Crossing into Washington from Oregon or Idaho-Permit Checklist

Dec. 8, 2025, 8:39 p.m.
Moving freight into Washington from its neighboring states—Oregon and Idaho—is one of the busiest commercial trucking corridors in the Northwest. But Washington has its own strict size, weight, and operating rules that carriers must follow before crossing the state line. This checklist ensures drivers, dispatchers, and brokers stay compliant when entering Washington.
Washington Truck Permits

1. Verify IRP & IFTA Credentials

Before entering Washington:

  • IRP (International Registration Plan) must be valid

  • IFTA license and decals must be current

  • Cab card must be in the vehicle

If the truck is not IRP-registered, it will require a Washington 3-Day Trip Permit.

2. Determine if You Need a Washington 3-Day Trip Permit

You must purchase a 3-Day Trip Permit at https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/ if:

  • The vehicle is not IRP-plated

  • The carrier does not have an Active Wash. DOT number

  • You are running an out-of-state temporary registration

Trip permits allow legal travel into or across Washington for 3 consecutive days.

3. Check for Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Requirements

Crossing from Oregon or Idaho often involves:

  • Heavy equipment

  • Agricultural loads

  • Construction machinery

  • Manufactured homes

  • Flatbed overhangs

Washington requires an OS/OW permit if ANY limits are exceeded:

  • Width: over 8’6”

  • Height: over 14’

  • Length: varies by configuration (usually over 53’ trailer)

  • Weight: over 80,000 lbs gross or axle limits

If oversize, plan to obtain a Washington State OS/OW Permit through WSDOT.

4. Review Border-Specific Rules

Entering from Oregon

Common crossings:

  • I-5 (Portland → Vancouver)

  • I-205

  • US-97

  • US-395

Key considerations:

  • Many Oregon loads already permitted must still get Washington permits

  • Overweight tolerances are different; Washington is stricter

Entering from Idaho

Common crossings:

  • I-90 (Coeur d’Alene → Spokane)

  • US-2

  • US-12

Key considerations:

  • Mountain routes may have seasonal restrictions

  • Weather-related travel restrictions are more common in winter

5. Check Washington Axle and Weight Limits

Washington follows FHWA limits but enforces them aggressively.

Key limits:

  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs

  • Tandem: 34,000 lbs

  • Tridem: varies (usually 42,000–48,000 lbs depending on spacing)

  • Bridge formula applies strictly

Know your axle spacings before requesting any OS/OW permit.

6. Confirm Route Restrictions

Washington is known for:

  • Steep grades (Snoqualmie Pass, Lewiston–Clarkston bridge area)

  • High winds in the Columbia Gorge

  • Weather closures in the Cascades

  • Height issues on certain US highways

Check WSDOT’s route database for:

  • Bridge restrictions

  • Road closures

  • Height or width limits

  • Escort vehicle requirements

7. Escort / Pilot Car Requirements

Depending on size, you may need escort vehicles:

  • 1 or 2 pilot cars

  • Front, rear, or both

  • Additional restrictions for night or inclement weather

Washington’s escort rules differ from Oregon and Idaho.

8. Lighting, Signage & Safety Equipment

Oversize vehicles often must have:

  • “Oversize Load” banners

  • Amber warning lights

  • Red/amber flags

  • Proper load securement

Inspect the load before crossing the border—Washington State Patrol enforces this heavily.

9. Thruway, Toll, and Special Roads

Washington has no major toll roads for trucks except:

  • SR-520 Bridge (Seattle area) — oversize travel is restricted

  • Certain ferries do not accommodate oversize loads

Plan accordingly based on route.

10. Keep All Permits and Documents Ready for Inspection

Have the following accessible for enforcement:

  • IRP cab card

  • IFTA license

  • Washington OS/OW permit

  • Washington Trip Permit (if required)

  • Bills of lading (BOL)

  • Proof of insurance

Washington State Patrol (WSP) often checks carriers right after border entry.

Quick Permit Checklist Summary

Before entering Washington, confirm:

 IRP & IFTA credentials are valid

 Washington 3-Day Trip Permit (if needed)

 OS/OW permit if exceeding legal limits

 Route checked for restrictions

 Escort vehicles arranged (if applicable)

 Lights, flags, and signs installed

 All documents ready for inspection