In Oregon, Heavy Vehicles (over 26,000 lbs) don’t pay gas taxes, they pay a weight-mile tax that is based on their mileage in the state. To make sure that local transportation funding is collected in a way that accounts for freight as well as residential use of the transportation system, the City Council passed a heavy vehicle use tax on May 11, 2016. The heavy vehicle use tax that charges companies based on a percentage of the state weight-mile tax they pay. It is only charged to companies who pay the state weight-mile tax and also have a license to do business in Portland. Businesses will pay 2.8% of their Oregon Weight-Mile tax.

The estimated revenue to be generated from the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is $2.5 million per year or $10 million over 4 years. Per City Council Ordinance, the funds are to be allocated for 56% Street Repair/Maintenance and 44% Traffic Safety.

Questions or comments about Fixing Our Streets may be submitted to: fixingourstreets@portlandoregon.gov.