Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Health Authority Licenses All Mobile Food Units

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: ORS 624.010-624.121
Rules: OAR 333-150
Licensing agent: County health, OHA-delegated
Class system: I through IV

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

Oregon Health Authority licenses every mobile food unit statewide under ORS 624 and OAR 333-150. County environmental health offices act as state agents to inspect and permit food trucks under uniform standards.

624.320 License requirement for commissary, warehouse, mobile unit or vending machine; notice of mobile unit movement. (1) A person may not operate a vending machine, warehouse, commissary or mobile unit without first procuring a license to do so from the Oregon Health Authority. The operator shall post the license in a conspicuous place in the warehouse or commissary. The operator shall affix a card, emblem or other device clearly showing the name and address of the licensee and the serial number of the license to each vending machine or mobile unit as the case may be.

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

ORS 624.010 to 624.121 establishes Oregon's restaurant licensing framework, which expressly includes mobile food units. OAR 333-150 incorporates the FDA Food Code with Oregon amendments, classifying mobile units as Class I through IV based on menu complexity. Operators must obtain a state license through the local county health department, secure an approved commissary, and pass routine inspections. Fees and procedures are set in administrative rule and apply uniformly. Cities may regulate parking, zoning, and right-of-way use, but cannot license food safety. Carts serving only prepackaged foods may qualify for limited licenses under OAR 333-150-0064.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a state license is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 624.991, with fines up to $6,250. OHA may also order immediate closure and destruction of unsafe food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who licenses food trucks in Oregon?

The Oregon Health Authority licenses all mobile food units. County health departments act as state agents to issue licenses and conduct inspections under OAR 333-150 and ORS 624.

Do I need a commissary for an Oregon food cart?

Most Class II, III, and IV mobile units must operate from an approved commissary for water, waste disposal, and food prep. Limited Class I units serving prepackaged food may be exempt.

Sources

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