Trucking Laws · Minnesota · November 1, 2026

Minnesota Extends Hours Relief for Truckers Hauling Fuel and Weight Relief for Harvest Loads

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Minnesota has extended emergency relief for truckers who haul fuel and for farm trucks moving the harvest. Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order that builds on emergency action he took on Oct. 1, Northern News Now reported on Oct. 30, citing a press release from the governor's office.

What the order covers

Executive Order 26-12 does two main things, according to the report.

• Hours of service: It extends temporary hours-of-service relief for motor carriers and drivers transporting fuel products, including diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel. The order is intended to help maintain fuel supplies while preserving key safety protections.
• Weight limits: It continues temporary weight-limit relief for trucks hauling covered harvest products from the harvest site to their first unloading point.

Where the weight relief applies

The weight-limit relief applies only on state and local highways. Interstate highways and state- or county-maintained forest roads are excluded.

Who it helps

The order is aimed at farmers, loggers, truckers and fuel haulers during the fall harvest. Walz said the action is meant to help producers and haulers conserve fuel and reduce costs during the harvest season.

How long it lasts

The order takes effect immediately and remains in place until it is rescinded or Nov. 29, whichever comes first.

Background

Hours-of-service rules limit how long truckers can drive and work, and emergency orders like this one let states loosen certain limits for specific kinds of loads. Big Rig Daily's explainer on electronic logs and hours-of-service rules covers the basics. For the national picture, see the report on the federal safety officer's comments on hours-of-service flexibility. Other states have acted on fuel as well, including a red-dyed diesel waiver now in 31 states. Georgia has also acted on fuel costs, extending its fuel tax suspension to Nov. 30.

What to check

Carriers and truckers should read the order itself for exact definitions of covered products and loads before relying on it. This report is a summary of one news account, and it does not replace the order.

Quick facts

• Order: Executive Order 26-12, signed by Gov. Tim Walz.
• Fuel haulers: temporary hours-of-service relief for diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel.
• Harvest loads: weight-limit relief from the harvest site to the first unloading point, on state and local highways only.
• Excluded: interstate highways and state- or county-maintained forest roads.
• Ends: Nov. 29, 2026, or when rescinded, whichever comes first.

FAQ

What fuels does Minnesota's hours-of-service relief cover?

Diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel, according to the governor's office as reported.

Does Minnesota's harvest weight relief apply on interstates?

No. It applies only on state and local highways. Interstates and state- or county-maintained forest roads are excluded.

How long does Minnesota's relief order last?

Until it is rescinded or Nov. 29, whichever comes first.

A question for readers

Should truckers get more flexibility on their hours all the time, or only during an emergency?

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