Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia’s efforts to bring down transportation costs are expanding, with truck drivers and farmers receiving another temporary break as the state responds to ongoing fuel market pressures. This time, the relief goes beyond lower taxes and reaches a fuel normally restricted from highway use.
The latest decision comes as fuel prices in Georgia have already fallen considerably. Regular gasoline has dropped by about 33 cents per gallon in one week, while diesel prices have declined by more than 42 cents, according to figures cited by state officials.
Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp announced on October 6 that Georgia is temporarily waiving state penalties associated with using off-road, or “dyed,” diesel in vehicles traveling on public roads. The measure is part of an amended state of emergency that will now remain effective through November 5.
Under the expanded order, businesses and individuals will not face state penalties for selling, delivering, or consuming dyed diesel for highway transportation during the emergency period.
According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the waiver applies across all 159 Georgia counties and took effect October 6. It is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. on November 5. The exemption concerns state penalties specifically.
The announcement builds on an earlier executive order issued September 28, when Kemp suspended Georgia’s motor fuel tax and removed state weight limits on commercial vehicles. Those emergency measures were initially scheduled to expire in late October but have now been extended.
The governor said the additional relief was developed in consultation with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
“With our farmers and truckers under heavy pressure, we’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to giving them relief, along with the hardworking Georgians who rely on the goods they produce and deliver,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp.
“I’m thankful for the support of our partners in the legislature on these measures as we continue to put Georgia workers and families first.”
The administration also pointed to recent changes in fuel prices following the initial tax suspension.
According to AAA, figures cited in the governor’s October 8 announcement showed that Georgia’s average gasoline price was approximately 51 cents below the national average.
The extended emergency measures are intended to provide temporary financial relief to the state’s transportation and agricultural industries, whose operating costs are closely tied to fuel prices.
For now, the suspension of fuel taxes, relaxed commercial vehicle weight restrictions, and newly waived dyed diesel penalties will remain part of Georgia’s emergency response through November 5.
