Starting October 16, 2026, and through December 31, 2026 unless rescinded earlier, the order declares a statewide emergency over diesel disruptions and, where the law allows, directs free permits for heavier farm-related trucks on non-interstate highways and lighter enforcement of dyed diesel rules for farm vehicles.
Official title: Taking Extraordinary Measures to Reduce Food Costs in Light of Disruptions from War
- October 16, 2026
- Ends December 31, 2026, or earlier if rescinded
- By October 16, 2026: ADOT notice and training of enforcement staff
An automatic check couldn't match part of this summary to the law's text.
The text of the order is the only authority. What this label means
What changes
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NowA state of emergency is declared in every Arizona county because of disruptions to the diesel fuel market.
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NowWhere the law allows, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Director must treat commercial loads weighing 80,001 to 90,800 pounds as 'nonreducible' (generally, loads that cannot easily be split up) so they can be permitted on non-interstate highways. This applies only to vehicles used solely to move crops from harvest or livestock and live poultry, or to haul goods or equipment needed for farming.
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NowADOT may not charge a fee for these permits. The order encourages, but cannot require, the federal government to allow trucks up to 90,800 pounds on interstate highways.
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NowFor vehicles used solely for farming, moving farm products or hauling farm goods or equipment, covered state agencies must, where the law allows, de-prioritize enforcing bans on dyed diesel fuel on non-interstate highways. They must also not start inspections, citations or other enforcement based only on dyed diesel in those vehicles through December 31, 2026.
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NowThe ADOT Director must notify and train enforcement staff on the order by October 16, 2026.
Who it affects
- Farmers and ranchers
- Drivers and carriers hauling crops, livestock, live poultry, or farm goods and equipment
- Arizona Department of Transportation and its enforcement staff
- State agencies covered by the order (not those headed by a single elected official, the Corporation Commission, or boards created by ballot measure in or after November 1998)
What you need to do
Nothing is required. Operators of qualifying farm-related vehicles weighing 80,001 to 90,800 pounds would still need a permit to use non-interstate highways. The order does not say how to apply.
What the law doesn't answer
- How to apply for the heavier-load permits, or how long they take
- What 'dyed diesel fuel' is, and the usual penalties for using it on highways
- Whether dyed diesel enforcement changes on interstate highways (the order covers only non-interstate highways)
- Whether the federal government will allow 90,800-pound trucks on interstates
- Whether the federal diesel tax relief mentioned in the background has been approved
- Whether the emergency declaration releases any state funds or other aid
- Which existing laws may limit these directions, given the 'to the extent permitted by law' wording
This summary describes the order as signed. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.