MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey has directed the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to temporarily suspend enforcement actions regarding the use of dyed diesel fuel for the next 120 days, providing financial relief to the state’s agricultural and timber sectors amid sharp increases in fuel prices.
Dyed diesel fuel is a tax-exempt fuel product restricted under standard regulations exclusively for off-road equipment, agricultural machinery, and heavy industrial vehicles. The 120-day enforcement pause takes effect immediately, aligning with Alabama’s peak harvest season, which runs through November 15.
Relieving Fuel Costs During Peak Harvest Season
In a formal letter to ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, Governor Ivey cited the disproportionate price spikes in diesel fuel relative to other petroleum products as the primary driver behind the executive directive.
“The increase in diesel fuel prices has been particularly sharp relative to other fuel prices, directly affecting Alabama’s agricultural and timber industries,” Governor Ivey stated in her directive. “In response to these extraordinary circumstances, I am requesting that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and other enforcement agencies temporarily adjust its enforcement priorities concerning the use of dyed diesel fuel.”
Governor Ivey emphasized that supporting farmers and forestry operators during the fall harvest requires practical state intervention: “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… this is a measured, doable and commonsense action to help out Alabama’s agricultural and timber communities.”
Implementation and Federal Tax Relief Request
ALEA officials confirmed that operational changes regarding fuel inspection priorities are effective immediately across all patrol divisions.
“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,” said ALEA Secretary Taylor. “ALEA is committed to implementing the governor’s directive while maintaining our steadfast focus on public safety and ensuring Alabama’s roadways remain safe for all who travel them.”
In addition to the state-level enforcement suspension, Governor Ivey instructed Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell to formally request federal dyed diesel penalty waivers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to further safeguard operators from federal tax penalties during the emergency period.