Georgia farmers, loggers, truckers and other diesel users are getting additional relief as Gov. Brian Kemp extends the state’s motor fuel tax suspension and temporarily waives state penalties associated with the use of dyed diesel on Georgia highways.
Kemp signed an amended executive order Tuesday, Oct. 6, extending the suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel taxes through Nov. 5. The suspension had been scheduled to expire Oct. 29. Georgia’s motor fuel tax is normally 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
The provision involving dyed diesel — often called red diesel or off-road diesel — could be particularly significant for Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries. The red dye identifies diesel that is generally intended for non-highway uses, such as farm and forestry equipment, and therefore is not subject to the same highway fuel taxes.
Ordinarily, using dyed diesel in vehicles traveling on public highways can result in penalties. Under Kemp’s amended executive order, however, the Georgia Department of Revenue is temporarily authorized to waive state penalties associated with its use on Georgia highways during the emergency period.
The move follows federal action temporarily expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel. Kemp’s action addresses the state penalties that otherwise could apply to its use on Georgia roads. The change could provide additional flexibility for industries heavily dependent on diesel fuel, particularly agriculture and forestry during the fall harvest season.
Kemp initially suspended Georgia’s motor fuel tax on Sept. 29 amid concerns about rising fuel costs. Since then, the governor’s office says Georgia’s statewide average price for regular gasoline has fallen approximately 33 cents per gallon, while average diesel prices have dropped by more than 42 cents per gallon. The amended order now keeps the state’s fuel-tax suspension in effect through Nov. 5.
For a driver purchasing 15 gallons of gasoline, the state tax suspension represents roughly $5 in state fuel tax that would otherwise be included in the cost. For 100 gallons of diesel, the suspended 37.3-cent tax amounts to $37.30.
The amended executive order also continues temporary relief involving certain state weight restrictions for qualifying commercial vehicles during the emergency period. That provision, along with the dyed-diesel action, could be especially relevant in rural areas of Georgia where agriculture, forestry and trucking play major roles in the local economy.
Kemp’s order should not be interpreted as permanently making dyed diesel legal for unrestricted highway use. Instead, the state is temporarily waiving applicable Georgia penalties during the emergency period. Once the temporary measures expire, the normal rules governing dyed diesel would again apply unless additional action is taken.
The Georgia Department of Revenue is providing information regarding the fuel-tax suspension and related provisions for motorists and businesses.
Georgia Department of Revenue — 2026 Motor Fuel Tax Suspension FAQs
The current executive order is scheduled to remain in effect through Nov. 5, 2026, unless it is extended or modified.
