Governor Brad Little Suspends Dyed Diesel Inspections in Idaho

Governor Brad Little signed an executive order on October 9, 2026, suspending state inspections of dyed diesel fuel for 30 days. The order directs the Idaho State Police and the Idaho Transportation Department to pause inspections conducted under Idaho Code 49-676, specifically to provide relief to agricultural producers in southeastern Idaho counties including Franklin, Oneida, and Bear Lake during the fall harvest.

The suspension follows a Monday executive order by President Donald Trump that allowed dyed diesel on highways and prohibited the Internal Revenue Service from imposing standard penalties for its use. Governor Little stated the move aligns with the president's priority of cutting red tape for businesses. The action comes as diesel prices have reached approximately $6.41 per gallon, driven by global supply chain disruptions resulting from Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and the war between Israel and Iran.

While state inspections are paused, the order does not exempt entities from federal laws, the laws of other states, or vehicle warranty requirements. State agencies will use the 30-day window to review enforcement policies and compare them with practices in other states to recommend more practical inspection procedures. Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon and House Speaker Mike Moyle supported the decision, citing high fuel costs and the need to reduce burdens on producers.