Gov. Brian Kemp’s amended emergency order extends fuel tax relief through November 5 and waives state penalties for on-road use of dyed diesel. Federal relief measures also target penalties and taxes associated with highway use of dyed diesel.
Georgia is expanding temporary fuel-cost relief for businesses and motorists amid ongoing fuel supply disruptions. On October 6, Gov. Brian Kemp amended the state’s emergency order to waive state penalties for on-road use of off-road dyed diesel and extend the suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel excise taxes through November 5.
The state’s action follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on October 5 directing federal penalty and tax relief for dyed diesel used on highways.
These changes provide additional flexibility and potential cost savings for Georgia’s forestry sector, particularly loggers and timber haulers facing significant fuel and transportation expenses.
What’s Changing?
Dyed Diesel Relief: State
For the duration of Georgia’s state of emergency, state penalties will not apply to the selling, delivering or using of dyed diesel in on-road vehicles.
Dyed diesel is typically designated for off-road use, including equipment used in forestry and agriculture. The amended order provides additional flexibility for businesses that maintain dyed diesel supplies for their woods equipment and may need to use that fuel in on-road trucks.
Dyed Diesel Relief: Federal
A separate executive order signed by President Trump directs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to announce that it will not impose federal penalties when dyed diesel is sold for highway use or used on highways from October 5 through December 31, 2026.
The order also directs the Treasury Department to defer payment of applicable federal excise taxes on dyed diesel used on-road during this period, without penalties or interest, to the extent permitted by law.
Treasury and IRS guidance outlining eligibility and applicable conditions is expected. Businesses should review that guidance before relying on the federal relief.
Georgia Fuel Tax Suspension Extended
Georgia’s suspension of gasoline and diesel excise taxes, originally scheduled to expire October 29, has been extended through November 5, 2026, unless further action is taken.
According to AAA, Georgia’s average diesel price has fallen by more than 42 cents per gallon since the suspension took effect, providing additional relief to businesses with substantial fuel expenses.
Temporary State Truck Weight Increase Remains in Effect
The temporary increase in allowable state truck weight limits for commercial vehicles also remains in effect during the emergency declaration. Eligible five-axle vehicles may operate at weights up to 95,000 pounds, subject to applicable permitting requirements.
Operators seeking to use the higher allowable weight must first obtain a permit through the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division.
Permits are available by calling 844-837-5500 or through the Georgia Permitting and Routing Optimization System.
Businesses should confirm applicable permit requirements and operating restrictions before using the temporary weight allowance.
Why It Matters for Georgia Forestry
Fuel is a major operating expense for loggers, timber haulers and other businesses throughout Georgia’s forest products supply chain.
The amended order offers two important forms of relief: additional flexibility for businesses that keep dyed diesel on hand for off-road forestry equipment, and an extended suspension of state fuel excise taxes.
Combined with the temporary increase in allowable state truck weight limits, these measures could help eligible operators manage fuel and transportation costs during a challenging period for the industry.
The Georgia Forestry Association is grateful to President Trump, Gov. Kemp and Georgia’s state leaders for their efforts to provide relief to businesses and citizens during ongoing fuel supply disruptions.
What Happens Next?
Georgia’s state of emergency is now scheduled to run through November 5, 2026, unless further action is taken. The federal dyed diesel relief period outlined in the presidential order runs through December 31, 2026, subject to applicable law and forthcoming federal guidance.
GFA will continue to monitor developments affecting Georgia’s forestry sector and share updates as additional information becomes available.
Read the Governor’s Amended Executive Order: View the October 6, 2026, Executive Order (PDF)
Read the Federal Executive Order: Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel
Apply for a Truck Weight Permit: Georgia Permitting and Routing Optimization System