The Oregon Chapter of the American Tiny House Association was kind enough to assemble an at-a-glace guide to the issues facing RV tiny houses in today. Unfortunately our state hasn’t taken as kindly to the Tiny Houses on Wheels as we would have liked, but do not be discouraged! Tiny SMART House actively participates in advocating for our movement, and you can too. The first step is getting informed. Cheers to our tiny house peers!
– Oregon DMV FAQ Sheet –
Can I title and register a Tiny Home on Wheels as a vehicle in Oregon?
DMV cannot title and register tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) because it is not specifically allowed under Oregon laws and rules. This includes THOWs built new by a manufacturer, already titled in another state, or assembled (not built by a manufacturer). However, customers can apply for permits from the Oregon Department of Transportation to move a tiny home on public roads and highways:
Trip Permit – Apply at DMV for a light vehicle or heavy trailer trip permit, depending on the loaded weight of the trailer. http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/trippermit.aspx
Over-Dimension Permit (Commonly known as a Wide Load Permit) – If the tiny home is more than 8.5 feet wide, apply at the Motor Carrier Transportation Division for an over-dimension permit. http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/Pages/Over-Dimension.aspx
What if I already titled and registered my THOW as an RV in Oregon?
Previously, THOWs qualified under Oregon laws and rules as a recreational vehicle. If the trailer was issued an insignia of compliance by the Oregon Building Codes Division, an owner could apply for title and registration. Insignia of compliance are no longer issued for THOW structures.
If a THOW already has an Oregon title, it will remain valid and the vehicle registration can be renewed.
Relevant Laws and Administrative Rules
Some current Oregon laws and administrative rules related to THOWs:
Definition of “travel trailer” is ORS 565.
Definition of recreational vehicle is ORS 003(33) and further defined by DCBS Building Codes Division in OAR 918-525-0005(9). This rule excludes THOWs.
Definition of prefabricated structure is ORS 010(6). Building Codes Division has rules for prefabricated structures. OAR 918-674-0005(20) describes the types of structures and components that are considered prefabricated structures.