A relaxation of the rules on the use of red diesel will allow farmers to help grit public roads to enable them to help local communities during adverse weather.
They will be allowed to use red diesel in their tractors, and other approved farm machinery, to help provide access to schools, hospitals, remote dwellings or local communities cut off by ice and snow.
Red diesel is used in registered agricultural or construction vehicles and carries a reduced tax levy.
In recent years HMRC have allowed temporary relaxation of the rules in extreme weather, but prior to that farmers would have risked prosecution if caught.
It comes after the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recognised the vital role that farmers play across the country during the winter weather.
NFU transport spokesman John Collen said: "This is an issue the NFU has been pursuing for a number of years and HMRC has shown that it understands the issues facing rural communities in times of extreme weather."
"We are pleased that the proposed amendments will extend to all vehicles registered in agricultural tax class, which includes agricultural quad bikes, and that there will be no limit on distance."
HMRC will now draft an amendment to the legislation for Ministerial approval and will publicise when the changes come into effect.
"The recognition of the vital work that farmers undertake for local communities in cold weather is a positive step" said Ben Ellis, NFU regulatory affairs adviser.
"We are pleased that HMRC have taken a sensible approach on this matter - some areas are already receiving the first snowfall this winter while other areas are preparing for what looks to be a cold few weeks ahead."
"We are currently awaiting the results of a HMRC consultation on a permanent relaxation on the rules for gritting, which the NFU is strongly in favour of."
