Green Driver State Incentives in Oregon

To maintain its top ranking among the greenest states in the U.S., and to encourage residents to go green, Oregon offers numerous eco-friendly driver incentives. These include electric car (EV) emissions test exemptions, state and federal tax incentives, alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) loans, auto insurance discounts, and more. Keep reading for specifics on how to take advantage of these Oregon green driver incentives.

OR Emissions Test Exemptions for Green Vehicles

Oregon exempts low-speed and all-electric vehicles from emissions testing as a requirement of OR vehicle registration. This excludes most hybrids* and any other alternative fuel vehicles capable of running on gasoline or diesel fuel. For example, if your vehicle runs on propane, and it is registered within OR's emissions testing boundary (see subsection below), it must undergo an emissions test.

*Hybrids registered in the Medford-Ashland area that are over 20 years old and hybrids registered in the Portland-Metro area with a model-year older than 1975 are exempt from emissions testing.

If your vehicle is emissions test exempt, you might need to submit a completed Declaration of Exemption form (Form 735-1400) to the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) during registration renewal. Download the form online or request one by calling the DEQ at (971) 673-1630 or (877) 476-0583 (toll free).

Emissions Testing Boundaries

Keep in mind that emissions test requirements only apply to vehicles registered in and around the Medford-Ashland and Portland-Metro Metro areas. Determine if your vehicle is registered within a Department of Environmental Quality emissions testing area using the Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) Boundary-Address Matching tool.

For more on obtaining a Certificate of Compliance, refer to the Oregon VIP page and our vehicle inspections page. If your vehicle requires an emissions test, find a nearby inspection center using our locator widget at the bottom of this page.

Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles

Some Oregon auto insurance providers offer insurance discounts for having green driving habits and/or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Consult your car insurance company about potential green vehicle discounts such as:

  • Hybrid auto discounts.
  • Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
  • Economy car discounts.
  • Low-mileage discounts.
  • Pay as you drive discounts.

. You might receive a 10% discount on car insurance for owning or leasing a hybrid car. Discounts vary by provider and circumstances.

If your current OR auto insurance carrier doesn't reward eco-friendly driving, find one that does. Compare auto insurance rates online and save some green for going green.

State and Federal Tax Incentives

State and federal tax incentives abound for Oregon's eco-friendly drivers and businesses. Read on for full details on tax exemptions, federal tax credits, and more.

If you have tax incentive-related questions, consider contacting a tax professional, the OR Department of Revenue, and/or your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center when it comes time to file.

Biodiesel Fuel Excise Tax Exemption

Typically, Oregon imposes an excise tax—at a rate of $.34 per gallon—on the use of fuel in a motor vehicle. However, it exempts diesel fuel blended with at least 20% biodiesel derived from used cooking oil, except when this biodiesel blend is either:

  • Used in motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.
  • Not sold in retail operations.
  • Sold in operations that involve fleet fueling or bulk sales.

For specifics, refer to Oregon Revised Statutes 319.530.

Residential EV Charging and CNG Fueling Station Tax Credits

Oregon tax credits for residential alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure projects have ended. To see if there are new programs, tax credits, or incentives for residential customers, please check with the Oregon Department of Energy.

Business Energy Incentives and Tax Credits

    The Oregon Department of Energy publishes the latest info on available tax dollars, application deadlines, requirements, and more. Consult the DOE’s Business Energy Incentives page for available incentives. It also gives the option to sign up for e-mail updates on Oregon energy incentive programs.

    Federal Tax Incentives for Green Vehicles

    Oregon drivers might be eligible for a tax break by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. The government offers federal tax credits to those who buy new eco-friendly cars such as:

    • Electric cars (EV).
    • Hybrids.
    • Plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
    • Diesels.
    • Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).

    To find out if you're eligible to save even more money, check out fueleconomy.gov.

    Oregon Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loans

    Oregon's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Revolving Loan Fund helps support the expansion of alternative fuel vehicle fleets with a goal of reducing carbon emissions. This continual, revolving fund is open to local, state, and special governments, and Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes. This includes school districts.

    Borrowers can use loan funds to:

    • Buy new alternative fuel vehicles.
    • Convert existing gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles to run on alternative fuels.
    • Offset AFV purchase and/or conversion costs incurred no more than 60 days prior to the Department of Energy receiving your loan application.

    Keep in mind you must also register and use these vehicles in Oregon.

    The Oregon Department of Energy administers these revolving funds through its Small-scale Energy Loan Program (SELP). Because the Department uses loan repayments to help fund the projects of new borrowers, it maintains a revolving pool of resources.

    Before downloading an AFV revolving fund loan application, consult the recent Opportunity Announcement and Fact Sheet. You can also check out SELP's resources on loan fees and interest rates.

    OR Idle Reduction System Weight Exemption

    Vehicles equipped with idle reduction systems may exceed Oregon's maximum weight limits by up to 40 lbs. The weight exemption compensates for the extra weight that equipment designed to reduce the amount of fuel and emissions caused by engine idling adds to a vehicle. Refer to Oregon Revised Statutes 818.030 for more.

    Keep Current with the Latest Oregon Green Driver Incentives

    These money-saving incentives and related green vehicle laws are subject to change. Keep up with the latest by also periodically consulting your local Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) branch and the Oregon Department of Energy.

    Find a Nearby Oregon Emissions Testing Station

    Locate the closest OR smog and emissions testing station with the widget below:

    Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

    Forms

    735-1400
    Declaration of Exemption
    Use this form to claim exemption from Oregon's required emissions inspection.
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