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You may have heard of off-road diesel, but you may not be sure what it is or whether you can use it in your truck. This type of diesel is dyed red to make it easy to identify. It is not subject to the same taxes as regular diesel.
Knowing the rules for off-road diesel is important so you don’t get penalized or potentially ruin your truck. Continue reading to learn the ins and outs of off-road diesel.
What is Off-Road Diesel?
Off-road diesel (also known as red diesel) is a type of diesel fuel that has a lower tax rate than regular diesel fuel.
Currently, federal taxes on clear diesel include an excise tax of 24.4 cents per gallon, and state taxes can run between a low of 0 cents in Pennsylvania and 49 cents in Washington and Indiana. By the way, if you think filling up your diesel in Pennsylvania would be advantageous, think again. They add 99 cents per gallon via taxes and other fees.
Since off-road diesel is tax-exempt, it is significantly cheaper than regular diesel, making it very attractive to diesel truck owners who want to save money.
Source: Reddit
However, this fuel can only be used for vehicles that never travel on public roads—trucks that operate only on private property or construction sites, for example.
You could be subject to heavy fines if you are caught using off-road diesel in a truck that travels on public roads.
Can I Use Off-Road Diesel in My Truck?
The quick answer is no, you cannot use off-road diesel in your truck. Using off-road diesel in a truck or a car is illegal if you drive on public roads.
Off-road diesel is intended for use in agricultural and construction equipment that never leaves the property where it is being used.
How Do the Police Check for Red Diesel?
The police have several different ways of checking for red diesel. One method involves using a handheld detector to distinguish between red and regular diesel.
Another way is to visually inspect the fuel tank of the vehicle in question. If the tank contains off-road diesel, the characteristic red dye will be very apparent to the officer.
Source: Reddit
Penalties for Using Off-Road Diesel Illegally
If caught using off-road diesel illegally, you could be fined up to $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation.
You may also have your driver’s license suspended for up to three months. Additionally, your vehicle could be impounded for up to 30 days.
However, it’s important to note that each state has its own laws regarding the use of off-road diesel, so it’s always best to check with your local authorities before using this type of fuel.
Acceptable Uses of Tax-Exempt Fuel on Public Roads
There are some circumstances under which you can use tax-exempt fuel on public roads.
Dyed diesel can usually be used when a state of emergency has been declared, or if the regular fuel supply has been disrupted due to natural causes. However, it’s best to check with your specific area’s guidelines before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will off-road diesel work in a diesel truck?
Off-road diesel will work in a diesel truck without a particulate filter. However, if your truck has one, red diesel could potentially damage it.
Is off-road diesel the same as regular diesel?
Yes, off-road diesel is almost similar to regular diesel but contains red dye. It also has a lower sulfur content, which makes it better for the environment. However, this also means that it’s less likely to properly lubricate your engine, which could lead to engine damage over time.
Source: Reddit
Can I run red diesel in my truck?
Yes, you can run red diesel in your truck as long as it’s for agricultural use or non-commercial purposes. If you’re caught running red diesel in your truck for commercial or personal purposes, you could face stiff penalties.
Is off-road diesel better for your engine?
Off-road diesel is similar to regular diesel so there’s not much difference in how it will affect your engine. The main difference is that off-road diesel has a lower sulfur content, which makes it better for the environment.
Conclusion
While off-road diesel may seem like an attractive way to reduce fuel costs, using it on public roads is illegal and can result in steep fines. To ensure that your diesel truck runs efficiently and legally, you must use the right fuel and maintain it properly.
If you’re looking for high-quality diesel truck parts to keep your vehicle in top shape, ProSource Diesel has you covered. From fuel system components to performance upgrades, they offer a wide range of parts to keep your truck running smoothly. Visit ProSource Diesel to explore their selection.
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The post Can I Use Off-Road Diesel in My Truck? appeared first on Prosource Diesel.
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