What is the real story about getting fined for running high sulfur red dye diesel? I have heard the ticket costs outrageous amounts if money caught. Just want to know the real scoop. Also how would they find out? I understand it dyes the internals of the motor but how would anyone know just by looking at it?
Thanks

In VA they drop a stick into your tank and scrape the sides with it. What they could get you for is: tax evasion, and EPA violations, plus probably some state fines. I dunno about others, but in DE we run about $0.50 a gallon in tax and we're a tiny state with several refineries! When fuel runs me $3.60 a gallon, I run red.

the dmv checks usually by dipping the tank. do a search this has been brought up many times. you'll find lots of info here on it.

Makes you wonder what if you dump a quart of used motor oil in with the "red diesel"... it'll definitely turn a darker shade... wondering.... I just have to figure out where to buy "red diesel" in Illinois....:cool:

in MT you have to be over your GVW for the dot to even consider popping you for something. if your towing then they can pull you over for any little infraction.

once pulled over they can dip your tank. if you say no 1000$ automatic fine. if you have red dye in your tank then will go back to your house and dip all the other rigs on your property.

from what ive heard the dot can nab anyone for speeding or wreckless driving etc but can only detain till a sheriff or highway patrol arrives. they cannot write you a ticket, unless your over your gvw.

so bottom line is run it if your under your gvw just dont drive like a jackass

The fines can be up to $10K and an additional per gallon fine (check your local regulations). A co-worker got caught because he was involved in an accident (he got broadsided) and his tank was leaking. So, there are other ways that you can get caught...it's not worth it.

Although I don't run red in my truck I do have another thought. What if you have a ranch and use your truck on the ranch about 90% of the time. Sometimes you drive it to town, so you put regular green in and get pulled over and checked. Lets just say your fuel was all good but they found red die on the side of the tank. What would they do? I know that alot of this is not realistic but it could make a good civil debate.

Although I don't run red in my truck I do have another thought. What if you have a ranch and use your truck on the ranch about 90% of the time. Sometimes you drive it to town, so you put regular green in and get pulled over and checked. Lets just say your fuel was all good but they found red die on the side of the tank. What would they do? I know that alot of this is not realistic but it could make a good civil debate.


you would still get fined. mainly because you have red dye in your tank and your driving on a public road.

it would be hard to prove 60% of the time its on the ranch and then 40% its off the ranch. they dont care, they will just fine you...

i got stopped in nc by the state patrol. he weighed me and checked my tank with a long tube. he told me if i failed the test...road side fine was 1k and they would go back 3 years and estimate how much fuel you used and fine you .30 per gal. dont see how but thats what he said.

We got a fine with the farm truck once here in WI. Fine was 1K and we were told second offense would be 10K. Truck has road fuel in now.