Maryland, Missouri Ease Dyed-Diesel Rules for Harvest Haulers
Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on October 9 letting qualifying agricultural and forestry vehicles run on dyed diesel fuel without state penalty, and waiving fees for 30-day Exceptional Hauling Permits. Maryland said AAA data show diesel at $6.467 a gallon on October 5, up 76.2% over 12 months and above the 2022 peak. The relief covers only loaded vehicles on state-managed roads, not interstates, local roads or Maryland Transportation Authority roads. Drivers must be able to show documentation of eligible cargo if asked. The order does not waive federal dyed-diesel taxes or penalties; Maryland's comptroller will seek federal relief separately.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe issued a parallel but broader order the same day, Executive Order 26-20, expanding EO 26-19 to let any motor vehicle use dyed diesel on any Missouri road for any purpose, citing alignment with a federal emergency tax relief order. Missouri's order also extends a temporary increase in agricultural weight limits. Both states' relief expires December 31, 2026, unless renewed.
What's next
- Maryland's emergency runs 30 days from October 9, renewable but not past December 31, 2026.
- Missouri's EO 26-20 is effective immediately and expires December 31, 2026.
- Watch for Comptroller of Maryland and MDA guidance, and whether federal officials grant matching dyed-diesel penalty relief.
All sources
- Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Bring Emergency Diesel Fuel Relief to Agricultural, Forestry Industries During Harvest Season — Government site: The Office of Governor Wes Moore (.gov), 2026-10-09
- Governor Kehoe Expands Executive Order Providing Transportation Cost Relief to Missouri Farmers and Truckers — Government site: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (.gov), 2026-10-09