Gas tax break offers temporary relief as Memorial Day drivers push tanks to empty, AAA warns

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As Memorial Day travel winds down and drivers head home, AAA is warning that high gas prices are causing more Georgians to delay filling up — a habit that could lead to expensive vehicle repairs.

Georgia drivers are getting temporary relief at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax through June 3, reducing the cost of regular gasoline by about 33 cents per gallon.

Even with the suspension, the statewide average price for regular gas remained near $4 per gallon — roughly $1 higher than Memorial Day weekend last year, according to AAA.

At an Atlanta-area gas station advertising regular fuel for $3.79 a gallon, driver Caleb Lee said the lower price convinced him to stop.

“Oh, man, I had to turn in here,” Lee said.

Lee said he avoids stations charging more than $4 per gallon whenever possible.

AAA says rising fuel prices are leading many drivers to stretch their tanks longer between fill-ups. A recent AAA survey found 42% of Georgians are waiting until their gas tanks are closer to empty before refueling.

The organization warns that consistently driving on low fuel levels can damage a vehicle’s fuel pump, resulting in repair costs that can reach $1,000.

“That’s a problem. That’s a problem,” Lee said.

AAA is also encouraging drivers to stay on top of routine maintenance before road trips, including checking tire pressure and refueling before gas levels drop below one-quarter of a tank.

The state gas tax suspension is scheduled to end June 3, and experts warn the roughly 33-cent tax could return immediately afterward.

Another driver, Mario Dawson, said many people are simply trying to adjust to rising costs.

“I can’t change anything. I can only adapt myself to what’s at hand,” Dawson said.

There is no indication yet whether Kemp will extend the suspension again. During the tax holiday, Georgia’s Highway Trust Fund loses an estimated $180 million to $200 million per month in uncollected revenue that would normally support transportation projects.