SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will temporarily suspend penalties for using dyed diesel fuel on highways for farming and agricultural purposes, a move state officials say is aimed at keeping agricultural operations running during a diesel fuel crunch.

The relief period runs Oct. 6 through Dec. 31, 2026, with normal enforcement resuming Jan. 1, 2027.

The Illinois Department of Revenue, working with Illinois State Police, said it will not impose penalties for the sale, purchase, possession or on-road use of dyed diesel in vehicles used for farming and agricultural purposes during that window, under Executive Order 2026-08.

State officials tied the action to Gov. JB Pritzker’s statewide disaster proclamation covering all Illinois counties, which cited record diesel prices, supply chain disruptions, low inventories and higher transportation costs for farm goods.

Local angle: Geneseo and Henry County

The timing lands in the middle of harvest and grain-hauling season. the waiver means trucks hauling grain and other agricultural goods can use dyed diesel on state roads without facing state penalties through year’s end — a potentially significant cost break when diesel prices are elevated and transportation costs are high.

The bulletin notes federal action on Oct. 5 authorizing highway use of tax-free dyed diesel and deferring the federal diesel excise tax through year’s end, while emphasizing Illinois’ relief is limited to farming and agricultural purposes.

Farmers who use the relief must still keep detailed records, including license plate numbers, gallons used, fill-up dates and proof the fuel was used for agricultural transportation, such as invoices, bills of lading or grain tickets. Because dye residue can linger in tanks, users are also advised to document odometer readings at the end of the relief period and keep receipts for later fuel purchases. Records must be kept for four years.