North Carolina Suspended Motor Fuel Tax
Governor Josh Stein signed legislation to provide temporary financial relief for residents amid high gas prices.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed the Relief at the Pump act into law, which suspends the state motor fuel excise tax. The measure aims to alleviate financial pressure on residents currently facing elevated costs at the pump.
Why it matters
The legislation is designed to offer immediate relief to drivers by removing the state tax burden on fuel during a period of high prices. State reserve funds will be used to offset the revenue lost during the temporary suspension.
The law eliminates the 41-cent-per-gallon state motor fuel excise tax. As of October 9, 2026, the average cost of gas reached $4.097 per gallon in North Carolina and $4.098 per gallon in Asheville.
The players
Josh Stein
He is the Governor of North Carolina who signed the Relief at the Pump act into law.
The details
House Bill 3, signed by the Governor, mandates the suspension of fuel taxes from October 10 through the end of November. The act also permits agricultural users and farmers to utilize dyed diesel on state highways without facing penalties.
Timeline
Governor Josh Stein signed the Relief at the Pump bill on October 9, 2026.
The motor fuel tax suspension period officially begins on October 10, 2026.
The temporary tax suspension is set to conclude on November 30, 2026.
Roadmap
This move represents a direct state-level intervention into energy costs that complements the broader shift toward electric vehicles by easing the transition for current internal combustion engine owners. Such measures position state leaders to manage economic volatility while the automotive industry continues its long-term move away from traditional fossil fuel dependence.
Drivers in North Carolina should see a reduction in fuel costs at the pump starting October 10. These savings will remain in effect through the end of November, impacting the daily commuting costs for the average state resident.
The takeaway
This tax suspension provides a temporary reduction in driving expenses for motorists across the state. Residents can plan for lower fuel costs throughout the remainder of the autumn season until the tax rate returns to normal in December.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's transition at North Carolina Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Asheville Citizen Times.
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Do you support temporary suspensions of state gas taxes to lower costs for residents?
