President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month to promote the use of off-road, or red-dyed, diesel, which is exempt from federal taxes.
It’s an effort to ease some of the pain from record-high fuel prices.
But some drivers in Maine are wondering if there are unintended consequences to using it.
“I’m hoping to get some clarity about using off-road diesel in my truck. The savings seem worth it, but I’m worried about my warranty. I’ve heard if something goes wrong and they find the red dye in my engine, I’ll be on the hook. Is that true, and are there any other risks?”
Off-road diesel is very similar to normal diesel, but it’s dyed red to indicate that it’s exempt from federal and state excise taxes.
That’s because it’s intended for farm and construction
That’s because it’s intended for farm and construction equipment or vehicles that don’t use public roads.
For decades, it’s been illegal to use it in place of normal diesel, with potential fines if you’re caught with it in your tank. That’s also led truck manufacturers to warn owners against using it.
For example, the owner’s manual for Ford diesel trucks explicitly says not to use “any diesel fuel not intended for highway use.”
Chevrolet diesel truck manuals have a similar warning,
Chevrolet diesel truck manuals have a similar warning, saying the use of non-highway fuel “will damage the emission control system.”
Whether using off-road diesel will ultimately void your warranty varies by manufacturer. So, talk through the risks with your dealer.
Also, the president’s executive order only impacts federal red-dyed diesel regulations.
Maine has a law of its own, which is still in effect and carries a minimum fine of $1,000.
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