whichever is less.
(b) Additional weight for axles or tandem axles may be allowed by permit when the combination of vehicles described in subsection (a) of this section utilizes axles that are ten feet wide and have four tires (10 percent additional axle weight), or axles that are ten feet wide and have eight tires (25 percent additional axle weight). Any additional weight allowed must be specified on the permit, and will apply only to axles or tandem axles specifically identified as having the requisite characteristics. The minimum of the weights listed on Permit Weight Table 5, calculated by Permit Weight Table 5 formulas, or listed on the permit determines the maximum allowable weight for groups of axles.
(c) Permits issued under this section are subject to special routing and analysis by the Department of Transportation. Weights exceeding those listed on Permit Weight Table 5, or exceeding Permit Weight Table 5 formulas will require a case by case engineering review and approval by the Department of Transportation Bridge Section before a permit will be issued. Permits issued under such Bridge Section review authority shall specify maximum allowable axle, tandem axle, and group axle weights which may not be exceeded and shall be valid only for the single specific movement requested and reviewed unless otherwise expressly authorized by the Bridge Section.
(d) All movements shall be subject to any posted weight limitation in effect on any highway, highway section, bridge, or structure.
(e) Equipment used in the loading, unloading or operation of the vehicle may be transported with the permitted item.
(5) The road use assessment fee required in OAR 734-082-0003 (Fee) is based on the weight requested for the permit. The weight shown on the permit is the maximum weight permitted.
(6) The Department of Transportation may publish tables of weights that may be authorized by these rules, subject to route analysis for each trip.
(7) In no instance may the vehicle combination exceed the manufacturer’s GVWR for the vehicle or the vehicle combination and load.
(8) The exception described in ORS 818.030 (Exemptions from weight limitations)(10) and 818.340 (Operating in violation of variance permit)(4) is limited to the actual weight of the idle reduction system, not to exceed 550 pounds. In order to qualify for the exception, the operator of the vehicle may be required to prove:
(a) By written certification the weight of the auxiliary power unit; and
(b) By demonstration or certification that the idle reduction technology is fully functional.
(9) A vehicle that uses natural gas as its fuel source, or is powered primarily by means of an electric battery, may exceed the weight limitations established under ORS 818.010 (Maximum allowable weight) by not more than 2,000 pounds.
[NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Source: Rule 734-082-0015 — Weight for Single Non-Divisible Loads, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=734-082-0015 (accessed May 26, 2025).

May 26, 2025

Rule 734-082-0015's source at or​.us