Georgia Diesel Tax Cut as Truck Weight Rules Ease

Georgia has temporarily suspended its state motor fuel tax as high diesel prices continue to put pressure on transportation costs. The move provides a 30-day break from the state’s 37.3-cent-per-gallon diesel tax and also changes weight restrictions for commercial vehicles. Gov. Brian Kemp announced the action on September 28 after declaring a state of emergency because of what his office described as global market volatility. The Georgia Diesel Tax suspension took effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 29 and is scheduled to remain in place through October 29.

For truck drivers and motor carriers operating in Georgia, the temporary change could reduce fuel costs during a period when diesel remains unusually expensive.

Georgia Diesel Tax Suspended for 30 Days

Georgia normally collects a motor fuel excise tax of 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel. The state also collects 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline.

Both taxes are temporarily suspended under the governor’s action.

At the time of the announcement, the governor’s office reported that diesel was averaging $6.24 per gallon in Georgia. Regular gasoline averaged $4.19 per gallon.

The Georgia Diesel Tax suspension does not necessarily mean every truck stop will immediately reduce its posted diesel price by exactly 37.3 cents.

Fuel taxes are generally incorporated into prices as fuel moves through the distribution system. Changes at individual stations can therefore appear at different times. Other factors affecting wholesale fuel prices can also influence what drivers ultimately pay at the pump.

Still, removing the state excise tax eliminates one component of the cost of each gallon of diesel sold during the suspension.

For a truck purchasing 100 gallons, the 37.3-cent tax represents $37.30. A 150-gallon purchase represents $55.95 in state diesel tax.

Actual savings at the pump will depend on fuel prices and how retailers adjust their prices.

Commercial Vehicle Weight Limits Also Affected

The emergency declaration goes beyond fuel taxes.

According to the governor’s office, the executive order also suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles. State officials said the change is intended to help lower transportation costs that are ultimately reflected in prices for everyday goods.

That provision could be particularly important for freight movement during the emergency period.

However, the suspension should not be interpreted as eliminating every restriction that applies to an overweight or oversize commercial vehicle. Trucking companies and drivers operating above normal limits should verify applicable permits, routes and restrictions before operating.

Georgia’s Department of Public Safety handles commercial vehicle enforcement and permitting in the state.

High Diesel Prices Drive Georgia’s Action

The state tied the emergency action to volatility in global energy markets and rapidly rising fuel costs.

Diesel prices have become especially important for trucking companies because fuel is one of the industry’s largest operating expenses. Sharp increases can quickly affect the cost of moving freight, particularly for smaller carriers and owner-operators.

Georgia officials also highlighted the effect of diesel prices on agriculture and other industries that depend heavily on fuel.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said Georgia farmers were facing diesel prices that had more than doubled in recent weeks.

State officials said temporarily removing the motor fuel tax and easing commercial vehicle weight restrictions could help reduce some of those costs.

Georgia Has Suspended Fuel Taxes Before

Earlier in 2026, state lawmakers approved a 60-day suspension of the motor fuel tax. Kemp later issued an executive order extending fuel-tax relief for another two weeks through early June.

Georgia has also used temporary fuel-tax suspensions during previous periods of high prices and emergencies.

The financial impact can be substantial. Georgia reported that motor fuel tax collections fell by $196.9 million, or 98.5%, in June compared with the same month in fiscal year 2025. The state attributed the decline to the earlier motor fuel tax suspension.

The latest suspension represents another temporary intervention as fuel costs remain elevated.

What the Georgia Diesel Tax Change Means for Truckers

The immediate trucking impact comes from two parts of the emergency action: the suspension of the Georgia Diesel Tax and the temporary change to state commercial vehicle weight limits.

The diesel tax suspension is scheduled to continue through October 29. Unless the policy is extended or changed, Georgia’s normal motor fuel excise tax would return after the emergency period ends.

For drivers fueling in Georgia, the change removes a 37.3-cent-per-gallon state tax during the suspension. However, pump prices can still move because of changes in crude oil, refining, distribution and wholesale fuel markets.

Commercial drivers considering operations above normal state weight limits should also check the specific requirements that apply to their vehicle and route.

For now, Georgia has joined the growing response to high fuel costs by temporarily changing two rules with direct implications for the trucking industry: what the state collects on diesel and how commercial vehicle weight restrictions are handled during the emergency.