Gov. Mike Kehoe Signs Order Suspending Fuel Restrictions for Farmers
By Maia Orme | Wed, September 30, 2026
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order on Wednesday authorizing a temporary suspension of motor vehicle fuel restrictions and a temporary increase in agricultural allowable weight limitations.
The order declares a state of emergency, allowing farmers and commercial vehicle license holders to use dyed diesel fuel on state highways for agricultural purposes. It also adjusts commercial vehicle weight limitations to boost capacity for agricultural transportation.
According to the governor's office, "extraordinary conditions" this year have dramatically increased input costs like fertilizer and diesel fuel. Harvesting and transporting agricultural products has become "severely cost-inefficient," placing a "immense economic burden" on Missouri farmers and livestock haulers.
“Our administration is taking targeted action where we can to help address the unique fuel and transportation needs of harvest season,” said Gov. Kehoe. “This executive order gives our producers and agricultural haulers some commonsense flexibility to lower transportation costs and keep Missouri agriculture moving.”
Gov. Kehoe emphasized that reducing unnecessary costs for farmers will benefit families across the state.
The order suspends state restrictions and associated penalties for vehicles traveling on highways engaged in agricultural operations. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assessing taxes, administrative, civil, or criminal penalties against anyone operating within the scope of the exemption.