SALEM — Governor Tina Kotek has signed what critics are calling “Oregon’s most ambitious piece of lawn equipment legislation in history,” officially classifying all lawn mowers — riding, push, gas, electric, or otherwise — as motor vehicles under state law.
The new measure, which goes into effect January 1, 2026, will require every Oregon lawn mower to be registered with the DMV, display a license plate, and pass an annual emissions inspection, even if it’s only been used to mow a 4x4 patch of crabgrass.
“Operating a lawn mower without proper identification poses a serious safety hazard,” Kotek said during a press conference, flanked by a John Deere zero-turn and what appeared to be an old rusted Craftsman from 1989. “We’ve seen the statistics. Every year, countless Oregonians are forced to share their cul-de-sac with unlicensed mowing operations. This ends now.”
Under the new law:
- Lawn mower operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Oregon driver’s license.
- Mowing without a plate will carry a fine of up to $750.
- All mowers must have headlights, turn signals, and a functioning horn “capable of being heard by a neighbor over at least one property line.”
- Push mowers will require a “manual propulsion endorsement,” which the DMV says will be a written test and “light jogging evaluation.”
Proponents of the bill say it will improve safety and “bring uniformity to Oregon’s vehicle code,” while opponents have accused the governor of “once again legislating imaginary problems.”
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“This is exactly like the time she made two inner tubes tied together count as a boat,” said one local resident while changing the oil in his Toro. “Next she’s gonna make us put seat belts on our wheelbarrows.”
In addition to the licensing rules, all lawn mowers driven more than 25 feet from their primary storage location will be required to carry liability insurance. The Oregon State Police confirmed that DUII laws will apply to mower operators, “regardless of whether they are mowing in their own backyard while enjoying a six-pack.”
The Governor’s office has already hinted at further legislation to “close loopholes in the recreational yard equipment sector,” including early drafts of bills to regulate slip ’n slides, pogo sticks, and “inflatable pool floats of unusual size.”
Official Statement from the Office of Governor Tina Kotek
*"Today, we take a bold step toward lawn safety and community harmony. By requiring licensing for lawn mowers, we ensure that all Oregonians can mow with pride, security, and accountability. Whether you’re trimming a small front yard or operating a large-scale grass-cutting apparatus, you deserve to know your neighbor has met the same rigorous standards of mower operation that you have.
Remember: mow slow, mow safe, and keep Oregon lawns beautiful."*
— Office of the Governor, Salem, Oregon
