Ivey Halts Dyed-Diesel Enforcement for 120 Days in Harvest-Season Relief Move
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday directed the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to halt enforcement of dyed diesel fuel rules for the next 120 days, citing a sharp spike in diesel prices hitting the state’s farmers and timber operators at the start of harvest season.
In a letter to ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, Ivey asked the agency and other enforcement bodies to “temporarily adjust” enforcement priorities around dyed diesel use. The change is effective immediately and runs through late January.
“As we are in the beginning of peak harvest season in Alabama, I am committed to doing what we can to support our state’s farmers and their families,” Ivey said. “When we can responsibly provide relief, I am all for it, and this is a measured, doable and commonsense action to help out Alabama’s agricultural and timber communities.”
Dyed diesel — fuel marked with red dye — is sold without standard road taxes for off-road use in equipment like tractors, skidders, and irrigation pumps. Using it in licensed on-road vehicles is normally a violation, and ALEA officers have historically checked for it during commercial vehicle inspections. Under the order, those inspections will focus on public safety threats instead.
“Governor Ivey’s directive provides a practical and timely measure to support Alabama’s farmers and timber operators as they navigate the impact of increased fuel costs,” Taylor said. “ALEA is committed to implementing the governor’s directive while maintaining our steadfast focus on public safety.”
There is one significant caveat: the governor’s order covers state enforcement only. Federal penalties for running dyed fuel on public roads still apply. Ivey also instructed Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell to request penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service — a request that has not yet been granted.
Alabama is not alone in the move. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a similar emergency order this week waiving dyed-diesel restrictions for farm and timber trucks, with diesel prices there sitting near $6 a gallon — close to the state’s record.
Alabama’s harvest season runs through November 15, putting the relief squarely in the window when Blount County’s farms are moving grain and timber trucks are at their busiest.