Food Truck Inspection

New Fire Safety Requirements for Food Trucks – Effective November 1, 2025 

The Oklahoma Legislature has passed House Bill 2459 (HB2459), which changes how fire and life safety inspections for mobile food preparation vehicles (“food trucks”) are handled across the state.

Starting November 1, 2025, inspections will no longer be managed by local authorities. Instead, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office will oversee all fire and life safety inspections and compliance requirements statewide.

What This Means for Food Truck Operators in Tahlequah

To operate legally in Tahlequah after November 1, 2025, your truck must display all of the following decals/licenses:

  • State Fire Marshal Operational Permit Decal
    Issued annually after inspection by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office.

  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Administration Permit Decal
    Required if LPG is used for cooking or heating.

  • Oklahoma Health Department License
    Must be current and properly displayed.

Authority and Responsibility

Under HB2459:

  • The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office has sole jurisdiction over fire and life safety inspections for all food trucks statewide.

  • The State Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for inspections, issuing decals, and determining compliance with state-adopted codes.

  • Operators must work directly with the State Fire Marshal’s Office (and the LPG Administration, if applicable).

  • Compliance responsibility rests with both the operator and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The City of Tahlequah’s Role

Tahlequah’s involvement will now be limited to:

  • Verifying decals during city events and routine checks.

  • Enforcing zoning, land-use, and event permit requirements.

  • Reporting unsafe conditions to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

  • Verifying City of Tahlequah Itinerant Vendors Licenses.

Enforcement in Tahlequah

  • Food trucks without the required decals will not be permitted to operate in Tahlequah.

  • Event applications and city permits will require proof of current decals.

  • Trucks operating without decals will be referred to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and may be removed from city events or locations.

  • An Itinerant Vendors License from the City of Tahlequah is required.

Next Steps for Operators

  • Schedule your annual inspection with the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Schedule your appointment time for October 16th by using the calendar below.

  • If using LPG, contact the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration for inspection and permit requirements.

  • Ensure all decals/licenses are clearly displayed before November 1, 2025.

Important: These requirements are mandated by state law and will be enforced uniformly across Oklahoma. Preparing early will help avoid disruptions to your business.

Pre-event Checklist and Pre-event Registration Questions