Montana has suspended enforcement of its dyed-fuel rules for commercial motor vehicles used in agriculture and timber work, giving farmers, ranchers and loggers some relief at the pump during the autumn hauling season.
Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras issued Executive Order 11-2026 in Helena on 9 October. The order runs for 45 days, until 23 November 2026.
Dyed fuel is untaxed diesel meant for off-road use, such as tractors and other field machinery, and using it in road vehicles is normally penalised. The suspension covers commercial vehicles with a gross weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, vehicles built or used to carry more than eight passengers for pay or more than 15 without pay, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials that must display placards, when they are working for agricultural or timber businesses.
"Montana farmers, ranchers, and timber industry workers are feeling the squeeze at the gas pump," Governor Greg Gianforte said. He said the order would bring relief for transporting essential goods, including agricultural commodities, livestock feed and timber products.
The governor delegated the order to the lieutenant governor under Article VI, Section 4 of the Montana Constitution because he is leading an international trade mission to India.
For grain growers moving the harvest to elevators and ranchers trucking feed ahead of winter, fuel is one of the larger running costs of the season, and the order eases that cost while it lasts.
Photo: USDA NRCS Montana / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Source: Northern Ag Network
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