While President Donald Trump signed a federal executive order on October 5, 2026, directing federal agencies to ease certain restrictions for red dyed diesel and urging states to expand access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel to lower fuel prices, state laws still dictate whether you can use it on local road.
Dyed diesel is untaxed and restricted solely for off-road use, such as in farm tractors, construction equipment, and generators. Unless a federal waiver or an explicit executive order from the Governor of Maryland is issued, using it in an on-road vehicle in Maryland is illegal.
Unless the Governor of Maryland issues a specific state-level emergency executive order—as governors in states like Texas, Indiana, and Arkansas have done—normal state laws remain strictly in effect.
Maryland, using dyed diesel in a road vehicle can result in:• Criminal misdemeanor convictions.• Fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year in prison.• Separate administrative assessments by the Maryland Comptroller of $1,000 or $10 per gallon of fuel.
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